Carroll University
The Vibe Check
Carroll University feels like a close-knit community where you're a person, not just a number. The campus has a historic, residential feel with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and undergraduate research. You'll find a supportive atmosphere where faculty know your name and peers collaborate rather than compete.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Carroll is known for strong programs in health professions, biology, and education, with a focus on experiential learning. The teaching quality is high thanks to a low 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and students have real opportunities to conduct research alongside professors from their first year.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Waukesha
Waukesha offers a walkable downtown with cafes, live music, and seasonal festivals, plus nearby lakes and parks for outdoor recreation. Students often head to Milwaukee (about 20 miles east) for concerts, pro sports, and airport access. On campus, student organizations, Division III athletics, and outdoor trips keep weekends lively.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($58,009):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Carroll's campus is generally considered safe and well-lit, with its own campus safety department and standard security protocols. Waukesha is a suburban city with typical Midwestern community vibes, though students should practice normal urban-awareness habits.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong undergraduate research opportunities, especially in health professions and biology.
- ✓ Low student-faculty ratio (13:1) for personalized teaching and mentorship.
- ✓ Location near Milwaukee provides internships and career access while retaining a close-knit campus feel.
- ✓ Solid retention (78.9%) and graduation (68.3%) rates for a private university.
Cons
- ✗ Tuition is relatively high, and net price can still be a stretch for some families.
- ✗ Waukesha is suburban; students seeking a large urban environment may need to travel to Milwaukee.
- ✗ Acceptance rate is moderate, so competitive applicants should still prepare a strong application.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Carroll is known for strengths in health professions (nursing, pre-PA, pre-PT), parks and recreation, business, biology, psychology, and education. It emphasizes hands-on learning, undergraduate research, and a supportive, student-centered environment.
Carroll has a 58.41% acceptance rate, making it moderately selective. Average SAT scores are around 1209, but the school uses a holistic review, and test-optional pathways are available. Strong grades, meaningful extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest can improve your chances.
Campus life is community-oriented with DIII athletics, student clubs, and outdoor activities thanks to Wisconsin's lakes and trails. The campus is walkable and residential, and many students participate in service projects, internships, and research. Milwaukee is close for city experiences while campus stays tight-knit.
It can be, especially for majors with strong career outcomes like health professions and business. With a net price around $24k and median 10-year earnings of $58k, the value depends on how you use scholarships, internships, and Carroll's alumni network to minimize debt and maximize earnings.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,886
- In-State Tuition $37,230
- Zip Code 53186
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
At roughly $37k/year tuition, the total cost is significant, but the average net price after aid is about $24k. With a 10-year median earnings of $58k and solid outcomes in healthcare and business, the ROI can be reasonable—especially if you leverage scholarships, internships, and graduate into high-demand fields.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.