Carleton College (CC)

Carleton College provides a liberal arts education known for its “academic rigor,” and while the trimester schedule means that “classes move quick and can become overwhelming,” students say peers are “supportive and won’t hesitate to help each other with assignments.” One standout program “connects students with upper-classmen” in the health sciences and “plans a lot of engaging and informative events.” Students appreciate opportunities to be innovative and self-directed. One explains, “I’m combining political science with visual arts, [by] using poetry from political prisoners in a stop motion animation short film.” And unlike many schools, all courses at Carleton are taught by professors. Overall, professors are described as “absolutely phenomenal and…very dedicated.” One student shares, “I’ve had multiple professors who have been willing to give up time on weekends...to discuss class work and…attend student events.” Students, known across campus as Carls, also get the chance to mingle with instructors as part of the Carleton Convocations Program, a campus-wide weekly speaker series featuring experts from a wide array of disciplines sharing research and insights to “stimulate thought and conversation.” Students “are encouraged to attend and meet with each speaker,” and widely report that convocations are “a really nice way to learn something new and enrich our experience.” In short, Carleton is a place for “genuine scholars” who value a “very strong sense of community where your peers and teachers all want to support you and help you reach your fullest potential.”

Students at Carleton tend to share one defining feature: “It might be a strange hobby, a niche academic passion, or just a funny little personality trait, but it’s something people embrace rather than hide. It creates a campus atmosphere where individuality feels normal and celebrated.” As a result, students can “sit down in the dining hall or walk into a study space and end up in the most unexpected, interesting conversations—sometimes about classes, but just as often about random curiosities or big ideas. The student body is curious, open-minded, and excited to connect with one another.” One student describes the overall vibe as “crunchy casual,” and students are known to “work hard and study frequently,” and challenge each other intellectually. “The Carleton student body runs on the liberal side, but everyone is open to differing viewpoints, and no one criticizes others whose opinions may differ from their own.” At Carleton, personal differences are celebrated: “Carleton students are often described as quirky, and I think people have really embraced that—being weird and being yourself are important.”

During the week, students focus on academics but make a point to “fit in as many other activities as we can,” thanks to the school’s “rich club culture.” There are “many clubs and athletic teams of varying levels that students join,” and many note that “Frisbee is an especially popular activity on campus.” Students spend “a lot of time outside, working, playing sports, and hanging out.” Colder months find Carls “ice skating in the quad,” cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing through the Arboretum. And “on the weekends, there’s usually somewhere on campus to party.” Carls are “not afraid to be goofy or engage in any of our many ridiculous traditions,” whether that’s blowing bubbles on professors at convocations, letting out a primal scream at 10 pm the night before finals start, or dressing to impress for Midwinter Ball. Friday flower sales near the student mailboxes are a tradition that strengthens friendships and encourages “a sense of community and belonging.” As one student attests, “The feeling of having a busy week and finding a flower in your mailbox just elevates the whole mood.” Carleton is a community where students “feel comfortable, supported, and connected” on a campus “that truly feels like home.”

Carleton’s Career Center offers assistance to students at each stage of their career, and students agree “There are great resources for academic and career help, and all kinds of interests are encouraged.” For instance, there’s the Scholars Program, an “experiential learning opportunity” that includes site visits and the Externship Program (“mini-internships”) that are completed over winter break. Those looking further afield can use Carleton’s GoinGlobal database to take on challenges worldwide. Professors “are very helpful in finding students summer...job opportunities,” and Carleton further encourages students by awarding financial support for unpaid internships based on both need and merit. The online Student and Alumni Profiles offer access to the alumni network, informational interviews, and career advice. Likewise, the Handshake app connects students to internships and jobs after graduation, and The Tunnel, Carleton’s own site for internship and job postings from organizations, features postings by alumni seeking to hire recent Carleton graduates. PayScale.com reports that 45 percent of Carleton graduates feel their careers help make the world a better place. The median starting salary for a Carleton grad is $68,600.