Carthage College's published cost of attendance is $50,822, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $23,293; middle-income families pay around $22,427; higher-income families pay approximately $29,176.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $50,822 |
| Tuition and Fees | $38,750 |
| Room and Board | $13,450 |
| Books and Supplies | $500 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$24,257 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $26,565 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $23,293 |
| $30–48k | $23,630 |
| $48–75k | $22,427 |
| $75–110k | $24,995 |
| $110k+ | $29,176 |
Carthage College's published cost of attendance is $50,822, but need-based aid reshapes that figure across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $23,293; middle-income families pay around $22,427; higher-income families pay approximately $29,176. Azimuth ranks Carthage College #1178 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Carthage College's aid structure is need-based, with aid packages combining federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships. Families apply using the FAFSA, and the college works to bridge the gap between sticker price and what families actually pay through a combination of need-based aid and merit scholarships for eligible students. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $26,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $42,940; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $59,751, median federal debt of $26,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $294 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Carthage College earn median 4-year earnings of $59,751, placing Carthage College in the 45.1 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $5,298 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 35.4 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Carthage College #727 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 68 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $72,468. Marketing reports 67 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $69,045. Psychology, General reports 44 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $54,636. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness reports 34 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $54,832.
