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College comparison
Carleton vs Grinnell
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Carleton Northfield, MN |  Grinnell Grinnell, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateGrinnell College is more selective | 20% | 15% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1450–1560 | 1410–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,086 | 1,729 |
| Avg net price | $25,407 | $17,648 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Carleton reports higher median earnings | $75,525 | $62,830 |
| Graduation rate | 90% | 88% |
| Median debt | $16,750 | $17,500 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | 1.5% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Quick answers
- Is Carleton College or Grinnell College harder to get into?
- Grinnell College is more selective: Carleton College's acceptance rate is approximately 20% and Grinnell College's is approximately 15% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Carleton College vs Grinnell College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1450–1560 at Carleton College and 1410–1540 at Grinnell College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.