HELENA, MT — Carroll College is expanding its Pell Promise to fully cover tuition for qualifying Pell-eligible first-time, first-year students from any state, as well as qualifying transfer students, beginning in fall 2027.
The expanded Pell Promise builds on the program Carroll launched for Montana students in 2024 and extends the opportunity to students nationwide. To qualify, students must be federal Pell Grant recipients and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Carroll will cover the remaining cost of tuition after applying the student’s federal Pell Grant, at least $3,500 in subsidized federal Stafford loans, and any additional institutional aid.
The Pell Promise is renewable each year for eligible students who continue to file the FAFSA, qualify for a federal Pell Grant, live in Carroll residence halls, and meet the program’s GPA and credit requirements.
“We have seen the difference the Pell Promise can make for Montana students, and we are excited to extend that opportunity to more students,” said Dr. Jennifer Glowienka, president of Carroll College. “Opening the program to students from across the country and to transfer students allows us to welcome more students who may not have previously thought a Carroll education was within their reach.”
The expansion is the latest step in Carroll’s broader effort to make the cost of college clearer and more accessible for students and families. Beginning in fall 2027, Carroll will reduce its published undergraduate tuition by 40 percent, from $43,260 to $26,800, and eliminate general undergraduate fees. The new tuition structure is designed to replace the traditional high-tuition, high-discount model with a more transparent starting price that more closely reflects what students and families actually pay.
Together, the tuition reset and expanded Pell Promise are designed to address two different barriers to college access: the perception created by a high published price and the financial gap that can remain for students with the greatest demonstrated need.
“Lowering our published tuition makes it easier for families to see Carroll as an option from the beginning, while expanding the Pell Promise allows us to provide additional support to students for whom cost remains a significant barrier,” Dr. Glowienka said. “These initiatives work together to make our commitment to access much more visible and meaningful.”
The Pell Promise expansion and the new tuition model are part of a broader effort to make a Carroll education more accessible and the path to enrollment simpler for students and families. Carroll has simplified and accelerated its admission and financial aid processes, including free applications, faster admission decisions, earlier financial aid offers, test-optional admission, and fewer application requirements. The college has also taken steps to streamline the transfer process and has seen an increase in students seeking to transfer to Carroll. These efforts reflect Carroll’s continued focus on removing barriers and creating more pathways for students to pursue a Carroll education.
The federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to undergraduate students with significant financial need. Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Applications are now open for fall 2027 at carroll.edu/apply. Students and families interested in the Carroll Pell Promise, the college’s new tuition structure or other financial aid opportunities can visit carroll.edu/promise or contact Carroll’s Financial Aid Office at fao@carroll.edu.
