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78.1%Acceptance
$40,352Tuition
1,052Students
66%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$61,772Earnings
#11 in MontanaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Carroll College

Carroll College builds future doctors, engineers, and nurses in Montana's capital city. The school enrolls 1,052 students and has earned recognition for its rigorous pre-health programs that consistently place graduates in medical school. Engineering students benefit from small classes and hands-on learning opportunities. The 78% acceptance rate makes Carroll accessible while maintaining academic standards with an average SAT score of 1140.

Students pay an average net price of $24,842 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of over $50,000. Graduates earn a median salary of $61,772 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,757 manageable with monthly payments around $273. The 96.4% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement success. For low-income families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $18,986.

The Fighting Saints compete in 11 NAIA sports with 367 student-athletes receiving nearly $2.6 million in athletic scholarships. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors. Students stick around, with an 81% retention rate, though the 66% six-year graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish on time. Helena offers outdoor recreation opportunities while maintaining the focused atmosphere of a small college town.

Academics & Faculty

Carroll College runs strong pre-health and engineering programs alongside its Catholic liberal arts curriculum. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that help explain the solid 68% four-year graduation rate. Engineering students benefit from hands-on learning in the college's well-regarded program, while pre-med students regularly earn acceptance to medical schools at above-average rates. The college emphasizes undergraduate teaching over research, meaning professors focus entirely on classroom instruction. Students taking 21 ACT scores on average find rigorous but manageable coursework. The Catholic identity shapes campus culture but doesn't dominate academics. Small class sizes mean students can't hide in the back row.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
62.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
68.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
66.3%
Retention Rate
81.1%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,772
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $60,325
Civil Engineering. Bachelor $50,856
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $34,526
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $33,993
Sociology. Bachelor $33,281
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. Bachelor $30,119
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Bachelor $26,353
Psychology, General. Bachelor $25,194
Biology, General. Bachelor $16,293

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Helena sits 90 miles southeast of Great Falls, Montana's third-largest city with just over 60,000 residents. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, so pack heavy coats and snow boots. With housing capacity for 1,050 students and total enrollment of 1,052, nearly every student lives on campus in the tight-knit residence halls surrounding the historic brick buildings.

The Fighting Saints compete in 11 NAIA sports with 367 total athletes, meaning about one in three students plays varsity athletics. Students gather at Guadalupe Hall for meals and late-night study sessions. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation in the nearby Helena National Forest and recreational sports on the intramural fields. The campus sits on a hillside overlooking the state capital, giving students internship opportunities in government offices downtown. With 81% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, most students quickly adapt to the small-town pace where professors know your name and classmates become lifelong friends. Sunday mass draws many of the Catholic students together each week.
Setting
City-Small
Housing Capacity
1,050 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1909

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
13°–32°F
July Avg
55°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
11.4"
Annual Snowfall
37.2"

Student Demographics

Carroll College draws students who want a close-knit Catholic education in Montana's capital city. Nearly 60% of students come from out of state, attracted by the school's strong pre-health and engineering programs. Women make up 58% of the student body, reflecting the popularity of nursing and other health sciences tracks. Only 18% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college primarily serves middle and upper-middle class families. The Fighting Saints compete in NAIA athletics, with 367 student-athletes representing about one-third of the 1,052 total enrollment.
Men
42.0%
Women
58.0%
White
78.4%
Black
0.6%
Hispanic
7.5%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
40.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.0%

Location

Carroll College sits in Helena, Montana's capital city of about 32,000 residents. The campus lies roughly 90 miles north of Bozeman and 120 miles southeast of Missoula. Helena combines small-city charm with government activity as the state capital. The 1,052 students enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation in the Rocky Mountains, including nearby skiing at Great Divide and hiking in Helena National Forest. Downtown Helena offers historic architecture and local businesses within walking distance of campus. The setting provides a close-knit community feel while maintaining urban amenities that many rural Montana colleges lack. Students considering colleges in Montana may also compare Carroll College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Helena, Montana 59625-0002

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$61,772
Median Earnings (5 years)
$56,883
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$40,900
Loan Repayment Rate
79.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$273/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,757

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Carroll College?

Carroll College accepts 78% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Catholic institution. Students typically need SAT scores around 1140 or ACT scores around 21 to be competitive. The school values students who align with its Catholic mission and pre-health program focus.

How much does Carroll College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Carroll College is $24,842 after financial aid, lower than the $52,776 sticker price. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $18,986 on average. About 45% of students take federal loans with typical monthly payments of $273.

What is Carroll College known for academically?

Carroll College is well-known for its pre-health programs and engineering, with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention. The college maintains strong Catholic liberal arts traditions while preparing students for medical and technical careers. About 96% of graduates find employment within six months of graduation.

What are the career outcomes for Carroll College graduates?

Carroll College graduates earn a median of $61,772 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of their pre-health and engineering programs. The employment rate reaches 96.4%, well above national averages. Students graduate with a median debt of $25,757, which is manageable given their earning potential.

Where is Carroll College located and what is campus life like?

Carroll College sits in Helena, Montana's small city setting with 1,052 students and housing capacity for 1,050. The Fighting Saints compete in 11 NAIA sports with 367 total athletes. About 60% of students come from out of state, creating a diverse community within the Catholic liberal arts environment.

How successful are students at completing their degrees at Carroll College?

Carroll College has a 68% four-year graduation rate and retains 81% of first-year students. The six-year graduation rate reaches 66%, reflecting the challenging nature of pre-health and engineering coursework. Students benefit from small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship throughout their academic journey.