Carroll University

A true Pioneer, Carroll University is Wisconsin’s first, four-year institution of higher learning. Our private university is grounded in the liberal arts tradition and is a leader in the health sciences. We offer more than 95 areas of study including a variety of graduate programs and a clinical doctorate in physical therapy. From 1846 forward, we’ve prepared our students to live a life of purpose and meaning through learning opportunities and experiences in a diverse and global society.

What does it mean to be a Pioneer? It means being part of rich history and tradition that continues to shape our campus community. It’s engaging in the spirit of exploration and discovery that began with our founders. Pioneers are eager to know more about the world they live in and how they will make their mark by contributing a fresh perspective. At Carroll, we live by a set of values that leads us to strive for excellence, stretch past boundaries, and treat those we meet with respect, kindness, and dignity.

A Learning Community

We offer choices when it comes to undergraduate majors and graduate programs. Our students pursue their passion while preparing for their careers through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health Sciences, School of Business, and the School of Education and Human Services. Our faculty are personally invested in their students’ success. They make it a priority to get to know them well, which translates to better support in helping them achieve their individual academic and personal goals. Carroll differentiates itself through its Pioneer Core. This unique general education requirement weaves a cross-cultural emphasis throughout a student’s academic career, exposing them to cultures, ideas, and beliefs different from their own.

Pioneer Driven: Carroll University’s New Vision for Distinction is a strategic plan that charts an ambitious and dynamic course forward: one characterized by innovation and entrepreneurship—and fueled by the dedication and drive of today’s Pioneers.

Since 1846, the transformative Carroll experience has shaped the lives of tens of thousands of students. These Pioneers were inspired to lead in vocation and live lives of accomplishment and meaning. Our alumni/ae are making an impact on their communities and in the lives of others. They are standing up against injustice and exploring our shared humanity through faith, the arts, leading businesses, teaching children and adults, caring for the sick, and protecting the environment. Pioneers illuminate our ethos of respect, integrity, and stewardship.

With each graduating class, our reach extends—and our responsibility grows— to inspire our students to discover their true purpose, to become the best version of themselves, and to prepare for thoughtful engagement in making the world better for all. They are part of a proud lineage that has grown stronger with each new generation of students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae.

Like those who have gone before them, they are Pioneer Driven.

"Carroll University will transform the world for the better through the power of an engaged education."

Strategic Plan Goals

Over the next seven years, Carroll University's strategic plan will focus on four key areas:

Minimum GPA for all Undergrad degrees: 2.0

Procedures for Admission - International Freshmen

The following credentials must be submitted to the Office of Admission:

1. Application for admission, which may be submitted at any time following the successful completion of the junior year in secondary school.
2. Transcript from an accredited secondary school that shows progress toward, or the completion of, graduation requirements.
3. English Proficiency: Please submit your proof of English proficiency to [email protected].
4. Test-Optional, Carroll University is test-optional for Fall 2022. Applicants may choose to submit an ACT or SAT score as their proof of English proficiency

Decisions are made on applications when they are complete, and applicants are notified promptly through the Office of International Admission. In some instances, the files of prospective students are referred to the Admission Committee for review and action. That body may grant admission to the University provided certain conditions are met or may require the student to satisfy specified criteria. Final admission to the Carroll athletic training, nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy programs is contingent upon the ability of the applicant to comply with the technical standards as listed in the catalog under each area of study, as well as the health standards listed on the Carroll University health forms.

University applicants with disabilities bear no obligation to disclose their disabilities during the application process. However, an applicant may choose to disclose his/her disability to the Office of Admission if the student believes that he/she does not meet the University’s regular admission requirements. The disability may be taken into consideration in relation to the student’s overall achievement, the effect of the disability on his/her academic achievement, and the likelihood of the student’s success in the University’s programs, courses, and activities.

English proficiency:

There are several ways to fulfill Carroll University's English proficiency requirement:

All Applicants

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (school code: 1101)
  • Minimum score: 550 (PBT) / 70 (IBT) / 8 (Essentials)
• International Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Minimum score: 6
• EIKEN Test in Practical English Proficiency
  • Minimum score: Grade Pre-1
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
  • Minimum score: 50
• Duolingo English Test
  • Minimum score: 95
• Wisconsin English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI)
  • WESLI Recommendation following successful completion of 700-level courses
• The Language Company (TLC)
  • Must receive a passing grade or higher on TLC level 9

Undergraduate Applicants

• ACT English score of 18 or higher
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 510 or higher
• Attend a U.S. high school for 3 or more years and enroll in non-ESL English/Language Arts classes

Applicants from the following countries do not need to submit proof of English proficiency:

• Australia
• Canada (except Quebec)
• Ireland
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• Some Caribbean countries may qualify upon request to be reviewed.

General Transcript requirements: Completion of senior secondary school and if applicable – Completion of school exit exams, etc. We accept unofficial transcripts for admissions purposes as long as they are translated to English but require all students to provide us with official documents prior to the second semester.

Cambridge International A/O levels: We accept O-levels and A-levels: 5 subjects – Mathematics, English, Science, Social Science, and a Fifth Academic Subject - B or higher on an O-Level can be used for English proficiency and a C or higher on an A-Level can be used for English proficiency

WAEC: WASSCE required + Scratch card + one of our accepted English Proficiency scores.

A Top-ranked School

Congrats on discovering Carroll University, one of the top-ranked liberal arts schools in the Midwest! Year after year, Carroll appears on numerous lists of the best colleges and universities in the country. These rankings are created using a variety of metrics—from faculty-student ratios to retention rates, graduation rates, average salaries, financial aid offerings, and more. Whether you’re talking Money Magazine’s Best Colleges, Forbes Top Colleges, or US News’ Best College lists, we’re pretty proud to have made the grade.

Certify your English proficiency with the Duolingo English Test! The DET is a convenient, fast, and affordable online English test accepted by over 4,000 universities (like this one) around the world.