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Carleton College vs Stanford University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Carleton College
#66
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
Private
Stanford University
#3
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Northfield, MN

Stanford, CA

Total Enrollment

2,128

18,625

Undergrad Enrollment

2,128

7,904

Student-Faculty Ratio

8:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

20.4%

3.6%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1450–1560

1510–1580

ACT Range

32–34

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$90

Total Applicants

7,133

57,326


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,830

$79,018

Avg Net Price

$27,320

$26,000

Tuition (In-State)

$62,244

$57,693

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,244

$57,693

Room & Board

$17,586

$21,325

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

61.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,846

$62,755


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

78.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$75,525

$124,080

More Comparisons
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Carleton is in Northfield, MN

Stanford is in Stanford, CA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carleton College has an acceptance rate of 20%, while Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 4%. This means Stanford University is more selective than Carleton College.

The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $26,000 at Stanford University. Stanford University is $1,320 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Stanford University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Carleton College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Stanford University has a graduation rate of 96%. Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Stanford University has a ratio of 6:1. Stanford University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Carleton College, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,846. At Stanford University, 61% of students receive aid with an average grant of $62,755.

The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, compared to $124,080 for Stanford University graduates. Graduates from Stanford University tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN in a town: distant setting. Stanford University is located in Stanford, CA in a suburb: large setting.