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Carroll University


About

A true Pioneer, Carroll University is Wisconsin’s first, four-year institution of higher learning. Our private university is grounded in the liberal arts tradition and is a leader in the health sciences.

A true Pioneer, Carroll University is Wisconsin’s first, four-year institution of higher learning. Our private university is grounded in the liberal arts tradition and is a leader in the health sciences. We offer more than 95 areas of study including a variety of graduate programs and a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. From 1846 forward, we’ve prepared our students to live a life of purpose and meaning through learning opportunities and experiences in a diverse and global society.

What does it mean to be a Pioneer? It means being part of rich history and tradition that continues to shape our campus community. It’s engaging in the spirit of exploration and discovery that began with our founders. Pioneers are eager to know more about the world they live in and how they will make their mark by contributing a fresh perspective. At Carroll, we live by a set of values that leads us to strive for excellence, stretch past boundaries, and treat those we meet with respect, kindness, and dignity.

A Learning Community

We offer choices when it comes to undergraduate majors and graduate programs. Our students pursue their passion while preparing for their careers through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health Sciences, School of Business, and the School of Education and Human Services. Our faculty are personally invested in their students’ success. They make it a priority to get to know them well, which translates to better support in helping them achieve their individual academic and personal goals. Carroll differentiates itself through its Pioneer Core. This unique general education requirement weaves a cross-cultural emphasis throughout a student’s academic career, exposing them to cultures, ideas, and beliefs different from their own.

Perfect Location

Carroll is conveniently located in a historic neighborhood district in Waukesha, Wisconsin just blocks from a charming riverfront city filled with shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation. We’re less than a half-hour from Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, and less than two hours by car from Chicago.

Caring Community

Carroll is a close-knit community where caring is more than a cliché. Taking responsibility for making the world a better place is part of who we are. From their first day on campus, our students participate in service activities, paying it forward by giving back throughout greater Waukesha and Milwaukee.

Active Campus

Our Pioneers learn and grow outside the classroom as well. Our competitive spirit thrives in our 23 NCAA Division III athletic teams. Our students also make time to pursue their passions or explore new ones, in areas such as music, theater, art, photography, and more. And with 50+ student organizations, it’s easy to explore different interests and make friends.

Pioneer Driven: Carroll University’s New Vision for Distinction is a strategic plan that charts an ambitious and dynamic course forward: one characterized by innovation and entrepreneurship—and fueled by the dedication and drive of today’s Pioneers.

Since 1846, the transformative Carroll experience has shaped the lives of tens of thousands of students. These Pioneers were inspired to lead in vocation and live lives of accomplishment and meaning. Our alumni/ae are making an impact on their communities and in the lives of others. They are standing up against injustice and exploring our shared humanity through faith, the arts, leading businesses, teaching children and adults, caring for the sick, and protecting the environment. Pioneers illuminate our ethos of respect, integrity, and stewardship.

With each graduating class, our reach extends—and our responsibility grows— to inspire our students to discover their true purpose, to become the best version of themselves, and to prepare for thoughtful engagement in making the world better for all. They are part of a proud lineage that has grown stronger with each new generation of students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae.

Like those who have gone before them, they are Pioneer Driven.

"Carroll University will transform the world for the better through the power of an engaged education."

Strategic Plan Goals

Over the next seven years, Carroll University's strategic plan will focus on four key areas:

Enhancing Teaching and Learning

Carroll University will become a leader in educating students who are skillfully prepared for lifelong learning and vocational success.

Enriching the Carroll Experience

Carroll University will achieve academic excellence through inclusive excellence.

Building and Leveraging Partnerships

Carroll University will maximize the impact of strategic partnerships that focus on innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.

Growing Strategically

Carroll University will build upon our past successes and continue our upward trajectory by intentionally expanding our educational team, campus footprint, and student body.

Minimum GPA for all Undergrad degrees: 2.0

Procedures for Admission - International Freshmen

The following credentials must be submitted to the Office of Admission:

  1. Application for admission, which may be submitted at any time following the successful completion of the junior year in secondary school.
  2. Transcript from an accredited secondary school that shows progress toward, or the completion of, graduation requirements.
  3. English Proficiency: Please submit your proof of English proficiency to [email protected].
  4. Test-Optional, Carroll University is test-optional for Fall 2022. Applicants may choose to submit an ACT or SAT score as their proof of English proficiency

Decisions are made on applications when they are complete, and applicants are notified promptly through the Office of International Admission. In some instances, the files of prospective students are referred to the Admission Committee for review and action. That body may grant admission to the University provided certain conditions are met or may require the student to satisfy specified criteria. Final admission to the Carroll athletic training, nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy programs is contingent upon the ability of the applicant to comply with the technical standards as listed in the catalog under each area of study, as well as the health standards listed on the Carroll University health forms.

University applicants with disabilities bear no obligation to disclose their disabilities during the application process. However, an applicant may choose to disclose his/her disability to the Office of Admission if the student believes that he/she does not meet the University’s regular admission requirements. The disability may be taken into consideration in relation to the student’s overall achievement, the effect of the disability on his/her academic achievement, and the likelihood of the student’s success in the University’s programs, courses, and activities.

English proficiency:

There are several ways to fulfill Carroll University's English proficiency requirement:

All Applicants

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (school code: 1101)
    • Minimum score: 550 (PBT) / 70 (IBT) / 8 (Essentials)
  • International Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Minimum score: 6
  • EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency
    • Minimum score: Grade Pre-1
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
    • Minimum score: 50
  • Duolingo English Test
    • Minimum score: 95
  • Wisconsin English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI)
    • WESLI Recommendation following successful completion of 700-level courses
  • The Language Company (TLC)
    • Must receive a passing grade or higher on TLC level 9

Undergraduate Applicants

  • ACT English score of 18 or higher
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 510 or higher
  • Attend a U.S. high school for 3 or more years and enroll in non-ESL English/Language Arts classes

Applicants from the following countries do not need to submit proof of English proficiency:

  • Australia
  • Canada (except Quebec)
  • Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • United Kingdom
  • Some Caribbean countries may qualify upon request to be reviewed.

General Transcript requirements: Completion of senior secondary school and if applicable – Completion of school exit exams, etc. We accept unofficial transcripts for admissions purposes as long as they are translated to English but require all students to provide us with official documents prior to the second semester.

Cambridge International A/O levels: We accept O-levels and A-levels: 5 subjects – Mathematics, English, Science, Social Science, and a Fifth Academic Subject - B or higher on an O-Level can be used for English proficiency and a C or higher on an A-Level can be used for English proficiency

WAEC: WASSCE required + Scratch card + one of our accepted English Proficiency scores.

Carroll recognizes outstanding student accomplishments. These scholarships are available for first-time freshmen and are awarded at the point of acceptance. A student is eligible for only one of these scholarships, and the amounts do not increase from year to year.

*Most of the scholarships finish their application period before the Spring semester start.

Academic Scholarships

2022-2023 Academic Year Scholarship Amounts

Carroll University awards renewable, automatic merit scholarships (non-need-based grants) to incoming first-year students at the time of admission. These scholarships are based on cumulative high school GPA and standardized test scores when provided. There is no need for an additional application to be reviewed for these scholarships! These renewable scholarships range from $15,000 - $23,000 per year.

A student is awarded merit scholarships based on their academic background. In the event that academic information improves over time (as noted by a 7th-semester high school transcript or submitted test scores), Carroll will review for a higher merit scholarship based on information received by February 1, 2022.

Departmental/ Talent Scholarships

MacAllister Full Tuition Scholarship

  • Full tuition each year for four years.
  • Requires special application and on-campus interview. The recipient is not eligible for any other Carroll scholarships or grants.

Yersin Business Scholarship

  • Varying renewable amounts.
  • Available to students majoring in accounting, business administration, business economics, finance, healthcare administration, management, and leadership or marketing.

Davies Otto Fellow Science Scholarship

  • ​$10,000 total; $2,500 renewable per year.
  • For students majoring in the sciences. Requires special application and interview.

Engineering Scholarship Program

  • $4,000–$20,000 total; $1,000–$5,000 renewable per year.
  • Available to students majoring in pre-engineering/applied physics. Requires special application.

George F. Kennan Fellowship

  • $5,000 total; $1,250 renewable per year.
  • Available to students majoring in history. Requires special application and interview.

Health Careers Opportunities Program (HCOP)

  • Scholarships start at $5,000 and increase each academic year.
  • Eligible Students are first-year students from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background.

George and Gerald Bitters Endowed Scholarship

  • $1,000–$3,000 per year.
  • Available to students from South Milwaukee or Cudahy High School with a 2.0 or higher GPA. Requires special application.

Theatre Scholarships

  • $4,000 total; $1,000 renewable per year.
  • Available to students majoring in theatre. Based on an audition.

Music Scholarship

  • Varying renewable amounts.
  • Based on an audition. Music majors and non-majors are eligible.

Anne Hardy Art Scholarship

  • $1,750 four-year total.
  • Available to students majoring in art or photography. Requires special application and submission of an art portfolio.

Les Klug Photography Scholarship

  • $500 one-year scholarship.
  • Available to students majoring in photography. Requires special application and submission of photography portfolio.

Jack and Corrine Reichert Endowed Scholarship

  • Minimum of $2,000 renewable per year.
  • Available to students from West Allis Central or Nathan Hale High School with a 2.0 or higher GPA. Requires special application.

Waukesha State Bank

  • $1,000 one-year scholarship.
  • Available to high school seniors who reside or attend high school in Waukesha County and plan to attend Carroll full time in the fall. A special application is required.

Esports Scholarships

  • Varying renewable amounts. Up to $2,500.
  • This award is presented to incoming students who have shown excellent performance ability in a selected esport title.
  • Based upon tryout (please email Head Esports Coach, Kris Pullam ([email protected]). Available to all incoming students regardless of major.

Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are renewable for four years as long as the student maintains full-time undergraduate status. A student is eligible for only one of these scholarships. However, an academic scholarship and additional awards can be received.

Additional Awards

Hilger Tradition Award

  • $500 per year renewable.
  • Available to children, grandchildren, siblings of alumni/current students, or alumni referral; awarded at the time of acceptance.

ROTC

  • Variable renewable amounts.
  • Requires special application. Visit marquette.edu/rotc/airforce for more information.

Freedom Scholarship/Yellow Ribbon Program

  • Variable renewable amounts.
  • Available to post-9/11 veterans through the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. Please contact the Office of the Registrar.

A Top-ranked School

Congrats on discovering Carroll University, one of the top-ranked liberal arts schools in the Midwest! Year after year, Carroll appears on numerous lists of the best colleges and universities in the country. These rankings are created using a variety of metrics—from faculty-student ratios to retention rates, graduation rates, average salaries, financial aid offerings, and more. Whether you’re talking Money Magazine’s Best Colleges, Forbes Top Colleges, or US News’ Best College lists, we’re pretty proud to have made the grade.

Carroll Nursing Program Ranked #1 in Wisconsin by Nursing Process

Carroll’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program was recently ranked the top BSN program in Wisconsin by Nursing Process, an online resource that helps nursing students explore education and career options to make better choices.

Nursing Schools Almanac Names Carroll #1 BSN Program in Wisconsin

We are proud to share that Nursing Schools Almanac has recognized Carroll for having the #1 BSN program in the state of Wisconsin.

This is an incredible honor and shows how our Pioneers keep innovating and making a difference.

Colleges of Distinction | Recognized for hands-on learning

Carroll University has been recognized for its honorable commitment to engaging, hands-on education by Colleges of Distinction, a one-of-a-kind guide for college-bound students. As an institution whose primary goals are based on student success and satisfaction, Carroll claims its honor as one of the renowned Colleges of Distinction.

Money Magazine | Best Colleges in America

Money Magazine considered graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, and graduates' earning potential to rank Carroll among its Best Colleges in America.

Forbes | America's Top Colleges

Forbes Magazine focuses on outcomes such as graduation rates, annual alumni salary, student debt, student retention rates, and career success to compile its list of America's Top Colleges. Carroll University appeared among the top schools in three categories: Top Colleges, Private Colleges, and Best in the Midwest.

U.S. News & World Report | Best Universities

Carroll University ranked #28 in Best Value Schools and #39 in Best Regional Universities Midwest for 2021. The Best Value category highlights schools that score above average academically and cost far less than other schools when financial aid is considered. Only schools that placed in the top half for their academics were considered.

BestColleges.com | Best Colleges in Wisconsin

The website BestColleges.com ranks schools across the country on academic quality and affordability, using data from the National Center for Education Statistics, and rates Carroll among the top 20 universities in Wisconsin. Schools listed in the site’s rankings demonstrate “a commitment to high-quality education for their students,“ according to the website.

GradReports | 2020 Best Colleges - Graphic Design

Carroll University has been ranked No. 7 on a list of the 25 top schools offering bachelor's degrees in graphic design, according to GradReports’ 2020 Best Colleges list. Other schools on the list included Rochester Institute of Technology, Brigham Young University, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Illinois State, and Bradley University.

RNCareers.org I 2020 Best-Ranked Nursing Programs

RNCareers.org ranked Carroll first in the state of Wisconsin for 2020. Nursing programs were assessed on several factors which represent how well a program supports students towards licensure and beyond. The organization analyzed past and present first-time NCLEX-RN “pass-rates” - weighted by year.

Washington Monthly | Best Bang for the Buck

Carroll University has been ranked among the top universities in the Midwest in the Best Bang for the Buck category by Washington Monthly. The rating highlights schools that “help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices,” according to the website.

Niche.com | Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

The website Niche ranks Carroll as one of the best value colleges in Wisconsin and gives us top grades for value and safety.

WalletHub.com | 2019 College & University Rankings

Wallet Hub ranks Carroll seventh in the state of Wisconsin for 2019. The website measured nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across the country, examining metrics such as student-faculty ratio, graduations rates, post-attendance salaries, student loan default rates and more.

Universities.com | 2019 Animal Behavior Program Rankings

Carroll is ranked No. 8 on the 2019 Universities.com list of top animal behavior programs in the U.S.

Institute of International Education

A ranking of universities offering study abroad programs places Carroll fifth in the nation among universities with master’s programs due to the number of students studying abroad. The Institute’s Open Doors study examined the 2015–16 study abroad data of more than 3,000 accredited schools across the United States.

AccountingEdu.org

Carroll is one of two schools in the state of Wisconsin selected by the website as offering the best value in an accounting degree program. The website examined first-time pass rates for the CPA exam and then examined other factors to determine the best value in a private school and public school.

 

English Language Requirements

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