Carleton College

University Overview

Carleton College is a private liberal arts college in Northfield, Minnesota. Founded in 1866, Carleton is recognized for academic excellence, small class sizes, and close faculty-student relationships.

Carleton operates a residential campus offering undergraduate degree programs with an emphasis on liberal arts education and critical thinking.

Location

Primary Campus: Northfield, Minnesota
Setting: Small town, approximately 45 minutes south of Minneapolis

Degrees Offered

Carleton offers Bachelor of Arts degrees across multiple academic departments.

  • Arts & Humanities
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • Interdisciplinary Programs

For complete program listings, visit the official academics page.

Admissions Overview

Carleton has selective admissions considering academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and personal qualities. The admissions process is holistic and comprehensive.

Official Admissions Portal: carleton.edu/admissions

For guidance on admissions processes and visa requirements, see the Admissions & Visa Guide.

Student Life

Campus life at Carleton includes residential colleges, student organizations, athletics, and a close-knit community environment.

For information about student life in Minnesota, visit Student Life in Minnesota.

Last reviewed: January 2026