UChicago vs. Carleton College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Carleton College in Northfield, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Chicago is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Carleton College is in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Carleton College 8:1.

UChicago vs. Carleton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Carleton College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Carleton College than UChicago ($28,047 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carleton College are 12.5% lower than at University of Chicago ($17,586 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 2.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carleton College (about $1,770 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $68,892.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.6% higher at UChicago than at Carleton College (about $1,770 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $68,892.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carleton College than at University of Chicago (59% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 9.6% larger than aid received by Carleton College students ($62,300 vs. $56,846).

UChicago vs. Carleton College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or Carleton College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Carleton College and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 40 points higher than at Carleton College (1510).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Carleton College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Carleton College 1450/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Carleton College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Carleton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Carleton College (3.9).
• Carleton College has a higher acceptance rate (20.4%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 34.8% at Carleton College.

UChicago vs. Carleton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Carleton College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Carleton College's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than University of Chicago's (92%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $32,900 more per year than Carleton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $65,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Carleton College graduates ($14,500 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carleton College graduates ($149 vs. $201).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UChicago students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.