College Research

CollegesRankingsMajors

College Comparison

Carleton College vs Wellesley College

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

Carleton College
#66
Carleton College
Northfield, MN
Private
Wellesley College
#32
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Northfield, MN

Wellesley, MA

Total Enrollment

2,128

2,407

Undergrad Enrollment

2,128

2,407

Student-Faculty Ratio

8:1

7:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

20.4%

14.1%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1450–1560

1460–1560

ACT Range

32–34

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$0

$0

Total Applicants

7,133

8,714


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$79,830

$82,608

Avg Net Price

$27,320

$25,008

Tuition (In-State)

$62,244

$61,584

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$62,244

$61,584

Room & Board

$17,586

$21,024

% Receiving Aid

59.0%

54.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$56,846

$64,116


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

92.0%

92.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

88.0%

84.0%

Retention Rate

96.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$75,525

$84,803

More Comparisons
Explore by Location

Carleton is in Northfield, MN

Wellesley is in Wellesley, MA

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Carleton College has an acceptance rate of 20%, while Wellesley College has an acceptance rate of 14%. This means Wellesley College is more selective than Carleton College.

The average net price at Carleton College is $27,320 per year, compared to $25,008 at Wellesley College. Wellesley College is $2,312 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Carleton College typically score between 1450-1560 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Wellesley College, the typical SAT range is 1460-1560. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

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

Carleton College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, while Wellesley College has a ratio of 7:1. Wellesley College 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 Wellesley College, 54% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,116.

The median earnings for Carleton College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $75,525, compared to $84,803 for Wellesley College graduates. Graduates from Wellesley College 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. Wellesley College is located in Wellesley, MA in a suburb: large setting.