Carroll University

Private · Moderately Selective · WI

Photo: DiscoA340 (CC0)

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationWI · Midwest

SettingUrban

Undergrads2,523

Student:faculty14:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate59.7%

6-yr grad rate70.7%

Drop-out rate21.8%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$39k

Out-of-state tuition$39k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity30.4%

Gender diversity67.4%

International3.7%

IdentityPresbyterian Church (USA)

Overview

Carroll University, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, describes itself as the state's oldest college, founded in 1846, and has evolved from a small liberal-arts college into a university with a strong health-sciences identity. It occupies a compact campus in a suburban city a short drive from Milwaukee.

Academics

Health sciences are Carroll's clear signature — physical therapy, including a doctoral program, nursing, and exercise science all carry strong regional reputations and connect students to clinical placements at Milwaukee-area hospitals and clinics. Business and education are also solid, established programs, and class sizes across the university tend to be small.

Campus & student life

The Waukesha location offers a quieter, suburban setting with Milwaukee's internships, hospitals, and cultural life within easy reach. Student life is centered on a close residential campus rather than a large social or athletic scene, though Carroll fields NCAA Division III athletics.

Getting in

Admission is holistic but pays real attention to science preparation for applicants to the competitive health-sciences programs, particularly physical therapy, which is more selective than the university's general admission.

Worth knowing

The doctoral-level physical therapy program is a genuine point of distinction for a university this size, giving strong pre-PT students a defined in-house pathway from undergraduate study into the doctoral program.

carrollu.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate66.8%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 1040–1270 · ACT 21–27

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying