Students at Carroll University achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution in the top 25% nationally for earnings performance.
The university's focused approach to professional preparation, particularly in nursing and business, consistently delivers above-average career results for graduates.
Carroll University ranks among the stronger private institutions in Wisconsin for long-term financial outcomes, placing in the top 25% nationally for earnings after graduation. This medium-sized private nonprofit university in Waukesha serves about 2,200 students and has built a reputation for preparing graduates who achieve solid career success, particularly in nursing, business, and health sciences. With median 10-year earnings of $58,009, Carroll graduates typically outperform many of their private college peers in terms of financial returns.
The university operates as what mobility researchers call a "Selective Achievers" institution, meaning it delivers strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though it serves a relatively smaller share of low-income students compared to public universities. About 22% of students receive Pell Grants and 27% are first-generation college students, reflecting a student body that skews toward middle- and upper-middle-income families who can afford the higher net prices that come with private education.
Carroll's strength lies in its focused program portfolio and the career preparation it provides across key professional fields. The university's nursing program stands out as particularly strong, both in terms of graduate volume and earnings outcomes, while business and exercise science programs also contribute significantly to the institution's overall success in preparing students for stable, well-paying careers.
Carroll University's program portfolio centers on professional preparation, with nursing serving as both the largest and most financially successful program. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates 92 students annually with strong median earnings of $61,317, reflecting the high demand for qualified nurses in Wisconsin and the broader Midwest region. This program represents Carroll's flagship offering and demonstrates the university's commitment to health sciences education.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology enrolls the most students with 86 graduates annually, though earnings are more moderate at $32,925, reflecting the diverse career paths available in fitness, rehabilitation, and health promotion fields. Business Administration, while smaller with 38 graduates, produces solid outcomes at $45,618 in median earnings, indicating strong preparation for management and professional roles. Psychology rounds out the major programs with 55 graduates earning around $36,083, which is competitive for liberal arts fields and reflects opportunities in counseling, human resources, and related areas.
The concentration in health sciences and professional programs reflects Carroll's strategic focus on fields with clear career pathways and strong regional employment demand. This approach helps explain why Carroll graduates consistently achieve above-average earnings compared to many private college peers, as the university has aligned its academic offerings with market needs in healthcare, business, and related professional services.
Carroll University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution in the top 25% nationally for earnings performance. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,009, reflecting the university's success in preparing students for careers that offer solid financial stability and growth potential. The university's focused approach to professional preparation, particularly in health sciences and business, contributes to these above-average earnings outcomes.
The strongest financial returns come from Carroll's nursing program, which graduates 92 students annually with median 10-year earnings of $61,317, making it both the largest and highest-returning program at the university. Business Administration graduates, while fewer in number at 38 annually, also see strong outcomes with median earnings of $45,618. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 86 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $32,925, reflecting the diverse career paths available in health and fitness fields. Psychology graduates, numbering 55 annually, typically earn around $36,083, which is competitive for liberal arts fields.
Carroll's program mix emphasizes professional preparation and career-focused education, with nursing and health sciences forming the core of the university's academic strength. The concentrated focus on these high-demand fields helps explain why Carroll graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed those of many private college peers, particularly in a state where healthcare and business services represent major employment sectors.
Carroll University's affordability profile reflects its position as a private institution, with net prices that vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay approximately $18,992 annually after aid, while middle-income families face costs around $22,720 per year, and high-income families pay about $27,395. These prices are typical for private colleges but represent a significant premium over public university options, making Carroll most accessible to families with moderate to higher incomes who can manage the additional cost.
The university's financial aid approach focuses on making education accessible to middle-income families while maintaining the revenue needed to support smaller class sizes and personalized attention. With about 22% of students receiving Pell Grants, Carroll serves fewer low-income students than typical public universities, but those who do enroll receive substantial aid packages that bring costs down to manageable levels. The aid structure reflects the institution's positioning as a private college that balances accessibility with the need to maintain its educational model.
For families who can afford the higher upfront costs, Carroll's pricing often proves worthwhile given the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. The combination of solid career preparation, strong alumni networks in Wisconsin and the broader Midwest, and focused professional programs helps justify the premium pricing for many families seeking a more personalized college experience with reliable financial returns.
Carroll University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
