Minnesota: home of 10,000 lakes, the Mall of America, Paul Bunyan, and the mighty Mississippi River. Oh, and tucked away in the southeastern corner of this northern gem is Carleton College, one of the best liberal arts schools in the Midwest. It’s a place where quirky is embraced, not hidden, and where the spirit of adventure and community is as strong as the cold Minnesota winters.Whether it’s raising money through badminton tournaments to fight cancer or banning Coca-Cola over human rights violations, Carleton students march to their own beat.
Founded in 1866 and named after a generous benefactor, Carleton’s 955-acre campus sits pretty in Northfield, a small town with a rich history—once the center of the Holstein cattle industry, it even has the motto “Cows, Colleges, and Contentment.” And the campus? It’s gorgeous. Think fragrant lilacs in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery red maples in fall, and snow-blanketed beauty in winter. There are lakes, forests, and streams to explore, plus 15 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. Oh, and an 800-acre arboretum—because why not?
Carleton’s academics are top-notch, with powerhouse programs in the sciences (biology, physics, astronomy, chemistry, computer science) and other traditional strengths like political science, international relations, psychology, and economics. If you’re an aspiring engineer, Carleton offers a 3-2 program with Washington University in St. Louis. Geology majors get to thaw out in Death Valley for fieldwork. And environmental studies students get their hands dirty at a prairie restoration site in the campus arb. The arts aren’t left behind either—Carleton’s music and studio arts programs are solid, and they’re growing in areas like dance and theater. If you’re into global studies, you can dive into interdisciplinary programs in everything from African American Studies to Women’s Studies. And with 70% of students studying abroad, the world is your classroom.
But let’s be real—Carleton isn’t your chill, laid-back college. It’s fast-paced with a heavy workload, especially since it runs on a trimester system, meaning finals are only three months apart. Even though the Minnesota winters are cold, Carleton makes up for it with a five-week Christmas break to keep you sane.
With small classes (69% of them have fewer than 20 students) and professors who are both accessible and supportive, it’s no surprise that Carleton students are incredibly engaged. “My professors have been caring, unpretentious, and super knowledgeable,” says a biology major. And with a strong advising system, you’ll always have someone in your corner guiding you through the liberal arts maze.
Carleton has students from all over—only 15% are Minnesotans, and 10% are international. The student body is diverse, with a growing community of African American, Hispanic, Asian American, and multiracial students. The campus culture is proudly liberal, focused on diversity, racial justice, political activism, and LGBTQ rights. Financial aid is need-based, and Carleton guarantees to meet the full demonstrated need of all enrolled students. No merit-based or athletic scholarships here.
About 96% of Carleton students live on campus all four years, and housing is guaranteed. From old houses with character to modern dorms with hotel-like amenities, there’s something for everyone. And while food might not be the highlight of campus life, students can at least mix it up by using their meal plan at nearby St. Olaf (known for their food). Plus, there are college-owned “theme” houses for students who want to dive into special interests like environmental studies at the Farm House.
When it comes to social life, Carleton keeps it casual but fun. There are also organized dances, movie nights, and even a Comedy Night hosted by Co-op, the student-run group. Carleton’s traditions are as unique as its students: from the weeklong freshman orientation, where professors get bombarded with bubbles, to the infamous liberation of a plaster bust of Friedrich Schiller during homecoming. Plus, there’s the annual Midwinter Ball, the Spring Concert, and Mai Fete, a fancy gala on an island in one of the campus lakes.
Northfield, the town, is super charming, with a population of around 20,000. It’s got a few great coffee shops, bars, and breweries, and you can even catch the reenactment of Jesse James’s botched 1876 bank robbery. Minneapolis-St. Paul is just 35 miles away for when you need a change of scenery, though no cars are allowed on campus—students use the daily bus service to get around.
Athletically, Carleton competes in Division III sports, with strong teams in cross-country, soccer, and tennis. But the real star here might be ultimate frisbee, with Carleton’s teams having won several national championships. If you prefer something more…unique, there’s Rotblatt, a marathon softball game played once a year. It’s tradition for players to juggle both batting and fielding while holding a drink. The game lasts one inning for each year Carleton’s been around, starting at sunrise.
Yes, Minnesota winters are cold enough to make you wonder why you live here, and yes, the workload is no joke. But Carleton is a warm, welcoming place where students balance individuality and community.
Application Requirements
If You Apply To Carleton, you can opt to apply Early Decision I & II or Regular Decision. Early Decision I and II are both binding legally. Regular Decision is not. Applying to Carleton EDI or EDII significantly improves your chances of getting in. Carleton accepts the Common Application with supplemental essays. For the most current info on standardized test requirements, be sure to check Carleton’s website!
