Carthage College
The Vibe Check
Carthage College offers a tight-knit, supportive campus community that feels like a family, nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. The atmosphere is a blend of rigorous academic focus and spirited Midwestern friendliness, where students are known by name. You'll feel the energy of a small college with the opportunities of a larger university, especially during the famous 'Lute' traditions.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Carthage is renowned for its hands-on learning, particularly in the sciences and health professions, with state-of-the-art facilities like the Carthage Science Center. The business and visual and performing arts programs are also strong, offering practical experience and close mentorship from faculty. Undergraduate research is not just encouraged but expected, with many students presenting at the annual Great Lakes Colleges Association symposium.
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 Kenosha
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Kenosha offers students a mix of urban amenities and waterfront activities, like visiting the Kenosha Public Museum or enjoying the harbor. The city has a growing downtown with breweries, coffee shops, and the famous HarborMarket on Saturdays. Students also enjoy easy access to Chicago and Milwaukee via the Metra train for bigger city adventures.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($56,950):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Carthage has a dedicated campus safety department that provides 24/7 patrols and emergency response services. The Kenosha campus is generally safe, though students should remain aware of their surroundings as it is an urban setting.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong hands-on science and health programs with modern facilities
- ✓ Beautiful campus location directly on Lake Michigan
- ✓ High retention rate (81.6%) indicating strong student satisfaction
- ✓ Generous merit-based scholarships and financial aid packages
Cons
- ✗ Tuition is high for a private college of its size
- ✗ Graduation rate (62.6%) is below the national average for private institutions
- ✗ Kenosha is not a major metropolitan hub, which may limit some internship opportunities
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Carthage College is particularly known for its strong programs in health professions, business, and visual and performing arts. The campus is also famous for its beautiful location on the shore of Lake Wisconsin and its unique traditions, such as the 'Lute' mascot and a vibrant homecoming weekend.
Carthage College has an acceptance rate of 84.15%, making it generally accessible. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1010 and 1220, or an ACT score of 21-27, so applicants should aim to be near or above these averages for the best chance of admission and scholarship consideration.
Campus life at Carthage is active and community-oriented, with over 100 student clubs and organizations. Students enjoy a vibrant social scene with Division III athletics, Greek life, and signature events like 'Lute Fest'. The residential campus fosters a close community feel, with most students living on campus all four years.
For many students, Carthage offers a strong value proposition. With an average net price of under $25,000 and solid median earnings of $56,950 ten years after graduation, the ROI is competitive. The investment is often justified by the personalized attention from faculty and the strong outcomes in fields like nursing and business.
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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 2,651
- In-State Tuition $36,500
- Zip Code 53140
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $24,813, Carthage is more affordable than many private institutions, especially when factoring in merit-based aid. The 10-year median earnings of $56,950 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates in high-demand fields like health professions and business. While the sticker price is high, the combination of aid and post-grad earnings makes it a competitive financial choice.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.