Carleton Housing Costs

$1,788 Other Living Expenses Typical Cost

How Much Will it Cost to Live at Carleton?

It is important to understand all of the costs associated with going to college so you can plan accordingly at Carleton College.

On this page you will find:

Outline of Housing Costs
Room & Board Trends and Total Expenses
Meal Plans and Housing Requirements
References

Room and Board Expenses at Carleton

This school prices housing and dining separately. The on-campus housing cost for a typical student was $9,282 in 2026, and a standard meal plan cost $8,304. Taken together, the average on-campus student at Carleton College paid roughly $22,100 in 2026 across housing, dining, books and other living expenses.

Get an idea of what the costs will be for on-campus housing, meals and other expenses at Carleton College.

Expense	On Campus
Room and Board	$19,374
— Housing	$9,282
— Meals	$8,304
Other Living Expenses	$1,788
Books and Supplies	$938
Total	$22,100

Room & Board Trends and Total Expenses? Estimated Four-Year Cost: $97,109

Tuition is not the only college cost that climbs each year — room and board does too. A forward look helps you avoid sticker shock later in your degree.

Over four years you could pay about $97,109 in room, board and other essentials.

See how housing and dining costs have changed over recent years and where they are trending at Carleton College.

Year	Room & Board
Three Years Ago	$17,157
Two Years Ago	$17,778
One Year Ago	$18,498
Most Recent Year (2026)	$19,374
One Year From Now *	$20,208
Two Years From Now *	$21,078
Three Years From Now *	$21,986
Four Years From Now *	$22,933

* estimated

Most recently, on-campus costs increased an average of 4.3% annually. Based on current trends, incoming freshmen can expect to pay about $22,934 for room, board and essentials in year one.

At this pace, a senior would spend approximately $25,659 for a four-year (bachelor’s) degree, and about $23,804 by the end of a two-year program.

For a full bachelor’s degree, expect to spend a total of around $97,109 over four years — compared with roughly $46,738 for two years on campus.

Budget for Annual Increases

Annual increases in room and board are the norm, so build a yearly increase into your four-year budget.

Answers to Questions About Living and Dining at Carleton

Schools may offer meal plans where the number of meals per week can vary. This school offers meal plans based on the number of meals per week. See the table below to find out the number of meals per week in the maximum meal plan offered. Wondering whether you may be required to live on campus? See the table below for on-campus housing details.