Value in the Numbers

Students Writing on Glass in Class

How Will Your College Investment Measure Up?

Two Students Studying Outside at a Picnic TableAt Carroll College, your financial investment pays dividends now and for a lifetime. As a student here, you'll benefit from personalized attention to your education that rewards you with academic achievement, clarity in your calling, and professional momentum toward your next steps after graduation.

This is why U.S. News & World Report ranked Carroll the #1 Best Value Regional College in the West for 2023-2024.

A Carroll College education is valuable. For instance, smaller class sizes and access to faculty are key ways students experience value. Carroll students also experience the value in our commitment to a four-year graduation, job placement or graduate school, and ongoing support.

The Highest Graduation Rate

Carroll College has the highest graduation rate in our four-state region, graduating in four years means more money in your pocket. Choosing to attend another school where it takes one or two more years to graduate can be a costly decision. Why is that? Expand below.

Carroll College has the highest 4-year graduation rate in a four-state region. That can translate to a lifetime financial impact of $250,000 or more due to less time paying tuition, earlier entry into the workforce, and reduced debt.

A student who takes six years to graduate:

  • Loses out on $94,353 in wages
  • Loses out on $150,882 in retirement savings
  • Costs an extra $18,992 in tuition/fees
  • Cost $7,823 in student loan interest
    (EAB June 2016)

Value in the Numbers

Here are some incredible statistics about a Carroll College education.

  1. 99% of Carroll students receive an institutional scholarship.
  2. 63% of our graduates are more likely to graduate in 4 years than at Montana State University - Bozeman.
  3. $58,000 - The median annual earnings for Carroll graduates - the highest in Montana (source).
  4. 19% -  The median annual earnings for Carroll graduates are 19% higher than the national average for 4-year institutions (source)
  5. 100% - Tuition and fees covered by the Post 9/11 GI-Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program (see eligibility requirements).

Some Examples of Value

We work to make sure you receive all of the financial aid you’re eligible for. Here are three samples of Financial Aid offers given to students from three different demographics:

Financial Aid Sample Offer 1
Financial Aid Sample Offer 2
Financial Aid Sample Offer 3
St Charles Hall - Feature

How Do Our Costs Compare?

Let's take a look at the average net price for students receiving financial aid at Carroll verses other schools.

The Value of Preparation

Carroll graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to launch their professional careers. Why?

Internships and jobs while in college led to jobs at Carroll College

As the only baccalaureate-granting college in Helena there are many opportunities for our students. Opportunities range from large accounting firms across the street to the halls of the State Capital. In addition, opportunities at one of three major medical facilities, to the Fortune 500 companies that have locations here in Helena. 

Jobs at graduation

  • A recent study using Montana Department of Department of Labor and Industry data showed that five years after graduation, Carroll College graduates earn more than their peers did.
  • 49% of students have the opportunity to work in Montana during college, and of those students, 85% find employment in Montana after graduation.
  • Local employers are hungry for Carroll College students. Recently, a major employer just across the street told us of their plans for growing their workforce using Carroll College business major graduates. In addition, we have weekly meetings with area healthcare providers eager for our graduates. Secondary education, computer science, computer information systems, and accounting are Carroll College programs that are in particular high demand.

Graduate and Professional School

Our programs are designed to give you the very best chance to be placed in a graduate program after you’ve completed your Carroll degree.

  • For the past 15 years, we have averaged an 85% acceptance rate to medical school, more than twice the national average. And remember, this is one of our largest student populations on campus.
  • In recent years we have achieved a 100% passage rate on the NCLEX nursing exam, 100% placement in Veterinary School, and 100% placement in Chemistry graduate programs.
  • Our data science, math, and physics students have gone on to some of the most prestigious programs in the country including Notre Dame and MIT.
  • Recently, a law school approached us to build a pipeline program to their Law School because of their high regard for our pre-law students.

Ongoing support

Smiling Male StudentWhen we award a financial aid package it is not just to get you here, it is a four-year commitment to see you graduate and succeed. Every year you will have the opportunity to meet with financial aid, renew your goals, explore opportunities for on-campus work, and make sure you are on track with any borrowing.

Carroll College has one of the lowest student loan default rates in the country. There are two reasons for the low student loan default rate. One reason is that our students get great jobs and have success after graduation. The other reason is that our graduates receive good advice on loan debt and repayment, and they are prepared for what happens next.


Contact Us

Deciding on a college requires wisdom, and we are here to help make sure you have all the facts you need in order to decide on the right course of action for you. We realize the financial aid process can be intimidating and confusing, but we are here to help. Our supportive professional financial aid counselors will help you navigate the process from start to finish. 

Remember to be organized, keep all documentation you receive regarding financial aid together, and please contact us with any questions you may have along the way at (406) 447-5425 or (800) 992-3648, Ext. 5425, as well as fao@carroll.edu.