Kenyon College vs Carleton College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Kenyon College and Carleton College?

  Kenyon College, located in rural Ohio, emphasizes a strong sense of community and a focus on the humanities, particularly literature and creative writing. Carleton College, situated in Northfield, Minnesota, offers a broader range of academic strengths, including strong programs in the sciences and social sciences, alongside its humanities offerings. Carleton also tends to have a slightly larger student body and a more pronounced emphasis on research opportunities for undergraduates.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  Kenyon's campus is known for its picturesque, historic setting in Gambier, Ohio, fostering a close-knit, immersive college experience. Carleton's campus, while also beautiful, is located in the small town of Northfield, Minnesota, providing a slightly more diverse environment with access to local shops and restaurants. Kenyon's rural setting can feel more isolated, while Carleton offers a bit more connection to a larger community.

• Which college is stronger in the sciences?

  Carleton College generally has a stronger reputation in the sciences compared to Kenyon. Carleton boasts excellent science facilities and offers more extensive research opportunities for undergraduates in fields like biology, chemistry, and physics. While Kenyon has strong science programs, Carleton's are typically considered more robust and research-oriented.

• How do their humanities programs stack up?

  Both Kenyon and Carleton have excellent humanities programs. Kenyon is particularly renowned for its English department and creative writing program. Carleton offers a broader range of humanities disciplines with strong faculty and opportunities for interdisciplinary study. If you're specifically interested in literature and writing, Kenyon might be a better fit. If you prefer a wider array of humanities options, Carleton is a strong choice.

• What is the social atmosphere like at each college?

  Kenyon is known for its tight-knit, residential community where students spend a lot of time on campus. Social life often revolves around campus events, student organizations, and the unique traditions of the college. Carleton also has a strong sense of community, but its social scene may be slightly more diverse due to its location and larger student body. Both colleges emphasize inclusivity and student engagement.

• How do the career services and alumni networks compare?

  Both Kenyon and Carleton offer comprehensive career services to help students with internships, job searches, and graduate school applications. Carleton's alumni network is generally larger and more geographically diverse due to its longer history and larger graduating classes. However, Kenyon's alumni are known for being very supportive of current students and recent graduates, particularly within the fields of writing and the arts. Both colleges provide strong support for their graduates.

• What are the typical class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios?

  Both Kenyon and Carleton pride themselves on small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratios, fostering close interactions between students and professors. You can expect similar experiences in this regard at both institutions, with average class sizes typically ranging from 15-20 students and student-to-faculty ratios around 9:1 or 10:1.

• How do the costs of attendance compare?

  The cost of attendance at Kenyon and Carleton are generally comparable. Both are selective liberal arts colleges with similar tuition rates, fees, and room and board expenses. It's important to research the most up-to-date information on their respective websites and consider financial aid opportunities, as both colleges offer generous financial aid packages to qualified students.

• Which college is more selective?

  Both Kenyon and Carleton are highly selective institutions. Carleton generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate, making it marginally more competitive to get into. However, both colleges seek academically strong students with diverse backgrounds and interests. Your chances of admission will depend on your individual qualifications and the strength of your application.

• What are some unique traditions at each college?

  Kenyon is known for its traditions like the Matriculation ceremony, the Senior Sing, and the annual Lord Kenyon's Masque. Carleton has traditions such as Spring Concert, Rotblatt (a modified softball game), and the Silent Dance Party. These traditions contribute to the unique campus culture and sense of community at each college.