Students at Carroll College achieve above-average earnings outcomes that place the institution in the top tier for long-term financial success among similar colleges.
Graduates see solid returns on their educational investment, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income students who benefit from the college's personalized approach to career preparation.
Carroll College ranks as a small private nonprofit institution in Helena, Montana, that consistently delivers above-average earnings outcomes for its graduates. With a 64th percentile ranking nationally for long-term earnings, Carroll demonstrates how a focused, personalized education can translate into meaningful career success. The college serves a relatively selective student body, with about 18% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 20% being first-generation college students, reflecting its position as a "Selective Achievers" institution that produces strong outcomes for the students it enrolls.
Graduates earn a median of $61,772 ten years after enrollment, placing Carroll well above typical earnings for similar institutions. The college's strength lies particularly in professional programs like nursing, which serves as a key economic engine with 38 graduates earning around $60,325 in their early careers. Biology and business administration round out the most popular fields, though outcomes vary significantly by major choice.
As a small college in Montana's capital, Carroll offers the intimate campus experience and faculty mentorship that many students seek, combined with practical career preparation that leads to solid financial outcomes. The college's 66% six-year graduation rate and strong loan repayment performance demonstrate its ability to support students through degree completion and into successful careers.
Carroll College's program portfolio centers on professional preparation and liberal arts foundation, with nursing serving as the clear standout for both enrollment and financial outcomes. Adult Health Nursing combines strong graduate numbers with solid early-career earnings around $60,325, making it the college's highest aggregate return program. This reflects Carroll's reputation in health sciences and the strong demand for nursing professionals in Montana and the broader region.
Biology represents the college's largest program by enrollment with 32 graduates, though early earnings around $16,293 reflect the field's typical trajectory toward graduate school, medical school, or specialized training programs. Many biology graduates likely pursue advanced degrees, which explains the modest initial earnings but positions them for strong long-term career growth in healthcare, research, or environmental sciences.
Business Administration graduates, numbering 24 students, earn approximately $34,526 in early career, providing a solid foundation for advancement in Montana's business landscape. The program's moderate size allows for personalized attention while preparing students for management roles in the state's diverse economy. Carroll's small scale across all programs enables intensive mentorship and hands-on learning that helps students maximize their chosen field's potential, particularly important in professional programs where personal relationships and practical experience drive career success.
Carroll College graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that place the institution above average nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $61,772, ranking in the 64th percentile among similar institutions. While the college's earnings performance is somewhat below expectations compared to similar students at other institutions, the absolute earnings levels remain competitive and provide graduates with a strong foundation for long-term financial stability.
The college's program mix drives much of its return on investment story. Adult Health Nursing stands out as Carroll's highest aggregate return major, combining strong enrollment of 38 graduates with solid early-career earnings around $60,325. Biology represents the largest program by enrollment with 32 graduates, though early earnings are more modest at around $16,293, reflecting the field's typical trajectory toward graduate school or specialized training. Business Administration graduates, numbering 24 students, see early earnings of approximately $34,526, positioning them well for career growth in Montana's business landscape.
Carroll's focused program portfolio emphasizes health sciences, natural sciences, and business preparation, creating clear pathways into stable, well-compensated careers. The college's small scale allows for intensive mentorship and hands-on learning experiences that help students maximize their chosen field's earning potential, particularly in professional programs where personal attention and clinical preparation make a meaningful difference in career outcomes.
Carroll College's affordability picture reflects its position as a private institution with significant financial aid support, though costs remain higher than typical public alternatives. Low-income students pay a net price of $18,986 annually, while middle-income families see costs of $18,494 per year, both representing substantial aid packages that bring the sticker price down considerably. High-income families pay around $29,023 annually, reflecting the college's commitment to need-based aid while maintaining revenue from families with greater ability to pay.
The college's aid strategy helps make private education accessible to a broader range of families, though the overall affordability percentile of 28% indicates that costs remain above average compared to other institutions nationally. Carroll's approach prioritizes keeping net prices relatively consistent across income bands for lower- and middle-income families, suggesting a financial aid philosophy focused on access rather than purely need-based scaling.
What makes Carroll's pricing sustainable for many families is the combination of manageable debt levels and strong post-graduation earnings. The college's graduates typically leave with federal loan debt that aligns well with their earning potential, and the institution's 89% loan repayment rate demonstrates that most borrowers successfully manage their educational investments. For families prioritizing small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong career preparation, Carroll's pricing reflects the value of intensive, individualized education.
Carroll College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
