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Carleton College vs Vanderbilt University

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

Carleton College
#66
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
Private
Vanderbilt University
#19
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Northfield, MN

Nashville, TN

Total Enrollment

2,128

13,575

Undergrad Enrollment

2,128

7,221

Student-Faculty Ratio

8:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

20.4%

5.9%

Average GPA

4.00

3.93

SAT Range

1450–1560

1500–1570

ACT Range

32–34

34–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$50

Total Applicants

7,133

45,409


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,830

$80,184

Avg Net Price

$27,320

$19,040

Tuition (In-State)

$62,244

$58,130

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,244

$58,130

Room & Board

$17,586

$22,054

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

67.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,846

$64,404


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

94.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$75,525

$91,565

More Comparisons
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Carleton is in Northfield, MN

Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Carleton College has an acceptance rate of 20%, while Vanderbilt University has an acceptance rate of 6%. This means Vanderbilt University is more selective than Carleton College.

The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $19,040 at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is $8,280 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Vanderbilt University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Carleton College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Vanderbilt University has a graduation rate of 94%. Vanderbilt University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Vanderbilt University has a ratio of 8:1. Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,404.

The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, compared to $91,565 for Vanderbilt University graduates. Graduates from Vanderbilt 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. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN in a city: large setting.