Carroll College
Carroll College has an acceptance rate of 70.9%, average net price of $23,960, and a national rank of #545 (Grade B), with a 69.3% six-year graduation rate, and median earnings of $43,507 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Carroll College is a private nonprofit university in Helena, MT. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 41.3%, roughly 8.6 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Carroll College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Carroll College graduates 69.3% of students within six years and does not report first-year retention. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Carroll College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | Not reported |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $55,626 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: Only 0.0% of Carroll College students receive Pell Grants — far below the national average, underscoring equity challenges.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $43,507
- 10-Year Median Earnings $43,507
- Average Years to Graduate 4.4 years
- Average Student Debt $21,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 79.3%
- Employment Rate 90.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Carroll College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Carroll College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Carroll College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Carroll College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Carroll College graduates earn $43,507 median, the 41.3% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 540-660
- SAT Math 510-640
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 21-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate 69.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Carroll College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Carroll College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 70.9%, Carroll College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 70.9% acceptance rate, Carroll College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1050 and 1300 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Carroll College undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Biology, General, and Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 10.7%
- Biology, General 9.0%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 7.9%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.8%
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 5.6%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 4.2%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 4.2%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $79,827
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $66,018
- 3. Biology, General $64,981
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $51,857
- 5. Psychology, General $48,439
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $43,186
- 7. Public Health $30,831
- 8. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $22,319
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $79,827—258% more than Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions ($22,319). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Carroll College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (42 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Psychology, General
- Public Health
- Communication and Media Studies
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Political Science and Government
- Civil Engineering
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Computer Science
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Literature
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
- Engineering Science
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering Mechanics
- Education, Other
- Applied Mathematics
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Information Science/Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 0
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 0.0%
- Female Students 0.0%
- Caucasian 78.7%
- Asian 1.3%
- Hispanic 7.2%
- Black 0.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 0.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Carroll College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Carroll College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Carroll College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Carroll College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 78.7% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 20.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Carroll College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Carroll College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Carroll College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 41.3% ROI. Ranked #545 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $23,960 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $43,507 median earnings. With 69.3% graduating within six years and 82.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Carroll College's Positioning
With a B grade and #545 ranking, Carroll College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $23,960 annually, Carroll College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 82.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,772 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 41.3% ROI and $43,507 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $13,960+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Carroll College ranks #545 of 6119 institutions, with 2857 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 69.3% six-year graduation rate sits 6.8 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 82.0% first-year retention is 5.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 41.3% return on investment is 8.6 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $43,507 run about 0% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $23,960 is roughly $6,534 higher than the national median of $17,426.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 82.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.1% employment rate within three years sits 21.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,960 is about $6,534 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Helena, MT, Carroll College operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It stands at #545 among 6119 schools Completion earns B+, Support B+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
The six-year graduation rate hovers around 69.3%. The reported ROI is 41.3%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $23,960 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $55,626.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,666 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
Pell Grant participation data is not reported.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $43,507 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 0% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 90.1% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 41.3%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
70.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Carroll College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carroll College's acceptance rate?
Carroll College's acceptance rate is 70.9%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Carroll College cost?
At Carroll College, the average net price after aid is $23,960. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Carroll College's ranking?
Carroll College ranks #545 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Carroll College's graduation rate?
At Carroll College, the six-year graduation rate is 69.3%.
What are Carroll College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Carroll College report median earnings of $43,507 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address Helena, MT 59625-0002
- Website www.carroll.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$70.5M