Northfield, MN · Private University
Is Carleton College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$75,525
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$65,457
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,457
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$261,828
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.15x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
91.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$16,750
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$27,320
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Carleton College graduates earn $30,525 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Carleton College ranked by graduate earnings
40 graduates
25 graduates
35 graduates
17 graduates
23 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Carleton College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Carleton College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $116,048) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $20,780) is $95,268/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $116,048 | 1.8x |
| Economics | $83,775 | 1.3x |
| Biology, General | $40,859 | 0.6x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences(1yr data) | $40,371 | 0.6x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology(1yr data) | $39,238 | 0.6x |
| Political Science and Government(1yr data) | $29,858 | 0.5x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $20,780 | 0.3x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carleton College | 1.15x | $75,525 | Average ROI |
| Macalester College | 0.98x | $63,878 | Below Average |
| Grinnell College | 0.97x | $62,830 | Below Average |
| Colorado College | 0.96x | $65,222 | Below Average |
| Hamilton College | 1.19x | $78,411 | Average ROI |
| Kenyon College | 1.04x | $71,830 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Carleton College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $75,525 10 years after starting — $30,525 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.5 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.