You would borrow a median $16,750 — about $190 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $75,525 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 0.5 years of the salary premium.
Yes — on the federal figures this is one of the fastest-paying degrees in the country.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
We do not list an award tied specifically to Carleton College yet — but national, country and subject scholarships still apply to students heading there, and each one cuts the $16,750 above.
Browse scholarships for the USA →Tell us what you need and we will come back with the lenders that actually fund students from your country — including options with no US co-signer. No obligation, and we never charge you.
The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,146 against $22,500 of debt. Carleton College clears its debt faster than that, and its graduates earn $36,005 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan State University Minnesota | B | $17,100 | $64,705 | 0.7 yrs |
| Macalester College Minnesota | B | $23,000 | $63,878 | 0.9 yrs |
| University of Minnesota - Duluth Minnesota | B | $22,024 | $62,616 | 1 yrs |
| Gustavus Adolphus College Minnesota | C | $26,774 | $65,607 | 1 yrs |
| Hamline University Minnesota | C | $23,770 | $61,106 | 1.1 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.