$50 million for Student Support

Carleton is committing to expanding the socioeconomic diversity of our campus. The Carleton Access Initiative is a matching gift program designed to secure financial aid funds for low-income students.

Prospective students and parents on a campus tour

For many students, college is more than the pursuit of a degree — it opens up access to possibility. Carleton’s strategic direction calls for expanding the socioeconomic diversity on campus by increasing the percentage of students from the lowest-income families. Meeting this goal will transform young lives in perpetuity. This will also strengthen our commitment to meet every student’s full financial need.

Thanks to David Ignat ’63 and Eleanor Ignat; Cathy Paglia ’74, P ’18 and Lou Paglia P ’18; and Leslie Kautz ’80, P ’15 and Jack Weiss P ’15, Carleton has a matching gift program to secure an additional $50 million in financial aid for low-income students. Approximately 200 Carls have already benefited from generous Carleton Access Initiative donors. As matching funds remain, we’re eager to meet this challenge and support our students.

 

Financial Aid at Carleton

  • 20% of students qualify for federal Pell Grants, which are given to students with family incomes of roughly $40,000 or less.
  • 14% of students are first generation
  • The Carleton comprehensive fee for 2025–2026 is $90,462.
  • First-year students with family income of less than $41,999 receive an average financial aid package from Carleton of $80,829.

How the Access Initiative Works

The Carleton Access Initiative is a dollar-for-dollar match for donors who fund endowed scholarships.

  • Donors may create new or add to existing scholarships designated for low-income students.
  • The matching amount will be added to the donor’s fund, doubling the impact of their generosity.
  • Gifts or commitments may be payable over five years.
  • To qualify for a match, gifts or commitments must be made before June 30, 2026.

Progress Toward the Goal

As of March 2026, we have received $48,466,177 or 96% of the goal of $50,000,000. We still have $1.5 million left to raise to meet this challenge and to help all students afford to attend Carleton.

Success Stories

Donor Testimonials

John Cooke ’68

The suburb I grew up in was pretty much all white and generally well-to-do — but then at Carleton, there were people from all over the country, from all different economic levels and social spheres and ethnic backgrounds. It was perhaps the most valuable part of my education. I don’t think I’ve ever been surrounded by that many really bright people with different backgrounds and different interests. And we were all there together, listening to each other and exchanging views as we all tried to find ourselves. So even though I didn’t directly receive financial aid myself, I absolutely benefited from it.

Leslie Flemming ’65

I think that we as a society have an obligation to open doors for people who aren’t born into wealth. My grandparents were immigrants, and neither of my parents graduated from college — but they were passionate about education and worked hard to send my brother and me to private institutions. I received a foundational education at Carleton, and I was able to succeed in my career. Paying it forward to the next generation was an important thing to do.

Michael Morrow ’79

Working in higher education, I had an appreciation for financial aid and how important it was for the students, and for the economics of the institution, as well. We had decided, at some point, that giving back to Carleton was something we’d like to do. We remain very committed to Carleton.

Katherine MacKinnon ’82

I was a child of two Carls, and yet my family was not in a position to pay for Carleton. The school was very generous with financial aid, and I felt like I wanted to pay it forward and continue that legacy.

Nancy Pellowe Dennis ’84

Carleton very much shaped the person I am today. I believe that being in classrooms and a part of residential life and extra-curricular activities with students who have different life experiences is an important part of a Carleton education. Frankly, Carleton wouldn’t be the same without it. My opportunity to attend Carleton was partly the result of my ancestors’ determination and work ethic and partly the result of their privilege and luck. I believe every student should have access to an excellent education regardless of their family background or zip code. If I can be a part of making that possible for future students at Carleton, I’m pleased to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will matching funds from the Carleton Access Initiative go toward my scholarship fund?

Yes. Challenge funds will follow your gift to your designated scholarship. The Carleton Access Initiative is designed to boost resources for high-need students. This means your fund will need to include a preference for students from the lowest-income backgrounds. Donors with existing funds may add this preference to their fund or create a new fund.

Is it possible to add other preferences to my fund, such as students from my home state?

Yes. Some additional preferences are possible. Carleton provides financial aid only to students with demonstrated financial need. Please speak to a Carleton development officer for more details and assistance.

May I endow a scholarship with my will or estate plan and receive matching funds?

No. While these types of gifts have a powerful impact on Carleton’s future, the Carleton Access Initiative is designed to make an impact today.