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Carroll University

Waukesha, WI·Private nonprofit·2,525 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

58%
Accept
2,525
Students
$24,362
Net Price
70%
Grad Rate
$47,000
Earnings
10 yr
$22,000
Debt

About This School

Carroll University is a private nonprofit institution located in Waukesha, Wisconsin with approximately 2,525 undergraduate students enrolled. Carroll University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 58%. The average net price after financial aid is $24,362 per year. The graduation rate is 70%, and the typical graduate earns $47,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Carroll University is a private university in Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States. It was established in 1846 as Wisconsin's first four-year institution of higher learning. The university is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, tight-knit campus experience in suburban Milwaukee — the $22,000 median debt at graduation is quite manageable, and the Presbyterian-affiliated school has genuine historical roots as Wisconsin's oldest four-year university. That said, the 70% graduation rate and 79% freshman retention suggest that a meaningful number of students don't finish or leave after year one, which is worth asking about during a campus visit. Median earnings of $47,000 a decade out are modest, so this fits best if you're pursuing a field with clear career pathways rather than betting on the degree alone to drive income.

Founded
1846
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions27%
Business & Marketing13%
Biological Sciences10%
Psychology8%
Education7%
Communications2%
Social Sciences2%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Fred MacMurrayEric SzmandaAlfred LuntDennis MorganCushman Kellogg Davis

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1209
Reading 75th %ile610
Math 75th %ile650

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$37,230
Out-of-State Tuition
$37,230
Avg Net Price
$24,362
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants22%
Median debt at graduation$22,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
70%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
79%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$22,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$22,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.1x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White71%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino12%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,525 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Carroll University

100 N East Ave

Waukesha, WI 53186

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Wisconsin

Browse all Wisconsin schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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