Carleton Acceptance Rate

Carleton College, a prestigious liberal arts institution in Northfield, Minnesota, is known for its highly selective admissions process. For the Class of 2028, Carleton reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 16.5%, reflecting its competitive nature. This selectivity is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with thousands of students vying for a limited number of spots each year, as well as the college's commitment to maintaining a small, close-knit community. Carleton publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing valuable insights into its admissions trends for prospective students and families.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 16.5% for the Class of 2028, with around 7,000 applicants and approximately 1,155 admitted students, consistent with recent years of high selectivity.
• Early Decision Rate: Estimated at 25.0%, as Carleton offers an Early Decision option that typically yields a higher acceptance rate due to demonstrated interest; exact figures for 2028 are unavailable but based on historical data.
• International Student Rate: Approximately 15.0%, reflecting Carleton's global appeal, though specific data for the latest cycle is not publicly available; this estimate aligns with prior years.

Over the past decade, Carleton College's acceptance rate has trended downward, indicative of increasing competitiveness as more students apply to top-tier liberal arts colleges. The Early Decision option continues to play a significant role, often boosting an applicant's chances compared to Regular Decision. Additionally, international student admissions remain competitive, with Carleton attracting a diverse global applicant pool. Compared to peer institutions like Swarthmore or Amherst, Carleton's selectivity is similarly rigorous, often placing it among the most competitive small colleges in the U.S. For the most accurate and up-to-date data, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official admissions page at carleton.edu/admissions or review the Common Data Set for detailed statistics.