Travel Aid
Introduction
Congratulations on your acceptance to Carleton! Excited to visit campus? Let’s make it happen.
Seeing campus in person is the best way to experience Carleton, and travel costs shouldn’t hold you back. Because access matters to us, the Office of Admissions offers limited, need-based travel aid to make visiting campus easier for admitted and pre-approved students. Check your applicant status page to see if you are eligible for travel aid, and if you are, be sure to confirm your travel plans with us by March 31 at 12:00 PM central time. We hope to see you in Northfield soon!
This page walks you through who qualifies for travel aid, what it covers, and how to plan your upcoming visit to Northfield.
Do I qualify for travel aid?
Some admitted students have been pre-approved for travel aid.
Did you receive a campus visit travel aid postcard or see that you were awarded travel aid on your applicant status page? Great! You’ve been pre-approved based on the information we have about you. Students who have been awarded travel aid 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.
You have two options for next steps:
- Want us to handle the planning? Travel logistics can be overwhelming, let us handle it! If you choose this option, the Office of Admissions will arrange your visit and cover all eligible costs up front. Just submit the travel aid form and we’ll follow up with details by email.
- Prefer to do it yourself? If you’d rather book yourself, choose a date (Carl Days highly recommended), register in advance, fill out the travel aid form, and book your travel. Travel aid typically covers one night of lodging and transportation costs, with average expenses ranging from $400–$700 per person. After your visit, submit the reimbursement form. Reimbursements are processed by the Business Office after your visit and may take 4–6 weeks after completion of the above forms. Please note: if you are traveling on your own and are under 18, you will not be able to reserve a hotel room independently.
If you didn’t receive a postcard, email, or portal notification, you haven’t been approved for travel aid, and we cannot reimburse travel expenses. If you have questions about this, please contact us.
When do I receive travel aid and when should I visit?
If you are booking your own travel, you can submit your receipts as soon as your plans are set. Upload them as a PDF or Word document through our online form. Reimbursements are processed after your visit via direct deposit, straight into your bank account. This process typically takes 4-6 weeks. Keep an eye on your email as this process can be time-sensitive and requires login information.
We highly encourage you to visit during Carl Days — April 13 and 20 — for the full open house experience. These days will include tours, information sessions, student panels, lunch on campus, and an academic fair. We will be hosting a welcome reception for travel aid families during the evening on April 12 and 19 to start the celebration. All details regarding lodging, transportation, and the daily schedule are available at go.carleton.edu/futurecarl. Here’s a taste of what’s in store when you visit during Carl Days.
Campus tours & explore Northfield
See the spots students love, enjoy our beautiful campus spaces, and explore the vibrant downtown just steps away from campus
Student panels & chats
Meet current and future Carls, ask all your burning questions, and get a feel for community life
Explore academics & our resource fair
See Carleton in action and gain insight into our academics, student services, and career opportunities
Grab a bite to eat
Join us for a meal and see what students actually eat
If scheduling conflicts prevent you from attending Carl Days, you are welcome to visit another time before May 1.
How do I get to campus?
Carleton is located in the town of Northfield, about 45 minutes south of Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). There are easy ways to get here, including daily buses between the Twin Cities and campus. Read on to learn more about how to get to campus.
Visiting campus for Carl Days?
We offer special shuttle options for students staying on campus or at the Fairfield hotel, so that getting to Northfield is one less thing to worry about. If you book your own travel, please reach out to us to confirm transportation to Northfield.
Who can I contact for help?
It’s okay to have questions – we’re here to help. You can send us an email at travelaid@carleton.edu or give us a call (507) 222-4519.
Refer to your applicant status page or email for the campus visit request form, where you can share your travel preferences with us.
We can’t wait to meet you!