Carroll University
Carroll University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Carroll University at a Glance
Carroll University is a private university in Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States. It was established in 1846 as Wisconsin's first four-year institution of higher learning. The university is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA).
1846
180 years old
$111M
$110.7 million
3,322
2,644 undergrad · 512 grad
136
137 acres
Identity
Is Carroll University Worth It?
Carroll University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $15,193/year, it's priced 25% below average, while graduates go on to earn $58,009 — 8% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 70% graduation rate means roughly 30% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Carroll University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in WI
Ranked #3 of 110 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | University of Mary | 58 | $17,770 | $60,909 |
| #6 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Carroll University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in WI.
Best Programs at Carroll University
The highest-earning program at Carroll University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Education, Other at $25,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Carroll University earns $59,900, while a Education, Other graduate earns $25,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $24,798 for Education, Other.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,193/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,900 | $59,900 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $50,200 | $50,200 | $26,674 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,800 | $40,800 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,200 | $39,200 | $27,000 |
| Graphic Communications | $37,900 | $37,900 | $24,777 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $35,000 | $35,000 | $24,749 |
| Biology, General | $34,300 | $34,300 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $33,400 | $33,400 | $26,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,800 | $31,800 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,100 | $29,100 | $27,000 |
| Education, Other | $25,100 | $25,100 | $24,798 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Waukesha, WI
- Student Body
- 2,523 students
- Admission Rate
- 67%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,193
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $58,009
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000