Choosing the right college is a significant decision for prospective students. This detailed comparison between Carleton College and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities aims to provide the necessary information to help students decide which school suits their needs and preferences best. We will cover various aspects, including costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus features, alumni, rankings, and outcomes.
Carleton College Overview
Carleton College, a private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota, was established in 1866. It is known for its rigorous academic programs, close-knit community, and beautiful campus. With approximately 2,000 students, Carleton offers a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, ensuring personalized attention and a strong focus on undergraduate education.
Carleton College Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Carleton College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $59,352. Room and board costs are an additional $16,012, bringing the total cost of attendance to $75,364. However, Carleton is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students, with 67% of students receiving financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study opportunities.
Carleton College Admissions
Carleton College has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 19%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1370-1520 and an ACT score range of 31-34. Applicants are encouraged to submit letters of recommendation and participate in an optional interview as part of the holistic review process.
Carleton College Degrees Offered
Carleton College offers over 50 majors and minors, including popular programs in biology, economics, political science, psychology, and computer science. Carleton is a strong supporter of interdisciplinary studies, allowing students to design their own major or minor in consultation with faculty advisors.
Carleton College Academics
Carleton College is recognized for its rigorous academics and commitment to undergraduate education. The college operates on a trimester system, with students taking three courses per term, allowing for in-depth focus on each subject. The average class size is 16, and 70% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
Carleton College Diversity
Carleton College is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The student body at Carleton is made up of 21% domestic students of color and 12% international students. The college offers various resources, programming, and support services to foster a welcoming and inclusive community.
Carleton College Students
Carleton College is a residential college, with over 95% of students living on campus. The college offers numerous clubs and organizations, covering a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, recreational, and social. Carleton also has a strong athletic program, with 20 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III.
Carleton College Campus
The Carleton College campus spans 1,040 acres and includes a 880-acre arboretum. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and student life. Carleton is located just 40 miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, offering students access to additional cultural, recreational, and employment opportunities.
Carleton College Alumni
Carleton College has a strong alumni network, with graduates pursuing careers in various fields, including academia, business, government, and nonprofit organizations. Notable alumni include novelist Siri Hustvedt, economist Thorstein Veblen, and U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone.
Carleton College Rankings
Carleton College is consistently ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report ranking, Carleton was ranked #9 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #17 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Carleton College Outcomes
Carleton College has a strong track record of preparing students for success after graduation. The six-year graduation rate is 93%, and within six months of graduation, 92% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school. The average starting salary for Carleton graduates is $60,000.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Overview
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, a public research university founded in 1851, is located in the heart of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. With over 50,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in the United States. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition for in-state students at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is $15,027, while tuition for out-of-state students is $33,325. Room and board costs average $10,358, bringing the total cost of attendance for in-state students to $25,385 and for out-of-state students to $43,683. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Admissions
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a moderately selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 57%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1270-1480 and an ACT score range of 26-31. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Degrees Offered
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers over 150 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs. Popular fields of study include engineering, business, health sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Academics
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is known for its strong academics, cutting-edge research, and commitment to innovation. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, with 37% of classes having fewer than 20 students. The university operates on a semester system and offers a wide range of courses, allowing for flexibility in scheduling and academic exploration.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Diversity
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. The student body is made up of 27% domestic students of color and 9% international students. The university offers various resources and support services to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Students
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a vibrant student life, with over 800 clubs and organizations for students to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build connections. The university also has a strong athletics program, with 25 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division I.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus spans 2,730 acres, with the Mississippi River running through the heart of the campus. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, research, athletics, and student life.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Alumni
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a vast alumni network, with graduates working in various fields and industries worldwide. Notable alumni include former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale, journalist Tom Brokaw, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Rankings
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report ranking, the university was ranked #66 among National Universities and #26 among Top Public Schools.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Outcomes
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a strong track record of preparing students for success after graduation. The six-year graduation rate is 83%, and within six months of graduation, 86% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school. The average starting salary for university graduates is $49,000.
Carleton College vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Cost Comparison
Carleton College is a private liberal arts college with tuition and fees totaling $59,352 for the 2021-2022 academic year, while the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a public research university with in-state tuition and fees totaling $15,027 and out-of-state tuition totaling $33,325. However, it is essential to consider financial aid availability and the specific financial needs of each student when comparing the cost of attendance.
For example, Carleton College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, with 67% of students receiving aid. In contrast, the University of Minnesota offers various financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities, to help offset the costs associated with attending college.
Ultimately, the net cost of attendance will vary for each student based on factors such as family income, financial need, and merit-based scholarships. Prospective students should carefully review and compare financial aid packages offered by both institutions to determine the best financial fit for their unique situation.
Carleton College vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Admissions Difficulty
Carleton College has a highly selective admissions process, with a 19% acceptance rate. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1370-1520 and an ACT score range of 31-34. In comparison, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a moderately selective admissions process, with a 57% acceptance rate. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1270-1480 and an ACT score range of 26-31.
While both institutions are competitive, Carleton College is more selective in its admissions process. Prospective students should be mindful of the admissions requirements and consider the overall fit of an institution, including factors such as academic programs, campus culture, and extracurricular opportunities, when deciding where to apply.
Carleton College vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Academic Difficulty
Both Carleton College and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are known for their rigorous academics and commitment to providing a high-quality education. Carleton College operates on a trimester system, allowing students to focus on three courses per term and engage in in-depth study. With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 16, Carleton provides personalized attention and a strong focus on undergraduate education.
In contrast, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities operates on a semester system and offers a broad range of courses and academic programs. The university has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 37% of classes have fewer than 20 students. While both institutions offer challenging coursework, the academic experience may differ depending on factors such as class size, student-to-faculty ratio, and academic programs.
Carleton College vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Outcome Comparison
Carleton College and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities both have strong track records of preparing students for success after graduation. Carleton College has a six-year graduation rate of 93%, and within six months of graduation, 92% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school. The average starting salary for Carleton graduates is $60,000.
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has a six-year graduation rate of 83%, and within six months of graduation, 86% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school. The average starting salary for university graduates is $49,000.
While both institutions offer a strong foundation for post-graduation success, Carleton College has higher graduation and employment rates and a slightly higher average starting salary for graduates. However, individual outcomes will depend on factors such as major, career goals, and personal drive and initiative.
