Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Carleton College

A selective liberal arts college charging $27,000 in estimated debt for $36,340 in first-year earnings raises questions when Minnesota's typical graduate in this field earns $52,930. That's a $16,000+ gap between what peer programs in the state suggest and what comparable national programs produce. The University of Minnesota places graduates at $56,778—more than half-again what we'd expect here. The 0.74 debt ratio looks manageable on paper, but only if those modest earnings estimates hold true.

The disconnect becomes sharper when you consider Carleton's selectivity. With a 22% admission rate and 1491 average SAT, this isn't a broad-access institution—it draws academically accomplished students who might reasonably expect stronger early returns. Liberal arts degrees often deliver their value through doors opened rather than immediate salary, but similar programs in Minnesota suggest graduates typically start much higher. Either Carleton's general studies graduates pursue particularly low-paying paths, or these national estimates miss something important about the school's outcomes.

Without actual reported data, you're essentially betting on Carleton's brand and network to bridge that earnings gap. If the true figure lands closer to Minnesota's median, the investment makes more sense. If it tracks closer to the national estimate, you're paying private-college debt for below-average state outcomes. Request placement data directly from admissions before committing.