Carroll University

Carroll offers 95+ undergraduate majors and minors, with health professions and kinesiology dominating student choices. Its curriculum merges liberal arts with career-focused programs, including accelerated graduate tracks. Notably, the university supports undecided students through its Exploring Program, which provides structured advising to help students identify majors aligned with their strengths. Small class sizes foster close faculty interaction, while graduate programs emphasize flexibility—a draw for working professionals.

Sixty percent of Carroll students live on campus, creating a residential community bolstered by orientation mentors who ease the transition to college life. The university actively cultivates inclusivity through its Office of Community Culture, while programming ranges from comedians to game nights. Niche reviews highlight the school's intimate atmosphere, where professors know students by name. Housing options prioritize community-building, with themed floors and cross-cultural experiences woven into residential life.

Carroll boasts a 59% four-year graduation rate—above national averages—with 69% completing degrees within five years. Alumni median earnings one year post-graduation sit at $36,427, though some reports cite higher figures for specific programs (e.g., $62,000 median for certain graduates). The university frequently appears on 'best value' lists, with Money Magazine noting its balance of cost, graduation rates, and alumni earning potential. Physical therapy and health science graduates tend to outperform these averages.

With a total annual cost of $55,422, Carroll positions itself as a premium private institution—but one where 100% of students receive financial assistance. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests significant aid packages are common, though the university encourages prospective students to model their individual scenarios. Aid includes merit scholarships and need-based grants, with first-year students urged to complete the FAFSA early. Compared to public Wisconsin options, Carroll's value proposition hinges on its small classes and health program outcomes.

Carroll distinguishes itself through three pillars: health sciences excellence (especially physical therapy), Midwestern community values (evident in its 10:1 student-faculty ratio), and outcomes-focused affordability. Unlike liberal arts colleges that shy away from pre-professionalism, Carroll leans into it—while retaining enough humanities depth to satisfy accreditation requirements. The campus culture strikes a rare balance between supportive and ambitious, producing graduates who outperform earnings expectations for the region. Its 150-year Presbyterian heritage surfaces more in ethics than dogma, appealing to students who want values without chapel requirements.