About Carthage College
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $24,813 after aid, less than the $50,650 sticker price. Graduates earn a median salary of $56,950 ten years after college, while carrying typical debt of $26,000. Monthly loan payments average $276, which represents a reasonable investment given the earning potential. About 26% of students receive Pell grants, indicating the college serves middle-class families well.
Campus life revolves around 23 Division III varsity sports that engage 891 student-athletes. The Firebirds compete in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. With 1,814 housing spots available, most students live on campus and enjoy the unique lakefront setting that sets Carthage apart from typical Midwest colleges.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.5%
- Retention Rate
- 81.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,950
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $60,094 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,537 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,524 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $49,615 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,357 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $41,193 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $38,153 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,072 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,856 |
Campus Life
Kenosha offers a small-city atmosphere halfway between Milwaukee and Chicago, both about an hour away by car or train. With 891 students participating in 23 varsity sports, athletics dominate weekend social life at this NCAA Division III school. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a month-long January term for intensive study or travel. Students often gather at the lakefront for bonfires when weather permits. The Lutheran heritage shapes campus culture without being overwhelming, and with 55.59% women, the gender balance leans slightly female. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes like at larger universities.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,814 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1847
Campus Safety (2023)
32 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–30°F
- July Avg
- 63°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -741.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.4%
- Women
- 55.6%
- White
- 67.2%
- Black
- 6.5%
- Hispanic
- 16.1%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 36.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.8%
Location
- Address
- Kenosha, Wisconsin 53140-1994
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,950
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,708
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Carthage College?
Carthage College accepts 82% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts institution. Students typically need around a 1090 SAT score or 24 ACT to be competitive. The school attracts students who value its lakefront setting and strong programs in business and theater.
How much does Carthage College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Carthage College is $24,813 after aid, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $18,307, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $27,527. About 29% of students receive institutional grants averaging $20,535.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Carthage College?
Carthage College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,628 total students. This small class environment supports the Lutheran college's emphasis on personalized education and mentorship. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows for intensive January term courses and study abroad opportunities.
What are the career outcomes for Carthage College graduates?
Carthage College graduates earn a median salary of $56,950 ten years after graduation, with a strong 97.4% employment rate. The 6-year graduation rate is 61%, which reflects the school's focus on supporting students through completion. Graduates typically leave with $26,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $276.
Where is Carthage College located and what is campus life like?
Carthage College sits on the shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, offering students a unique lakefront campus experience. The school houses 1,814 students in campus housing and fields 23 varsity sports teams with 891 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III. About 36% of students come from Wisconsin, while the majority travel from other states to experience this distinctive setting.
Does Carthage College have strong athletic programs?
Carthage College competes in NCAA Division III with 23 varsity sports and 891 student-athletes, making athletics a significant part of campus culture. The Firebirds compete in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin without offering athletic scholarships, emphasizing the scholar-athlete model. With 34% of the student body participating in varsity sports, athletics creates a strong sense of community on the lakefront campus.
