Overview
Carroll College is a less selective private four-year institution in Helena, Montana. The school accepts 78.1% of applicants and enrolls 1,052 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 78.1%
- Average SAT
- 1,140
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,080–1,200
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 21
- Total Enrollment
- 1,052
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Carroll College uses a rolling admissions process, so you can submit your application anytime after it opens in September, though applying earlier gives you better access to housing and financial aid. You need to submit the Common Application, official transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and either SAT or ACT scores.
The nursing program operates much more competitively than the college overall. Nursing applicants compete for limited spots and need strong science grades, particularly in chemistry and biology. The civil engineering program also maintains higher admission standards and requires four years of high school math including pre-calculus.
Housing fills up quickly despite the small campus size. Submit your housing application and deposit as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. Most students live on campus all four years, and room selection happens by lottery based on when you submitted your housing paperwork.
Carroll requires all new students to attend a summer orientation session called Saints Days, which includes academic advising and course registration. You pick your orientation date when you confirm enrollment, and earlier sessions give you better class selection.
The campus sits on a hillside overlooking Helena with walking trails that connect directly to the surrounding mountains. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so bring serious cold-weather gear. The college operates on a semester system with a three-week January term where you take one intensive course or participate in travel programs.
Financial aid processing moves slowly, so submit your FAFSA early. The college meets demonstrated need primarily through loans rather than grants, which affects your final cost significantly. Merit scholarships require a separate application due in February, even though general admission has no deadline.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $24,842/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $40,352
- Students Receiving Aid
- 18%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,772/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 81.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for Carroll College?
Carroll College requires a high school diploma or equivalent, official transcripts, and either SAT or ACT scores. The school also considers extracurricular activities and personal essays in their review process.
Does Carroll College have early admission options?
Carroll College offers early action with a December 1 deadline for priority consideration. Students applying early action receive admission decisions earlier and have better access to scholarships and housing.
What is Carroll College's test-optional policy?
Carroll College requires standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for admission consideration. Students must submit official scores as part of their application.
How does Carroll College evaluate transfer students?
Carroll College accepts transfer students who have completed at least 12 credit hours at another college with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Students with fewer than 30 transfer credits must also submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores.