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Carleton College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1470 to 1540

ACT Range32 to 35

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate20.4%

Carleton is test-optional, but the students submitting scores are clustered high: the middle SAT range is 1470 to 1540, with ACT scores at 32 to 35. Your target should be to reach that range, and a score near the top can give your application a concrete academic boost.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Carleton College facts and stats

Quick Facts

Carleton College enrolls 2,128 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Carleton’s freshman retention rate is 97%, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 90%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1.

Location

Northfield, MN

Undergrad Enrollment2,128

Freshman Retention97%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty Ratio9:1

Graduation Rate90%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Carleton?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

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Key Carleton College application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

November 15

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

January 15

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to Carleton, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year so you can use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes and possible superscore gains. For the November 15 Early Decision deadline, the October SAT or ACT is typically the last fall retake likely to arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

Carleton’s tuition and fees are $68,892, and 55% of students receive aid. The average merit award is $15,761, and families should submit the FAFSA by the January 15 priority deadline.

Tuition and Fees$68,892

Room and Board$17,586

Average Merit Award$15,761

Application FeeN/A

Students on Aid55%

Average Aid Package$69,761

Average Debt at Grad$21,407

Carleton’s listed cost of attendance is about $86,478 for tuition, fees, room, and board. About 55% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $69,761, which can substantially reduce the billed cost for eligible families. Merit awards average $15,761 for recipients. Students graduate with an average debt of $21,407.