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Ambitious Together

We are an intellectually insatiable group of people. We approach learning with enthusiasm, energy, and a distinctly Carleton brand of playfulness. Carleton is a collaborative place where students and professors work together to make sense of the messiness of life.

Video: Minnesota isn't just snow and ice— we love all of our seasons, even winter!

In Our Own Words

Whatever your passions and talents, you can express them here. We want to get to know you. And we want you to get to know us.

Excellence in Education

Carleton consistently ranks among the country’s top 10 liberal arts colleges.

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We’re #1 in undergraduate teaching among US liberal arts colleges
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Our student:faculty ratio is 8:1
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More than 2/3 of our students complete an internship
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More than 70% of Carleton alumni go on to graduate school within eight years

Campus Photos

Spring 2022

Explore Our Campus

Located in a welcoming college town in southern Minnesota, Carleton’s campus is a perfect place to call home. You’ll never lack for things to do on campus or in Northfield, but it’s nice to know the bustling cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are only 40 miles away.

A crowd of people gather at tables for lunch in the large, vaulted space of Sayles-Hill Campus Center

Sayles-Hill Campus Center

The center of campus life, Sayles is home to Carleton’s snack bar, bookstore, post office, and many other student gathering spots. It’s also where you’ll find the time-honored tradition of Friday Flowers, when students stuff each other’s mailboxes with blooms from a local florist.

Many bikes line up at the bike racks by the main entrance to Gould Library

Gould Library

Carleton students aren’t kidding when they say the “Libe” is their favorite place on campus. See an art exhibit, visit Oscar the penguin, or attend a lecture on creating comic books. Or spend a couple hours studying — or napping — in your favorite spot.

Students walking in the Arb

Cowling Arboretum

Just steps away from academic buildings and residence halls is the Cowling Arboretum, 800 acres of forests, wetlands, oak savannas, and prairies. The Arb offers endless opportunities for recreation and enrichment, and is a perfect place to enjoy Minnesota’s four seasons.

Ice rink

Winter Full of Wonder

The Swedes say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” At Carleton, we say winter means clearer nights for stargazing and a chance to take to the rink for hockey or broomball. It’s also a perfect excuse to stay inside for hot cocoa and a study session.

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Carleton Stories

Carleton students, alumni, and faculty do amazing things. Here are some of their stories.

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From Northfield to Selma

A Carleton Spring Break tour links civil rights history with the struggle for equality today.

Alumni Story
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Access for All

Amid a national conversation on race-conscious admissions, President Byerly shares Carleton's commitment to increasing the diversity of our student body in every dimension.

Alumni Story
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Fundraising for the Future

Dennis Quirin’s ’95 philanthropic work changes young people’s lives, and the world they will inherit, for the better.

Alumni Story