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College comparison
Carleton vs Wesleyan
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 |  Wesleyan Middletown, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateWesleyan University is more selective | 20% | 16% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1450–1560 | 1415–1540 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 2,086 | 3,067 |
| Avg net price | $25,407 | $30,177 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Carleton reports higher median earnings | $75,525 | $73,897 |
| Graduation rate | 90% | 93% |
| Median debt | $16,750 | $17,000 |
| Economic mobility | 1.4% | 2.0% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Carleton vs Wesleyan: how they compare
Carleton College and Wesleyan University are both selective liberal arts institutions, but they offer distinct value propositions and campus cultures.
By the numbers Carleton offers a stronger financial return, with a 3.0× earnings-to-net-price value multiplier versus Wesleyan’s 2.4×, driven by a lower average net price ($25k vs. $30k) and slightly higher 10-year median earnings ($76k vs. $74k). Wesleyan is more selective (16% vs. 20% acceptance) and has a marginally higher graduation rate (93% vs. 90%). For long-term outcomes, Carleton’s future-scholar yield (14.7) is double Wesleyan’s (7.3), indicating stronger preparation for STEM PhDs. However, Wesleyan excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 196% compared to Carleton’s 137%. Both share top-tier financial health (DOE score: 3.0/3), though Wesleyan’s admit rate is more volatile (39% vs. 28%).
Where they overlap Both are liberal arts colleges committed to undergraduate teaching, critical thinking, and student-faculty interaction. They attract intellectually engaged student bodies and share institutional financial stability.
How they differ The primary differences are in environment and academic rhythm. Carleton operates on a trimester calendar in a classic college town setting, which fosters a tight-knit campus community. Wesleyan, located in a small city with greater proximity to urban centers, offers an open curriculum and is frequently described as having a more independently competitive, artistically vibrant, and cosmopolitan student culture.
Who each suits Carleton suits students seeking a collaborative academic community in a traditional campus setting, with a particular strength in cultivating future research scientists. Wesleyan is a potential fit for highly independent students who thrive in a less structured, artistically and socially engaged environment that prizes individual initiative and offers greater urban access.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Carleton College or Wesleyan University harder to get into?
- Wesleyan University is more selective: Carleton College's acceptance rate is approximately 20% and Wesleyan University's is approximately 16% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Carleton College vs Wesleyan University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1450–1560 at Carleton College and 1415–1540 at Wesleyan University. 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.