Travel Subsidies
We’re delighted that you’d like to visit Carleton! Our Admissions Office has some financial resources to help support travel to campus. Read on to learn how to make the most of your visit to campus. Please note that for spring 2023, subsidies are only awarded to admitted students. We encourage prospective students to apply for the travel subsidy in the summer, fall, or early winter.
Do I qualify for a travel subsidy?
Some admitted students have been pre-approved for a travel subsidy.
Did you receive a campus visit subsidy postcard or see that you were awarded for a travel subsidy on your applicant portal? Great! You’ve been pre-approved based on the information we have about you. Students who have been awarded the subsidy are able to book travel on their own and get reimbursed afterward, or we’re happy to help you organize your travels and cover the cost upfront.
If you did not receive a travel reimbursement coupon in the mail or receive an email from the Admissions Office, you have not been approved for a travel subsidy and we will not be able to reimburse your travel costs. If you have questions about this, please contact us.
When do I receive the subsidy and when should I visit?
As an admitted student, you have until May 1 to visit campus and submit your receipts. We strongly encourage you to attend our Admitted Student Experience Open Houses on April 14 or 21. If neither of those days work for you, we’re offering a full calendar of visit days for admitted students. Make sure that you register ahead of your visit, unless we’re booking travel on your behalf.
You can submit your receipts as soon as you’ve made your travel plans. We encourage you to upload a PDF or Word Doc of your receipts through our online form. We’ll process your reimbursement after your visit, and we use a direct deposit reimbursement system that allows us to reimburse funds directly into your bank account. Keep in mind this process can be time-sensitive and requires you to keep a close eye on your email for login information.
What can my travel subsidy go towards?
We’ll cover the cost of travel for you and one guardian to visit campus this spring. We will reimburse:
- economy-class ticket on a plane, bus, or train
- mileage (if you drive)
- lodging
For reference, the average cost per person was between $400-$600 for students who visited last spring. You should anticipate spending about that amount on your transport and lodging. Carleton will not reimburse first or comfort-class tickets, luxury hotels, and additional travel expenses.
What can I do during a visit to campus?
Whether you visit during our Admitted Student Experience or on another day in April, you’ll be able to take a tour of campus, meet with an Admissions Officer, and explore downtown Northfield. We also offer opportunities to sit in on classes and eat in our dining halls to fully vaccinated and boosted students. Please be sure to check our visit calendar for the most up-to-date information on visit offerings and current campus policies.
How do I actually get to campus?
We hope it’s no surprise that we aren’t next door to the airport. Our campus is located in the charming historic river town of Northfield, about 45 minutes south of MSP Airport. There are daily buses between the Twin Cities and campus. Read on to learn more about how to actually get to campus.
If you’re planning on visiting during our Admitted Student Experience, we’ll have special shuttle options for students staying at a number of hotels around MSP Airport. For more information, check out this page.
Who can I contact for help?
It’s okay to have questions – we’re here to help. You can send us an email or give us a call (507-222-4190).
If you are relying on our travel subsidy to support your travel to campus, we’ll take care of the bookings and cover the cost upfront. Refer to your applicant portal or email for the campus visit request form, where you can share your travel preferences with us.
Please be aware that if you’re traveling by yourself and haven’t turned 18 years old, you will not be able to reserve a hotel room by yourself. We’ll have a chaperone at one hotel during our April 14 and April 21 Admitted Student Experience Open Houses, so we’d encourage you to visit for one of those events. Please contact us for additional support.
We can’t wait to meet you!