Bethany Lutheran College vs Carleton College
Carleton College is very selective with a 22.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Bethany Lutheran College (51.0%). Graduates of Carleton College earn $29,415 more per year at the 10-year mark ($75,525 vs $46,110). For families earning $48k–$75k, Carleton College is more affordable at $9,680 net price vs $17,233. Students at Carleton College graduate with less debt ($16,750 vs $23,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Bethany Lutheran College has a higher yield rate (42.3%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Carleton College has a higher median SAT (1500 vs 1110).
Mankato, MN
Northfield, MN
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Carleton College is more affordable at $7,881 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $24,961 vs $44,082.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Bethany Lutheran College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (22%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Bethany Lutheran College
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations$38,289
- 2 Biology, General$29,685
- 3 Communication and Media Studies$27,488
- 4 Visual and Performing Arts, General$26,353
- 5 Fine and Studio Arts$25,194
Carleton College
- 1 Computer Science$76,460
- 2 Physics$42,774
- 3 Mathematics$37,568
- 4 Chemistry$36,141
- 5 Political Science and Government$33,993
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Bethany Lutheran College
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Communication and Media Studies
- 5 Engineering Science
Carleton College
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Chemistry
- 4 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 5 Economics
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Bethany Lutheran College
- International students15%
- Tuition (international)$27,700
- Est. total cost/year$36,470
- School typePublic
Carleton College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$58,968
- Est. total cost/year$74,499
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 15% international enrollment, Bethany Lutheran College likely has a well-established international student community.
Get a Personalized College Comparison
We're building custom comparison reports with ROI analysis. Be the first to get yours.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College?
Carleton College is more selective with a 22.3% acceptance rate, compared to 51.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College?
Carleton College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $75,525 compared to $46,110. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Carleton College has a lower net price at $9,680 per year vs $17,233. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Bethany Lutheran College vs Carleton College?
Carleton College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.4%, compared to 56.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Bethany Lutheran College or Carleton College?
Bethany Lutheran College has a larger international student population at 15% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Bethany Lutheran College and Carleton College?
At Bethany Lutheran College, Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates earn a median of $38,289 within two years. At Carleton College, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $76,460. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.