Carleton College vs Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Carleton College is very selective with a 22.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Minneapolis College of Art and Design (48.4%). Graduates of Carleton College earn $34,652 more per year at the 10-year mark ($75,525 vs $40,873). For families earning $48k–$75k, Carleton College is more affordable at $9,680 net price vs $26,550. Students at Carleton College graduate with less debt ($16,750 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Minneapolis College of Art and Design has a higher yield rate (39.5%), 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 1280).
Northfield, MN
Minneapolis, 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 — $44,082 vs $34,345.
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. Minneapolis College of Art and Design enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (40%), 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.
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
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- 1 Film/Video and Photographic Arts$25,967
- 2 Design and Applied Arts$25,967
- 3 Fine and Studio Arts$22,192
- 4 Graphic Communications$18,771
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.
Carleton College
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Chemistry
- 4 International Relations and National Security Studies
- 5 Economics
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- 1 Design and Applied Arts
- 2 Graphic Communications
- 3 Fine and Studio Arts
- 4 Design and Applied Arts
- 5 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
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.
Carleton College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$58,968
- Est. total cost/year$74,499
- School typePublic
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$41,344
- Est. total cost/year$50,174
- 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carleton College or Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
Carleton College is more selective with a 22.3% acceptance rate, compared to 48.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Carleton College or Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
Carleton College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $75,525 compared to $40,873. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Carleton College or Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Carleton College has a lower net price at $9,680 per year vs $26,550. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Carleton College vs Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
Carleton College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 90.4%, compared to 59.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Carleton College or Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
Carleton College has a larger international student population at 10% 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 Carleton College and Minneapolis College of Art and Design?
At Carleton College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $76,460 within two years. At Minneapolis College of Art and Design, the top-earning major is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at $25,967. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.