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Carleton College brand mark

Carleton College

Northfield, United States • Founded 1866

Updated Oct 2026 · Source: carleton.edu

Overview

Founded: 1866
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
SCImago 2026 #1581
Motto: Declaratio Sermonum Tuorum Illuminat
Colours: Maize and blue
Carleton College brand mark

Established in 1866, the Carleton College is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Northfield (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Minnesota.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Carleton College is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Carleton College offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 158-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 10-19% making this US higher education organization an extremely selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

Carleton College also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for Carleton College is listed below.

Address: One North College Street, Northfield, Minnesota 55057
Postal Code: 55057
Phone: 507-222-4000
Fax: +1 (507) 646 4204
Email: admissions@carleton.edu

Academic Details

Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Carleton College are listed below.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 2,086
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

Carleton College's faculties, schools, and constituent units are listed below.

Unit 49 items
  • Africana Studies
  • American Studies
  • Arabic
  • Archaeology
  • Art and Art History
  • Asian Languages and Literatures
  • Asian Studies
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Cinema and Media Studies
  • Classics
  • Cognitive Science
  • Computer Science
  • Cross-Cultural Studies
  • Digital Arts and Humanities
  • Economics
  • Educational Studies
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • European Studies
  • French and Francophone Studies
  • Gender, Women's & Sexuality Studies
  • Geology
  • German
  • Hebrew
  • History
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Judaic Studies
  • Latin American Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
  • Middle East Studies
  • Middle Eastern Languages
  • Music
  • Neuroscience
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Political Science and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy
  • Religion
  • Russian
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Spanish
  • Theater and Dance

Programs Offered

Carleton College's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.

29 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 29 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Africana Studies
African Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in American Studies
American & Australasian Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Art History
Art History · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Asian Studies
Asian Studies · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Cinema and Media Studies
Film & Animation · 4 years

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 29.

How to apply to Carleton College

A five-step guide to applying to Carleton College.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Carleton College's catalogue includes 29 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Carleton College's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Submit your completed application through Carleton College's official website at www.carleton.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. You can reach the institution by email at admissions@carleton.edu or by phone at 507-222-4000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carleton College

Frequently asked questions about Carleton College.

How old is Carleton College?

The institution opened in 1866 (approximately 160 years ago).

In which city is Carleton College?

Carleton College is based in Northfield, United States.

Is Carleton College a public or private institution?

Carleton College operates as a private institution.

How many students study at Carleton College?

Carleton College has approximately 2,086 students.

How many faculties does Carleton College have?

The institution comprises 49 academic units.

Is Carleton College accredited?

Carleton College is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How do I find Carleton College online?

Carleton College's official website is www.carleton.edu.

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