Carleton College

Quick Facts about Carleton College

• Founded: 1866
• Type: Private Non-Profit
• Students: 2,086
• International: 10%
• Campus: Rural
• Tuition: From $54,438/year
• Language: English
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Intakes: September

About Carleton College

Academics

Carleton College is celebrated for its strong academic programs and a teaching approach that prioritizes undergraduate education. Faculty members are dedicated to their students, providing undivided attention and mentorship. Notable programs include Political Science and International Relations, Economics, Environmental Studies, Computer Science, Biology, and Mathematics. The college emphasizes multidisciplinary strengths, encouraging students to explore connections across various fields and offering opportunities for innovative, collaborative teaching. Carleton operates on a trimester system, allowing students to take more classes annually with extended winter and summer breaks.

International Students

Carleton College fosters a global community, with international students making up approximately 10-12% of the student body and representing over 50 countries. The Office of International Student Life (ISL) provides extensive support services to help international students transition smoothly to life at Carleton, including assistance with immigration, academic life, and extracurricular activities. While all programs are taught in English, the college supports students with English as a Second Language. Various intercultural and international student organizations, such as the African and Caribbean Student Association (ACA) and the Chinese Club, promote cultural integration and provide a sense of community.

Campus & Location

Carleton's picturesque 200-acre main campus is situated in Northfield, Minnesota, a charming and safe college town with approximately 20,000 residents. Northfield's Division Street, a short walk from campus, features local businesses, coffee shops, and restaurants. The campus itself includes the 800-acre Cowling Arboretum, offering ample green space. Transportation options in Northfield include a local shuttle service (Campus Go), Hiawathaland Transit buses, and shuttle services to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and the Mall of America. Northfield is also just 40 miles south of the vibrant Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, providing access to diverse cultural and social opportunities.

Career Outcomes

Carleton graduates demonstrate strong career outcomes, with a high percentage pursuing postgraduate studies or entering various professional fields. Within five years of graduating, between 65% and 75% of graduates pursue postgraduate studies. The Career Center offers comprehensive support, including individualized career coaching, externships, and interview preparation, with 97% of students engaging with career services during their time at Carleton. Alumni are employed across diverse sectors, with common fields including business/finance/sales, education, healthcare, and science/lab research. Carleton also has a developing startup culture, supported by resources like the Startup Fellowship Competition and connections with alumni entrepreneurs.

Information for International Students at Carleton College

Carleton College in Northfield, United States welcomes international students, with 10% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 10% of students are international
• Visa support available
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Carleton College

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Carleton College:

• IELTS minimum: 7
• TOEFL minimum: 100
• Duolingo minimum: 130
• GPA minimum: 3.7
• Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
• Application deadline: January 15

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Programs at Carleton College (48 programs)

Carleton College offers 48 programs across Bachelor levels.

Bachelor Programs (48)

• African / African American Studies (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · Scholarship available
  An interdisciplinary program exploring the histories, cultures, and societies of Africa and the African diaspora. Graduates pursue careers in education, non-profit, government, law, and various other fields requiring strong analytical and communication skills.
  Field: Humanities, Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: education, non-profit, government, law
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• Educational Studies (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · Scholarship available
  Examines the theories, policies, and practices of education in various contexts. Graduates pursue careers in teaching, educational policy, curriculum development, and non-profit work.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Teaching, educational policy, curriculum development, non-profit work
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• Linguistics (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · Scholarship available
  Scientific study of language, including its structure, meaning, and use. Graduates pursue careers in speech-language pathology, computational linguistics, translation, and language education.
  Field: Humanities, Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Speech-language pathology, computational linguistics, translation, language education
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• Neuroscience (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
  Interdisciplinary study of the nervous system and its functions. Graduates pursue careers in medicine, research, psychology, and the pharmaceutical industry.
  Field: Natural Sciences
  Career outcomes: Medicine, research, psychology, pharmaceutical industry
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• Religion (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · Scholarship available
  Academic study of religious traditions, beliefs, and practices. Graduates pursue careers in education, non-profit work, social justice, and interfaith dialogue.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: Education, non-profit work, social justice, interfaith dialogue
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• Geology (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  This program investigates Earth's processes, materials, and history through field work, laboratory analysis, and theoretical study, covering topics from plate tectonics to climate change.
  Field: Geology
  Career outcomes: Geologist, Hydrologist, Environmental Consultant, Petroleum Geologist
• Cognitive Science (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
  An interdisciplinary study of the mind, encompassing psychology, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, and neuroscience. Graduates pursue careers in artificial intelligence, user experience design, research, education, and various fields related to human-computer interaction.
  Field: Interdisciplinary, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences
  Career outcomes: Artificial intelligence, user experience design, research, education, human-computer interaction
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• Classical Languages (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program focuses on the study of ancient Greek and Latin languages and literature, providing insights into classical civilizations and their enduring influence.
  Field: Classics
  Career outcomes: Librarian, Archivist, Educator, Researcher
• Economics (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program provides a rigorous understanding of economic principles, theories, and models, preparing students to analyze markets, policies, and global economic issues.
  Field: Economics
  Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Economic Consultant, Market Researcher, Policy Analyst
• Classical Studies (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · Scholarship available
  An interdisciplinary approach to the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. Graduates pursue careers in education, museum work, archaeology, and fields valuing historical and cultural understanding.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: Education, museum work, archeology
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• Media Studies (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · Scholarship available
  Critical analysis of media forms, industries, and their impact on society. Graduates pursue careers in journalism, film and television production, marketing, public relations, and digital media.
  Field: Humanities, Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Journalism, film and television production, marketing, public relations, digital media
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• Environmental Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  This interdisciplinary program examines environmental issues from scientific, social, and humanistic perspectives, fostering critical thinking about sustainability and policy.
  Field: Environmental Science
  Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Conservationist, Urban Planner, Policy Advocate
• German (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students achieve proficiency in German and explore the literature, philosophy, history, and culture of German-speaking countries.
  Field: Foreign Languages
  Career outcomes: Translator, International Business, Educator, Cultural Affairs
• Physics (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  Students study the fundamental laws of the universe, from classical mechanics to quantum theory, through theoretical understanding and experimental investigation.
  Field: Physics
  Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Data Scientist, Researcher
• Asian Languages and Literatures (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · Scholarship available
  Focuses on the linguistic and cultural traditions of East Asia, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Opportunities in international relations, translation, education, and business with a focus on Asia.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: international relations, translation, education, business
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• English (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students engage with diverse literary traditions, critical theory, and creative writing, developing strong analytical, interpretive, and communication skills.
  Field: Literature
  Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Educator
• Mathematics (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  This program provides a strong foundation in pure and applied mathematics, developing problem-solving and analytical skills essential for various scientific and technical fields.
  Field: Mathematics
  Career outcomes: Actuary, Data Scientist, Financial Analyst, Mathematician
• Philosophy (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program engages students in fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, developing rigorous analytical and argumentative skills.
  Field: Philosophy
  Career outcomes: Lawyer, Journalist, Policy Analyst, Educator
• Dance (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr · Scholarship available
  Combines theoretical study with practical training in various dance forms. Graduates pursue careers as professional dancers, choreographers, dance educators, arts administrators, and physical therapists.
  Field: Arts
  Career outcomes: Professional dancer, choreographer, dance educator, arts administrator, physical therapist
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• History (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program cultivates critical thinking and research skills through the study of past societies, events, and ideas, offering diverse geographical and thematic concentrations.
  Field: History
  Career outcomes: Archivist, Museum Curator, Lawyer, Educator
• Political Science (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program explores political systems, behavior, and theories, preparing students to understand and engage with governance, public policy, and international relations.
  Field: Political Science
  Career outcomes: Lawyer, Policy Analyst, Campaign Manager, Journalist
• Spanish (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students develop advanced proficiency in Spanish and explore the diverse cultures, literatures, and histories of the Spanish-speaking world.
  Field: Foreign Languages
  Career outcomes: Translator, International Business, Educator, Diplomat
• Latin American Studies (BA) — 45 months · English · $65,000/yr
  An interdisciplinary study of the cultures, histories, and societies of Latin America. Graduates pursue careers in international development, diplomacy, education, and non-profit work in Latin America.
  Field: Humanities, Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: International development, diplomacy, education, non-profit work
  Deadline: Early Decision I (November 15 annually), Early Action (November 15 annually), Early Decision II (January 15 annually), Regular Decision (January 15 annually).
• Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  Students investigate the scientific study of mind and behavior, covering areas such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and neuroscience.
  Field: Psychology
  Career outcomes: Counselor, Researcher, Human Resources, Marketing Specialist
• African and African American Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program examines the histories, cultures, and societies of people of African descent, exploring their experiences in Africa, the Americas, and globally.
  Field: Ethnic Studies
  Career outcomes: Non-profit work, Education, Journalism, Public Policy
• Asian Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students explore the diverse cultures, histories, languages, and societies of Asia, gaining a deep understanding of the region's global significance.
  Field: Area Studies
  Career outcomes: International Relations, Diplomacy, Business, Education
• American Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students in this program critically analyze American culture, society, and history through interdisciplinary approaches, examining diverse perspectives and experiences.
  Field: Interdisciplinary Studies
  Career outcomes: Law, Journalism, Museum Curation, Education
• Biology (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, from molecular and cellular processes to ecosystems and evolution, through laboratory and field work.
  Field: Biology
  Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Healthcare Professional, Environmental Consultant, Biotechnologist
• Computer Science (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  Students learn foundational concepts in computing, including algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and software development, with opportunities for advanced study.
  Field: Computer Science
  Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Consultant
• Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program examines human social behavior, social structures, and cultural patterns, using theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods to understand society.
  Field: Sociology
  Career outcomes: Social Worker, Market Researcher, Urban Planner, Policy Analyst
• Theater Arts (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program offers a comprehensive study of theater, including acting, directing, design, playwriting, and dramatic literature, combining theory with practical experience.
  Field: Performing Arts
  Career outcomes: Actor, Director, Playwright, Stage Manager
• Art and Art History (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program combines studio art practice with the academic study of art history, allowing students to develop creative skills and critical understanding of visual culture.
  Field: Visual Arts
  Career outcomes: Artist, Art Historian, Gallery Manager, Graphic Designer
• Chemistry (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  Students delve into the fundamental principles of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, with extensive laboratory experience.
  Field: Chemistry
  Career outcomes: Chemist, Pharmacist, Materials Scientist, Chemical Engineer
• Music (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students explore music theory, history, performance, and composition, fostering creativity and critical understanding of diverse musical traditions.
  Field: Music
  Career outcomes: Musician, Composer, Music Educator, Sound Engineer
• French and Francophone Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students develop fluency in French and explore the rich cultures, literatures, and histories of France and the wider Francophone world.
  Field: Foreign Languages
  Career outcomes: Translator, International Business, Diplomat, Educator
• International Relations (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  An interdisciplinary program focusing on global politics, economics, and social issues, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and global business.
  Field: Political Science
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, Policy Analyst, International Development, Journalist
• African and African American Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program examines the histories, cultures, and societies of people of African descent, exploring their experiences in Africa, the Americas, and globally.
  Field: Ethnic Studies
  Career outcomes: Non-profit work, Education, Journalism, Public Policy
• Asian Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students explore the diverse cultures, histories, languages, and societies of Asia, gaining a deep understanding of the region's global significance.
  Field: Area Studies
  Career outcomes: International Relations, Diplomacy, Business, Education
• American Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students in this program critically analyze American culture, society, and history through interdisciplinary approaches, examining diverse perspectives and experiences.
  Field: Interdisciplinary Studies
  Career outcomes: Law, Journalism, Museum Curation, Education
• Biology (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  This program provides a comprehensive understanding of living organisms, from molecular and cellular processes to ecosystems and evolution, through laboratory and field work.
  Field: Biology
  Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Healthcare Professional, Environmental Consultant, Biotechnologist
• Computer Science (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  Students learn foundational concepts in computing, including algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and software development, with opportunities for advanced study.
  Field: Computer Science
  Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Consultant
• Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program examines human social behavior, social structures, and cultural patterns, using theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods to understand society.
  Field: Sociology
  Career outcomes: Social Worker, Market Researcher, Urban Planner, Policy Analyst
• Theater Arts (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program offers a comprehensive study of theater, including acting, directing, design, playwriting, and dramatic literature, combining theory with practical experience.
  Field: Performing Arts
  Career outcomes: Actor, Director, Playwright, Stage Manager
• Art and Art History (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  This program combines studio art practice with the academic study of art history, allowing students to develop creative skills and critical understanding of visual culture.
  Field: Visual Arts
  Career outcomes: Artist, Art Historian, Gallery Manager, Graphic Designer
• Chemistry (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr · STEM
  Students delve into the fundamental principles of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, with extensive laboratory experience.
  Field: Chemistry
  Career outcomes: Chemist, Pharmacist, Materials Scientist, Chemical Engineer
• Music (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students explore music theory, history, performance, and composition, fostering creativity and critical understanding of diverse musical traditions.
  Field: Music
  Career outcomes: Musician, Composer, Music Educator, Sound Engineer
• French and Francophone Studies (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  Students develop fluency in French and explore the rich cultures, literatures, and histories of France and the wider Francophone world.
  Field: Foreign Languages
  Career outcomes: Translator, International Business, Diplomat, Educator
• International Relations (BA) — 48 months · English · $64,800/yr
  An interdisciplinary program focusing on global politics, economics, and social issues, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and global business.
  Field: Political Science
  Career outcomes: Diplomat, Policy Analyst, International Development, Journalist

Scholarships & Tuition at Carleton College

Annual tuition for international students: From $54,438/year

✅ Carleton College offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Carleton College

• National Ranking: #8 in United States
• Ranking tier: Research University

Campus & Facilities at Carleton College

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Rural
• Average class size: 16

Key Highlights

• Rigorous liberal arts academics
• Strong faculty mentorship
• Diverse international community
• Trimester academic calendar
• Picturesque Northfield, Minnesota campus

Accreditation

• Higher Learning Commission

Notable Alumni

• Jimmy Chin
• Fiona Hill
• Lawrence Krauss

Frequently Asked Questions about Carleton College

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