<p>As a parent of both a Carleton child and a Grinnell child I can offer a different perspective on travel alone. There are other things to consider but my opinion is based on travel and breaks. You can find lower cost flights to Minneapolis anytime but with Des Moines they can be very expensive. Another issue is amount of breaks they both have, at Grinnell there are 4 breaks every year, fall break, thanksgiving, winter and spring. Carleton olny has two breaks and they are one at thanksgiving and it lasts until after christmas and spring break. So for parents if your paying for travel Carleton can be less of a burden. If you have any questions regarding the towns or other post your questions and I will check back.</p>