College is an investment. You’re trading years of your life and a chunk of money for future earning power. So let’s skip the brochure fluff and focus only on what matters: Do graduates from Carleton College get good jobs and earn enough to justify the cost?
This guide breaks down real outcomes — salaries, industries, debt pressure, and whether alumni think the degree was worth it. No hype. No corporate language. Pure ROI clarity.
How Much Do Carleton College Graduates Earn?
Here’s the fastest way to judge long-term financial outcomes:
| Outcome Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Salary 10 Years After Graduation | $146,100 |
| Mean Earnings 6 Years Out | N/A |
| Mean Earnings 10 Years Out | N/A |
| Percent Employed | N/A |
| Average Student Debt | $4,654 |
| 3-Year Loan Repayment Rate | N/A |
| Total Annual Cost of Attendance | N/A |
What These Numbers Tell You
- →If Median Salary 10 Years is high, that signals real career growth and strong employer demand.
- →If Average Debt is pushing above 50% of what grads earn a decade out, the financial pressure is heavy.
- →If Repayment Rate is strong, the degree pays off.
Which Majors Make the Most Money?
Not every path leads to the same paycheck. Higher-earning majors typically include:
top Earners
- • Computer Science & Info Systems
- • Engineering (all disciplines)
- • Finance, Economics, Business Analytics
- • Nursing and healthcare specialties
Lower Earners (Often)
- • Arts and Humanities
- • Psychology
- • Education
- • Social Sciences
Why this matters: If you chase maximum ROI, the higher-earning tracks offer the real leverage. If you love a lower-earning major, just be smart about debt.
Who Hires Carleton College Graduates?
Top Industries Hiring Alumni
Data not available
Where Graduates Build Careers
Data not available
A healthy college outcome = employers come looking for you.
Job Market Performance: Can Grads Actually Repay Their Loans?
This is where career expectations collide with financial reality.
If repayment is high: That means real wages are beating interest. Good sign.
If repayment struggles: Either salaries are low or jobs are unstable. Not a great look.
You deserve a future where finances don’t choke your options.
The Real ROI of Studying at Carleton College
Simple formula: If you spend N/A per year and earn $146,100 later → compare how many years it takes to fully “break even.”
- ✓ Break-even time < 5 years → excellent investment
- ~ 5–10 years → acceptable
- ! 10 years → questionable
Degrees pay you back. Some fast. Some slow. Some… never.
ROI Calculator
Check your break-even timeline
Pros and Cons for Career Growth
Strengths
- Transparent job placement data
- Solid long-term earnings (if metrics are strong)
- Active employer network
Weaknesses
- High debt load if Average Debt is high
- Career success varies sharply by major
- ROI depends heavily on internships
Scholarships and Debt Reduction Strategy
If available, check grants: $51,916. Internal scholarships, work-study, and internships can minimize how much future-you must repay.
Is Carleton College Worth It?
Worth it if: You choose a major with strong demand, debt remains manageable, and you secure internships early.
Think harder if: Total expense is huge and salaries look average, or if repayment rates for your major are weak.
Explore Carleton College
Jump to related stats for this same university.
FAQs About Careers After Graduating
Do students get jobs quickly?
Check this number: N/A. The higher it is, the less stressful your first months out of college.
How much do alumni earn early in their careers?
Use N/A as your early paycheck benchmark.
Can student loans be paid off comfortably?
Compare $4,654 vs $146,100. If debt > half your yearly salary → repayment will feel tight.
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