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Carleton College

· Northfield, MN

Carleton College

Private School
Country
Northfield, MN
City
2044
Total Students
Private
Status
About the University

Carleton College overview

Carleton College is a prestigious private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota, in the United States. The college was established in 1866, and now it is well-known for the strong academic programs it offers as well as the active campus life it fosters. Carleton University confers degrees in over 30 distinct academic disciplines. Social sciences, the physical sciences, biology, mathematics and statistics, as well as the performing and visual arts, are among the most popular areas of academic study. The college works on a trimester schedule, and most students take three classes during each term. The atmosphere in the classroom is one that encourages cooperation rather than competition, and there is a significant focus on contact between students and instructors at this college.

Students at Carleton College have an abundance of possibilities to take part in research that is both interesting and relevant to a wide range of academic fields. Undergraduate students frequently collaborate with faculty members on research papers and discuss their findings at regional, national, and even international conferences. Carleton College has over 200 professors and the college prides itself on having a low student-to-faculty ratio, which ensures that each student receives individualized attention. Over two hundred student organizations are available to students at Carleton University. These organizations span a wide range of topics, including academic interests, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, service organizations, and many more.

The campus of the college covers a total area of 1,040 acres, 880 acres of which 880 are allocated to the arboretum that is devoted to the study of conservation and the environment. Students have access to a supportive atmosphere in the town of Northfield, and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is less than an hour's drive away, giving them access to the metropolitan conveniences and possibilities found in those cities. Over seventy percent of students at Carleton University go abroad for at least one semester during their time as undergraduates. The university provides financial assistance to a wide range of off-campus education programs, including both foreign and local options. The admissions process at Carleton College is competitive as the college seeks applicants who have achieved academic success and who have taken part in a diverse array of extracurricular activities and interests.

About the University

About Carleton College

Carleton College is a prestigious private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota, in the United States. The college was established in 1866, and now it is well-known for the strong academic programs it offers as well as the active campus life it fosters. Carleton University confers degrees in over 30 distinct academic disciplines. Social sciences, the physical sciences, biology, mathematics and statistics, as well as the performing and visual arts, are among the most popular areas of academic study. The college works on a trimester schedule, and most students take three classes during each term. The atmosphere in the classroom is one that encourages cooperation rather than competition, and there is a significant focus on contact between students and instructors at this college.

Students at Carleton College have an abundance of possibilities to take part in research that is both interesting and relevant to a wide range of academic fields. Undergraduate students frequently collaborate with faculty members on research papers and discuss their findings at regional, national, and even international conferences. Carleton College has over 200 professors and the college prides itself on having a low student-to-faculty ratio, which ensures that each student receives individualized attention. Over two hundred student organizations are available to students at Carleton University. These organizations span a wide range of topics, including academic interests, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, service organizations, and many more.

The campus of the college covers a total area of 1,040 acres, 880 acres of which 880 are allocated to the arboretum that is devoted to the study of conservation and the environment. Students have access to a supportive atmosphere in the town of Northfield, and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is less than an hour's drive away, giving them access to the metropolitan conveniences and possibilities found in those cities. Over seventy percent of students at Carleton University go abroad for at least one semester during their time as undergraduates. The university provides financial assistance to a wide range of off-campus education programs, including both foreign and local options. The admissions process at Carleton College is competitive as the college seeks applicants who have achieved academic success and who have taken part in a diverse array of extracurricular activities and interests.

City
Northfield, MN
Type
Private
Number of Students
2044
#35
Times Universities
#6
National Ranking
93%
Placement Rate
18%
Acceptance Rate
$ 87,917
5-Year Income
Faculties & Programs

Carleton College faculties and programs

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Scholarship Opportunities

Carleton College scholarships and financial aid

Carleton College offers a number of scholarship programs to international students. These scholarship programs include Starr Scholarship Program offered through a grant from the Starr Foundation, Kellogg Scholarship Program, and George Scholarship Program. Please note that financial aid and scholarships for non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents is limited and awarded based on both exceptional qualifications and demonstrated need. To apply for a Starr Scholarship, a student should complete an application for admission to Carleton or the Common Application and request consideration for financial aid. To apply for George and Kellogg scholarships students need only to complete the application for admission and request consideration for financial aid.

Carleton College Exam Requirements

Submitting at least one of the exams below with the required score is a prerequisite for application. The score threshold may vary by program.

ACT
33
Min. score
GRE
320
Min. score
Diploma Note
90
Min. score
SAT
1480
Min. score
GMAT
710
Min. score
IELTS
7
Min. score
TOEFL
100
Min. score
University GPA
3
Min. score
Duolingo
130
Min. score
Application Process

How to get into Carleton College

Prospective international students who wish to apply for undergraduate programs offered by Carleton College must meet the admission requirements outlined below.

  • Completion of 12 Years of Basic Education
  • 4-Year High School Diploma
  • High Grade Point Average
  • Official transcripts of the courses taken by the applicant in 11th and 12th grade
  • Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT)
  • Certificate in English Proficiency
    • Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test.
  • Personal Statement & Essay

Please note that although academic qualifications obtained through programs such as GCE A-Level, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement are not sufficient for direct admission, students within the scope of these programs can request course credits in line with the courses they have taken.

Prospective international students who wish to apply for graduate programs offered by Carleton College must meet the admission requirements outlined below.

  • 4-Year Bachelor's Degree Diploma
  • High Grade Point Average
  • Official transcripts of the courses taken by the applicant during University/university education
  • Work experience may be required for certain programs
  • Certificate in English Proficiency
    • Certificate in English proficiency received through internationally recognized proficiency tests such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT.
  • GRE/GMAT exam score may be required in accordance with the specific admission requirements of certain programs.

Application Deadlines

OCAK2027
Application deadline
OCAK2027
Application deadline

* These dates are subject to change. Get in touch with our Dream Uni advisors to learn the up-to-date deadlines and all the details about the Carleton College application process.

Campus

Take a closer look at Carleton College

Carleton College is situated in the small city of Northfield, Minnesota. The campus, which is roughly 1,040 acres in size, features a scenic location thanks to the harmonious integration of residential, recreational, and academic facilities. The Cowling Arboretum, sometimes referred to as "the Arb," is one of the characteristic features that can be seen on the campus of Carleton College. The 880 acres that make up this nature preserve are utilized by teachers of environmental studies, biology, and geology as a field trip location for their classes. Additionally, it offers room for outdoor activities and sports, such as jogging, riding, and cross-country skiing, which may be enjoyed there.

The campus displays a wide range of architectural eras and trends, from historic to contemporary. There are about 30 significant facilities on campus that are used for academics, housing, and other student activities. These include a music and performance hall, scientific buildings, art and humanities buildings, a library, a chapel, and sports and recreation facilities. The college also places a considerable emphasis on being environmentally responsible. Green buildings, recycling initiatives, and the utilization of renewable energy sources are just some of the ways that the institution is working to lessen its influence on the surrounding environment.

When it comes to residential living, the majority of students choose to live on campus in housing options such as townhouses, cottages, and residence halls. Students at Carleton are provided with a "home away from home" through the school's house system, which contributes to the strong sense of community that exists on campus. The community of Northfield provides a setting that is not just secure but also warm and inviting, with parks, shops, and restaurants. Students have access to a wide array of cultural and leisure events because of the proximity to Minneapolis-Saint Paul, which is less than an hour's drive away.

Campus Life

The student life at Carleton College is vibrant and full of interesting activities. It is also renowned for cultivating a close-knit community by encouraging students to take part in a wide variety of extracurricular activities and clubs. The majority of students choose to live on campus, either in one of the dorms, townhouses, or other types of residential housing. Residential life at Carleton cultivates a sense of community and belonging among students, and many of the residence halls host their own activities and events throughout the academic year. In addition, there is a house system, which provides students with a sense of "home away from home" throughout their time at the university.

Over 200 student-run groups at Carleton cater to a wide range of academic and extracurricular pursuits. These can range from academic and professional organizations to organizations focusing on diversity and culture, special interest groups, performing arts groups, and sports clubs. These groups are extremely important to the formation of the culture of the campus and to the provision of chances for students to pursue their interests outside of the academic setting. 

Carleton College participates in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) and is a member of NCAA Division III. The institution provides its students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, such as baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and more. There are also a large number of possibilities for students to participate in intramural and club sports, even if they do not play on the varsity athletic teams.

Throughout the course of the academic year, the institution hosts a number of different events, some of which include concerts, film screenings, guest lectures, and social activities. The annual Spring Concert is a well-known tradition that often showcases internationally renowned performers and has gained widespread recognition throughout the years. The Cowling Arboretum at Carleton University, more fondly referred to as "the Arb," provides possibilities for a variety of outdoor activities, including bird viewing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Students frequently congregate in this natural location in order to unwind and take in the surrounding natural beauty. 

Taking advantage of the numerous foreign programs offered by Carleton University, a significant number of students decide to spend at least part of their undergraduate experience studying in another country. This presents them with an opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain exposure to a variety of cultures. Students at Carleton are strongly encouraged to participate in community service and outreach activities, not only in Northfield but also in the surrounding areas. Community-based learning, internships, and volunteer work are all examples of this type of experience.

Student Profile

Carleton College has produced many notable alumni in various fields. Some of the most well-known and accomplished alumni of Carleton College include:

  • Andrij Parekh
  • Anthony Downs
  • Ariel Fulmer
  • Barbara Fredrickson
  • Barrie M. Osborne
  • Brian Freeman
  • Brian Klaas
  • Chris Kratt
  • Clara Jeffery
  • David Wright
  • Dennis Meadows
  • Donella Meadows
  • E.G. Marshall
  • Ernest Lundeen
  • Fue Lee
  • Garrick Utley
  • Hal Higdon
  • Jack Barnes
  • Jack Carson
  • Jacob J. Lew
  • James W. Loewen
  • Jane Elizabeth Hodgson
  • Jane Hamilton
  • Jimmy Chin
  • Jonathan Capehart
  • Kai Bird
  • Karen Tei Yamashita
  • Karl Earl Mundt
  • Kimberly A. Clausing
  • Laura Veirs
  • Lincoln Child
  • Lucian Pye
  • Mary-Claire King
  • Max Baucus
  • Melvin Laird
  • Michael H. Armacost
  • Michael Saucedo
  • Pamela Dean
  • Parker Palmer
  • Patricia Wrede
  • Peter Tork
  • Robert Kastenmeier
  • Rush Holt Jr.
  • Stephen E. Thorsett
  • Susan Golding
  • Thorstein Veblen
  • Tom Nelson
  • Veronica Roth
  • Walter Alvarez
  • Warren P. Knowles
  • William Benton
Living

Carleton College cost of living

Sports Facilities

Carleton College sports facilities

Carleton College offers a variety of club and intramural sports for students. Club sports are more competitive and often involve traveling to compete against other colleges, while intramural sports are recreational and played within the university community. Some of the club and intramural sports offered at Carleton College include:

  • Aikido
  • Alpine Ski and Snowboarding
  • Badminton
  • Ballroom Dancing
  • CHOP (Carleton House of Pancakes)
  • Cycling
  • Eclipse
  • Equestrian
  • Ice Hockey
  • Karate
  • Lacrosse
  • Nordic Ski
  • Rugby
  • Sailing
  • Syzygy
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo
Achievements

Carleton College awards and achievements

  • 6 Pulitzer Prize Winners
  • 122 National Science Foundation Fellows
  • 112 Fulbright Scholars
  • 22 Watson Fellows
  • 13 Goldwater Scholars
  • 18 Rhodes Scholars

Carleton College Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Carleton College?
Carleton College is located in Northfield, Minnesota, United States. It is approximately 40 miles south of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and Northfield is a tiny community that offers a combination of the quaintness of a small town with access to the conveniences and possibilities offered by larger urban centers. Over one thousand acres make up the main campus, which also includes a sizable natural area known as the Cowling Arboretum.
How can I apply to Carleton College?
Before applying, make sure your academic interests line up with the courses and research possibilities available by becoming familiar with the programs offered at Carleton College. Make sure you satisfy the prerequisites for international students' general admission, including English language competence (TOEFL or IELTS scores) and successful completion of secondary education (equivalent to a US high school certificate). You need to create an account on one of the online application platforms. Carleton College accepts applications over Common App. After creating an account on the respective application platform, you should complete the application form online, including your personal information, academic history, and extracurricular activities. Please note that Carleton College may ask you to answer specific questions, some of which may require you to write essay(s). You will also need evaluations from your teachers in different subjects. Submit your SAT or ACT scores or AP scores. Note that Carleton College may have specific score requirements for different subjects and programs. International applicants must also provide their TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English proficiency.
What are the programs offered at Carleton College?
Programs offered at Carleton College include but not limited to; Africana Studies, American Music, American Studies, Arabic, Archaeology, Art and Art History, Asian Languages and Literatures, Asian Studies, Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Chinese, Cinema and Media Studies, Classics, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Creative Writing, Cross-Cultural Studies, Dance, Digital Arts and Humanities, East Asian Studies, Economics, Educational Studies, Engineering, English, Environmental Studies, European Studies, French and Francophone Studies, Gender, Women’s & Sexuality Studies, Geology, German, Greek, Hebrew, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, Japanese, Judaic Studies, Latin, Latin American Studies, Linguistics, Literary and Cultural Studies, Mathematics, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Middle East Studies, Middle Eastern Languages, Music, Music Performance, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation, Physics, Political Science and International Relations, Pre-Law, Pre-Med, Psychology, Public Policy, Religion, Russian, Sociology and Anthropology, South Asian Studies, Spanish, Statistics, Theater Arts.
What are the standardized test score requirements of Carleton College?
Carleton College is a highly selective liberal arts college and test score requirements vary based on programs. However, average test scores are; SAT: 1410 - 1550, ACT: 31 - 35, and average English language test scores are; IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL iBT: 100.
How can I gain admission to Carleton College?
Carleton College is a highly selective liberal arts college with a rigorous application process. There is no formula for gaining admission to Carleton College. There are, however, certain steps to guide you through the admissions process. We highly recommend you to learn about the programs, values, and requirements of Carleton College before submitting an application. Carleton College has high academic expectations for its students. Excel in your high school or secondary school education, focusing on liberal arts subjects, and English. Carleton College students are held to rigorous academic standards. Concentrate on courses directly or indirectly related to liberal arts and English in high school or secondary school. Even though many colleges and universities in the US adopted a test-blind policy, we still strongly recommend you to sit standardized tests as your test scores may help you to get ahead of your peers during the admissions process. In addition, your academic success, a high grade point average, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) scores, the rigor of the courses you have taken during high school education or as part of IB or AP programs, extracurricular activities you have participated in, especially in your areas of interest, any awards you have won, letters of recommendation from your teachers and mentors, your essays (Personal Statement/Essay) and finally your success in the interview will make you competitive applicant.

Carleton College Location

Northfield, MN

Carleton College Contact

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Carleton College

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Why Carleton College?

Located in Northfield, MN, , Carleton College is known for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and remarkably rich history.
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