Carleton College: what international applicants need

What are Carleton College's application deadlines for 2026–27?

Carleton College has 3 application deadlines for 2026–27: Early Decision on November 15, 2026, Early Decision II on January 15, 2027, and Regular Decision on January 15, 2027.

• Early Decision is binding: if you're admitted, you commit to attend and withdraw your other applications.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is Carleton College's acceptance rate?

20.4% for students who started in fall 2024: Carleton College admitted 1,456 of its 7,133 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does Carleton College require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. Carleton College is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Early Decision deadline (November 15, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 15, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for Carleton College?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 730–790 in Math and 720–770 in Reading and Writing (34% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 32–34.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is Carleton College's application fee for international students?

Carleton College charges no application fee, for international and US applicants alike.

Which English tests does Carleton College accept?

Carleton College doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does Carleton College require?

Carleton College requires 2 teacher recommendations and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does Carleton College require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. Carleton College requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

How many international students does Carleton College have?

224 of Carleton College's 2,128 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 10.5%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does Carleton College cost for international students?

Carleton College's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $68,892, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $17,586. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $89,204 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does Carleton College give financial aid to international students?

Yes. In 2024-25, Carleton College gave institutional scholarships or grants to 81 international undergraduates.

• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2024-25