Carleton College in Minnesota, USA, is one of the best liberal arts colleges offering exceptional scholarship opportunities for international students who aspire to study abroad.
With over $66,000 in average annual financial aid packages, the institution ensures that talented foreign students can focus on their education without financial stress.
These scholarships play a vital role for students needing help with tuition, accommodation, and other costs tied to visa and immigration processes.
Carleton’s dedication to global diversity makes it a top choice for academically gifted students looking for an inclusive and supportive environment in the United States.
Why These Scholarships Matter
The Carleton College Undergraduate Scholarships matter because they open the door for hundreds of foreign students who would otherwise struggle to afford quality education in the USA.
The average cost of attendance at Carleton exceeds $83,000 per year, including tuition, housing, meals, and books. However, through generous financial aid and scholarship packages, the average international student pays around $25,000–$35,000 annually, depending on demonstrated need.
These scholarships encourage global participation and enrich Carleton’s campus with diverse cultural and intellectual perspectives. For students from developing nations, receiving this scholarship could mean transitioning from limited educational access to a world-class institution that produces leaders, innovators, and researchers.
Carleton’s support also extends beyond tuition; it helps with student visa guidance and immigration assistance to ensure smooth relocation and settlement abroad.
What These Scholarships Cover
Carleton College scholarships are designed to make studying in the United States attainable by covering several key expenses. The coverage depends on the type of award, but most undergraduate scholarships include:
- Tuition Fees: Up to $64,000 per academic year, covering the full or partial cost of tuition depending on the student’s need.
- Housing and Meals: Around $15,000 annually, providing access to on-campus housing and meal plans.
- Books and Supplies: Up to $1,200 per year for textbooks and course materials.
- Health Insurance: Estimated at $2,500 per year, required for all international students.
- Personal and Travel Expenses: Typically $2,000–$3,000 per year to support daily living and visa-related travel.
Together, these benefits ensure that international students receive comprehensive financial support, enabling them to focus on academics rather than financial worries. Carleton College also ensures that scholarship recipients maintain their awards by performing well academically, with most renewals guaranteed for all four years.
Common Types of These Scholarships
Carleton College offers a variety of undergraduate scholarships specifically for international and foreign students. Some are merit-based, while others are need-based. Below is a detailed table summarizing the common types of Carleton College scholarships and the estimated amounts for the 2025–2026 academic year:
| SCHOLARSHIP TYPE | ESTIMATED AMOUNT |
| Carleton International Student Scholarship | Up to $66,000 |
| Carleton Global Excellence Award | $25,000–$35,000 |
| Carleton Founders’ Merit Scholarship | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Humanities and Social Sciences Award | $5,000–$10,000 |
| STEM International Scholarship | $15,000–$25,000 |
| Leadership and Community Engagement Award | $10,000 |
| Presidential Global Grant | Up to $50,000 |
| Carleton College Promise Award | Full Tuition + Fees |
These scholarships not only reflect Carleton’s commitment to inclusivity but also highlight the institution’s dedication to attracting the world’s best talents regardless of economic background. Many of these awards automatically consider applicants upon admission, eliminating the need for a separate scholarship application.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Carleton College Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students, applicants must meet a range of academic, financial, and personal standards.
The college considers students from all foreign and immigrant backgrounds, provided they demonstrate strong academic potential and a commitment to community engagement.
Applicants are expected to have an outstanding secondary school record, typically placing within the top 10% of their graduating class. The average admitted international student has an SAT score between 1380–1530 or an ACT score of 31–34.
However, Carleton is test-optional, so students may apply without standardized scores if their academic transcripts and essays demonstrate excellence. Additionally, applicants must prove financial need, as most international scholarships at Carleton are need-based.
Demonstrated leadership, extracurricular involvement, and English language proficiency (TOEFL score of 100+ or IELTS 7.0+) are also essential. Since these scholarships aim to foster global inclusion, students from underrepresented or developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Documents
International students applying for Carleton College scholarships must provide comprehensive documentation to prove both academic ability and financial need.
Every document should be submitted through the online application portal before the admission deadline. Missing documents can result in automatic disqualification or delayed processing of scholarship decisions.
Here are the essential documents required:
- Completed Application Form: Submit via the Common Application or Coalition Application.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of all high school results, translated into English if necessary.
- Standardized Test Scores (optional): SAT, ACT, or equivalent test results.
- English Proficiency Proof: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test results.
- Personal Statement/Essay: A 500–650-word essay explaining your academic journey and goals abroad.
- Recommendation Letters: Two academic references from teachers or school officials.
- Financial Aid Application: Complete the CSS Profile or Carleton’s institutional aid form, showing family income, assets, and other funding sources.
- Passport Copy: For international identification and visa processing.
Carleton may also request additional documents for immigration or visa verification once the scholarship decision is made. Applicants are advised to keep digital copies ready to speed up their admission and scholarship approval process.
How to Apply
Applying for Carleton College Undergraduate Scholarships is straightforward but requires precision and early preparation. International students should start their applications months in advance to ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline.
Step 1: Choose an Application Platform
Applicants can apply via the Common Application or Coalition Application online. Carleton does not charge an application fee for those with demonstrated financial need.
Step 2: Indicate Scholarship Interest
When completing the application, indicate that you are applying as an international student seeking financial aid. This automatically qualifies you for Carleton’s scholarship consideration.
Step 3: Submit Financial Aid Forms
International applicants must complete the CSS Profile by the priority deadline (usually January 15, 2026, for fall admission). This form helps the college determine your financial aid eligibility.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
All required documents, academic records, essays, test scores, and recommendations, should be uploaded before submission. Late or incomplete files can affect eligibility.
Step 5: Await Decision and Prepare Visa
After scholarship approval, the Carleton admissions team will issue an official admission letter and financial aid award. This letter will be required when applying for your F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy.
Carleton’s admissions rate for international students is around 19%, and roughly 80% of them receive partial or full scholarships. Applicants are strongly advised to apply early for better consideration and funding opportunities.
Valuable Tips for Application
Winning a Carleton College undergraduate scholarship requires strategic preparation, attention to detail, and early submission. The admissions team reviews thousands of applications annually, so standing out is key.
First, applicants should emphasize both academic and extracurricular achievements. Carleton values students with holistic profiles, those who balance strong grades (GPA of 3.8 or higher) with leadership, creativity, or community service.
Start your scholarship process early, ideally 8–10 months before the application deadline. This allows time to gather recommendation letters, financial documents, and standardized test results.
Write a compelling personal essay that reflects your background, motivation, and how studying abroad at Carleton aligns with your career goals. Also, ensure financial transparency when filling out the CSS Profile, as incomplete or inconsistent data may reduce scholarship eligibility.
Finally, connect with Carleton’s international admissions office via email or online sessions. Personalized communication often demonstrates seriousness and can clarify any questions about visa, immigration, or funding requirements.
Benefits Beyond Funding
While the Carleton College Scholarships provide significant financial support, the true value extends far beyond tuition assistance. Scholarship recipients gain access to an intellectually rich, multicultural environment where students from over 60 foreign countries interact and learn together.
Carleton College graduates enjoy exceptional career outcomes. According to recent data, 95% of graduates find employment or enroll in graduate school within six months, with an average starting salary of $67,000 per year.
For international students, the college’s Career Center offers guidance on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and visa-sponsored employment opportunities in the United States.
The scholarships also come with mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and global exchange opportunities. Students can participate in summer research grants worth $4,000–$6,000 or apply for internships abroad during their junior year.
Additionally, Carleton’s strong alumni network, which spans over 30,000 members worldwide, helps international graduates secure top positions in fields like finance, technology, public policy, and academia.
In essence, Carleton scholarships not only fund education, they build lasting bridges for foreign scholars to achieve professional and personal success abroad.
FAQ about These Scholarships
1. What is the average amount of financial aid given to international students at Carleton College?
Carleton College awards an average of $66,000 per student per year, depending on financial need. Some students receive full-tuition coverage, while others are offered partial funding combined with campus employment.
2. Are international students automatically considered for scholarships?
Yes. Once you apply for admission and indicate financial aid interest, you are automatically considered for Carleton’s international scholarships. There is no separate scholarship application required.
3. What is the deadline for Carleton College undergraduate scholarships?
The financial aid and admission application deadline for fall 2026 is January 15, 2026. Students are encouraged to submit all forms, including the CSS Profile and transcripts, before this date for full consideration.
4. Can I apply for more than one scholarship at Carleton College?
Yes, students can qualify for multiple scholarships if they meet the eligibility criteria. However, the combined total cannot exceed the full cost of attendance (approximately $83,000 per year).
5. What GPA do I need to maintain to keep my scholarship?
Scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA each semester. Failure to meet academic requirements may result in temporary suspension or loss of scholarship benefits.
6. Do these scholarships cover travel or visa expenses?
Some scholarships provide additional stipends of $1,000–$2,000 to cover visa and travel expenses. However, this benefit depends on the scholarship type and the applicant’s demonstrated need.
7. Does Carleton offer scholarships for transfer or graduate students?
No, the Carleton Undergraduate Scholarships are specifically for first-year international students. Transfer and graduate applicants should check other U.S. universities for suitable programs.
8. Are scholarships renewable each year?
Yes, most Carleton scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided the student maintains academic performance and continues to demonstrate financial need.
9. Can scholarship holders work while studying at Carleton?
Yes, international students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week, earning an average of $3,000–$4,000 per academic year. These earnings can help cover personal expenses.
10. Does Carleton College provide post-graduation visa support?
Yes. The college offers guidance for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and connects graduates with employers who sponsor H-1B work visas or other immigration pathways after graduation.