USA · LAC
Carleton College's distinctive three-term academic calendar concentrates learning into focused 10-week sprints that encourage depth of engagement rather than surface coverage across too many subjects simultaneously. The college's commitment to undergraduate research is genuine and substantial—its summer research programs send students to laboratories, archaeological digs, and policy organizations around the world. Carleton's intellectual culture, shaped by its Minnesota setting and cooperative student ethos, produces graduates who are both exceptionally well-read and remarkably collaborative, qualities that serve them well across virtually every professional path.
| Acceptance Rate | 20% (Highly Selective) |
|---|---|
| GPA Range | 3.90-4.00 |
| SAT Range | 1420-1540 |
| ACT Range | 32-34 |
| Early Decision I | Nov 15 |
| Early Decision II | Jan 15 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 15 |
| Application Fee | $70 |
| Average Financial Aid | $49,000 |
| Need-Blind Admissions | Yes |
| Type | LAC |
| US News Rank | #10 |
Carleton College typically admits students with a GPA in the 3.90-4.00 range (4.0 scale). International students should convert their grades using an AACRAO EDGE-based GPA calculator before applying.
With an acceptance rate of 20%, Carleton College is a highly selective institution. Building a balanced school list with reach, target, and safety schools is strongly recommended.
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1420-1540 on the SAT and 32-34 on the ACT.
The Regular Decision deadline is Jan 15. Use AdmissionsPedia's free Deadline Tracker to manage your complete application calendar.
Data sourced from official university websites, Common App, and QS/THE/US News rankings. Last updated: 2026. Disclaimer