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Northfield, Minnesota · Private nonprofit, town campus

Carleton College SAT & ACT scores

Enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% of about 1450-1560. Their ACT composite middle 50% was 32-34. Carleton College admitted 20% of applicants and considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional).

SAT middle 50%
1450-1560
ACT middle 50%
32-34
Acceptance rate
20%
Test policy, fall 2024
Test-optional
Undergraduates
2,086

Quick answer

What SAT score do you need for Carleton College?

There is no published minimum. Aim for 1560 or higher to sit in the top quarter of Carleton College's SAT submitters; 1450 marks the bottom quarter. Its SAT midpoint is higher than at 96% of the 902 colleges in this directory that report SAT scores.

Score check

Where does your score land at Carleton College?

The middle 50% describes enrolled students who chose to submit scores, so test-optional colleges can show higher ranges than their full class. Scores are one part of an application.

Fall 2024 entering class

Carleton College SAT and ACT score ranges

Score percentiles of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores
Measure25th percentile50th percentile75th percentile
SAT Reading and Writing720745770
SAT Math730770790
SAT total (estimated)145015151560
ACT composite323434

The two sections are balanced: the top quarter starts at 770 in Reading and Writing and 790 in Math, and neither section's middle 50% spans more than 60 points.

College Scorecard's SAT-equivalent average for admitted students is 1517.

Testing policy

Does Carleton College require the SAT or ACT?

Reported for fall 2024: Test-optional

Carleton College told the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional) for students entering in fall 2024.

Check the current cycle

Many colleges have changed testing rules since 2024, and several now require scores again. Confirm the policy for your application year on Carleton College's website before deciding whether to submit.

Beyond scores

Cost and outcomes at Carleton College

In-state tuition and fees (2024-25)
$68,892
Average net price after aid (2023-24)
$25,407
First-year retention rate
97%
Graduation rate within 6 years
90%
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$75,525

Compare

Colleges with similar score ranges

New York UniversityNY · SAT 1480-1560University of Notre DameIN · SAT 1455-1560Emory UniversityGA · SAT 1470-1550Tufts UniversityMA · SAT 1470-1560Case Western Reserve UniversityOH · SAT 1430-1540Barnard CollegeNY · SAT 1470-1560

Similar colleges in Minnesota

Macalester CollegeSAT 1350-1510University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesSAT 1300-1500St Olaf CollegeSAT 1300-1470University of St ThomasSAT 1260-1423University of Minnesota-DuluthSAT 1180-1350Gustavus Adolphus CollegeACT 24-30

Browse all Minnesota colleges by SAT score, colleges for a 1450 SAT or a 1550 SAT, or colleges for a 32 ACT.

Plan your prep

Turn a target score into a plan

What is a good SAT score?Build your SAT study planSAT section-score goal plannerScore Choice and superscoring

FAQ

Carleton College admissions questions

What SAT score do you need to get into Carleton College?

Carleton College does not publish a minimum SAT score. Among enrolled first-year students who submitted SAT scores for fall 2024, the middle 50% scored between 1450 and 1560 (estimated from section scores). A score of 1560 or higher would place you in the top quarter of that group; 1450 marks the bottom quarter.

What ACT score do you need for Carleton College?

Enrolled first-year students who submitted ACT scores for fall 2024 had a middle 50% composite of 32 to 34, with a median of 34. Scoring 34 or above puts you in the top quarter of submitters.

Does Carleton College require the SAT or ACT?

For fall 2024 entry, Carleton College reported to the U.S. Department of Education that it considered SAT or ACT scores when submitted, but did not require them (test-optional). Testing policies have changed at many colleges since then, so confirm the current policy on Carleton College's admissions website before you apply.

What is Carleton College's acceptance rate?

Carleton College admitted 20% of applicants for fall 2024, according to data it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

Sources and method

Where these numbers come from

Test scores: 25th, 50th and 75th percentile SAT section scores and ACT composites of first-time students who enrolled in fall 2024 and submitted scores, as each college reported to IPEDS. Composite SAT ranges add the two section percentiles, so they are an estimate of the true composite range.

Admissions and test policy: Fall 2024 entering class, reported to IPEDS in 2024-25. Policies change; check each college's admissions site before applying.

Cost and outcomes: tuition for academic year 2024-25; average net price for academic year 2023-24; graduation rate for first-time, full-time students who started in 2018-19, graduating within 150% of normal time (6 years for a bachelor's degree); median earnings 10 years after entry, measured in 2020 and 2021, in 2022 dollars.

Coverage: colleges currently operating that reported SAT or ACT ranges and enrolled at least 500 undergraduates. Data released 2026-06-10, retrieved 2026-10-05. Spot an error? Email [email protected].