Carroll College defines student success in ways that extend far beyond numbers, though we recognize the importance of measuring key indicators like first-year retention and four- and six-year graduation rates. On these measures, Carroll consistently performs above both state and national averages, leading Montana institutions in graduation rate and retention outcomes. Within our carefully chosen peer group, these metrics underscore the strength of our academic programs, the dedication of our faculty, and the effectiveness of our student support systems.
But to truly understand Carroll’s commitment to student success, one must look beyond the data tables and charts. Rooted in our Catholic mission and guided by our core values, success at Carroll is as much about the transformation of the whole person as it is about academic achievement. It is seen in the welcoming environment that fosters a deep sense of belonging for students from all backgrounds. It is reflected in the joy of learning our students embrace—in classrooms, laboratories, and studios, as well as in service projects, internships, and research opportunities. It is experienced in the way students engage meaningfully with faculty, staff, and one another, forming a supportive community grounded in mutual respect, intellectual curiosity, and shared purpose.
Our graduates leave Carroll not only with a degree but with a formation of mind, heart, and spirit that equips them to lead, serve, and make a difference in the world. This holistic understanding of student success—integrating academic rigor, ethical leadership, and a commitment to service—aligns with our mission to prepare graduates for purposeful lives of leadership and service to the common good. While the comparative data presented here focus on retention and graduation rates, they serve as indicators of a deeper reality: that Carroll provides an educational experience where students thrive personally, academically, and spiritually, and where success is measured in the lives our graduates lead long after they leave campus.
By sharing these results alongside our peer institutions, we provide transparency, context, and evidence of mission fulfillment in accordance with NWCCU Standards 1.D.3 and 5.3. And in doing so, we reaffirm that Carroll’s leadership in Montana—and among our peers—is not only a matter of strong outcomes, but of the distinctive, life-changing experience we offer to every student.