Carleton College brand mark

Carleton College

Northfield, United States Founded 1866 World Rank #1581

Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Founded: 1866
Institution Type: College
Control Type: Private
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #1581
Rank in United States: #218
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

Carleton College's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.

Address: One North College Street
Postal Code: 55057-4001
Phone: +1 (507) 222 4000
Fax: +1 (507) 646 4204

Academic Details

Enrolment, faculty headcount, and accreditation data for Carleton College — the academic basics in one place. Cross-reference these against programme-specific data when finalising your shortlist.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 2,086
Student Enrollment: 2
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)

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Carleton College are listed by degree level. Cross-reference against the divisions section to identify which faculty owns each programme — that determines admissions handling.

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

Bachelor's Degree 35 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Archeology
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Cognitive Science
Liberal Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Computer Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Dance
Performing Arts
Bachelor's Degree in Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Performing Arts
Bachelor's Degree in East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Linguistics & Language Studies

Showing 10 of 35.

How to apply to Carleton College

Practical steps to apply to Carleton College, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Carleton College's catalogue includes 35 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. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (507) 222 4000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carleton College

Common questions about Carleton College answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.

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 2,000-2,999 students.

How is Carleton College ranked?

Carleton College is ranked #1581 globally and #218 in United States.

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.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Ranking methodologies vary across the United States — national rankings, subject-specific rankings, and international tables can each tell different stories about the same universities.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Joint conference hosting among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members brings academic communities together. Students at Carleton College and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.

Faculties at nearby universities

Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Carleton College's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.

Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies

Looking for Linguistics & Language Studies programmes beyond Carleton College? Other universities in the United States cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.

Universities Compared with Carleton College

Yield rates (proportion of admitted students who enroll) cluster among peer institutions. High-yield universities signal strong applicant preference compared to peers at the same selectivity level.

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