Carleton College vs Macalester College
Carleton College is very selective with a 22.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Macalester College (28.2%). Graduates of Carleton College earn $11,647 more per year at the 10-year mark ($75,525 vs $63,878). For families earning $48k–$75k, Carleton College is more affordable at $9,680 net price vs $11,098. Students at Carleton College graduate with less debt ($16,750 vs $23,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Carleton College has a higher yield rate (37.4%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Carleton College has a higher median SAT (1500 vs 1410).
Northfield, MN
Saint Paul, MN
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Carleton College is more affordable at $7,881 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $44,082 vs $44,880.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Macalester College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (17%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Carleton College
- 1 Computer Science$76,460
- 2 Physics$42,774
- 3 Mathematics$37,568
- 4 Chemistry$36,141
- 5 Political Science and Government$33,993
Macalester College
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$71,575
- 2 Economics$64,493
- 3 Mathematics$52,107
- 4 Political Science and Government$35,274
- 5 International/Global Studies$34,526
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Carleton College
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Chemistry
- 4 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 5 Economics
Macalester College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 3 Mathematics
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Carleton College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$58,968
- Est. total cost/year$74,499
- School typePublic
Macalester College
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$58,248
- Est. total cost/year$71,562
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carleton College or Macalester College?
Carleton College is more selective with a 22.3% acceptance rate, compared to 28.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Carleton College or Macalester College?
Carleton College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $75,525 compared to $63,878. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Carleton College or Macalester College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Carleton College has a lower net price at $9,680 per year vs $11,098. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Carleton College vs Macalester College?
Carleton College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.4%, compared to 88.6%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Carleton College or Macalester College?
Macalester College has a larger international student population at 14% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Carleton College and Macalester College?
At Carleton College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $76,460 within two years. At Macalester College, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $71,575. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.