Carleton College
Northfield, Minnesota · Private
Carleton College admitted 22% of 6,796 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1460–1530 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 91% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Carleton College
Enter a score to see whether Carleton College is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (22%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Carleton College’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 15, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application is free. Carleton College asks for the Common App personal essay, two teacher recommendations, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Carleton College’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 35% (263 of 760), compared with 22% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
675 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 335 took it, and 33 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Carleton College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
Important
- –
Considered
- Test scores
- Interview
- First generation
- Where you live
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Legacy
- State residency
- Religion
- Showing interest
What it costs
Full price with housing is $84,893 a year. After grants, students paid $29,434 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Carleton College’s acceptance rate?
Carleton College admitted 22% of applicants: 1,480 of 6,796 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Carleton College’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 15, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Carleton College?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1460 to 1530, with a median around 1500. A score at or above 1500 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Carleton College’s application fee?
The application is free for 2026–27.
What does Carleton College require?
Besides the application and transcript, Carleton College asks for the Common App personal essay, two teacher recommendations, a counselor recommendation, and a midyear report from your school.
Does Carleton College have supplemental essays?
No. Carleton College has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Carleton College require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Carleton College uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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