What is Carleton College's acceptance rate?

Carleton College's acceptance rate is 20.4%, which makes it very selective — competitive, but within reach for strong applicants.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Carleton College?

Admitted students typically score about 1470–1540 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 32–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.

Is Carleton College test-optional?

Carleton College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Carleton College Acceptance Rate & How to Get In (20.4%)

20.4%

Acceptance rate

1470–1540

SAT (mid 50%)

32–35

ACT (mid 50%)

Test-optional

Testing

How hard is it to get into Carleton College?

With a 20.4% acceptance rate, Carleton College is very selective — competitive, but within reach for strong applicants. It enrolls roughly 2,128 undergraduates (small town setting) in Northfield, MN. Solid grades, a sensible test plan, and thoughtful essays go a long way here.

What it takes to get in

SAT: admitted students land around 1470–1540 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
ACT: the middle 50% is about 32–35.
GPA: admitted students average around 4.13. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
Essays: at Carleton College's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $68,892 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Economics · Biology · Mathematics · Computer Science

See the Common App personal-statement guide

Score your Carleton College essays, free

Great numbers get you in the room; the essays get you in. Paste your draft into Halo for instant, rubric-based feedback. Halo never writes your essay for you.

Try Halo free

Carleton College admissions FAQ

What is Carleton College's acceptance rate?: Carleton College's acceptance rate is 20.4%, which makes it very selective — competitive, but within reach for strong applicants.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Carleton College?: Admitted students typically score about 1470–1540 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 32–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is Carleton College test-optional?: Carleton College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

Carleton College official website
Carleton College on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on Carleton College’s official admissions site.