Solid graduate outcomes with earnings above the peer average.
What graduates earn 10 years after enrollment.
Annual salary at 10 years
Lower quartile earnings
Upper quartile earnings
How graduate earnings grow in the decade after enrollment.
Earnings growth demonstrates the long-term value of Carleton's liberal arts education. Graduates earn $53,989 six years after enrollment, rising to $70,720 at eight years and $75,525 at ten years.
How outcomes compare to similar institutions.
Graduate earnings exceed the peer average, indicating above-typical outcomes for this institution type.
Financial justification for the investment.
Excellent affordability. Median debt of $16,750 is well under annual earnings, enabling comfortable repayment.
Student borrowing at Carleton remains well-controlled despite high sticker prices. Median debt reaches $16,750, significantly below the peer median of $24,181, resulting in $7,431 less borrowing than typical institutions.
Carleton College ranks in the 88.9th percentile for return on investment with well above average performance. Despite graduates earning $5,605 below expectations relative to their academic credentials, the institution delivers strong absolute earnings of $75,525 compared to a peer median of $63,066, representing $12,459 higher annual income.
Approximately 26.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, though this estimate carries low confidence due to program mix methodolog...
Program mix explains much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings reveal significant variation across Carleton's academic offerings. Computer Science leads with $116,048 median earnings, followed by Applied Economics at $83,775 and Cinematography at $48,388.
Science programs including Biology ($40,859), Behavioral Neuroscience ($39,238), Mathematics ($37,568), and Chemistry ($36,141) cluster in the $36,000-$41,000 range, reflecting early-career positions in fields requiring graduate training. English Language and Literature produces $22,329 median earnings, typical for humanities programs where graduates often pursue graduate study or careers in education and nonprofit sectors.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation in post-graduation outcomes. The spread from $52,327 at the 25th percentile to $111,608 at the 75th percentile represents a 2.1:1 ratio, indicating substantial opportunity for high earners while maintaining reasonable floors for typical graduates.
