Carroll College

Helena, MT

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

1,052

Total Students

$40K

Tuition (In-State)

$40K

Tuition (Out-State)

$25K

Avg Net Price

73%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Graduation Rate

6-year

81%

Retention Rate

Baccalaureate Colleges

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Carroll College

Founded by a bishop, blessed by a president: Carroll College's enduring legacy.

Carroll College, nestled in the heart of Montana, stands as a testament to enduring Catholic liberal arts education. Founded on September 27, 1909, by Bishop John Patrick Carroll, it began its journey as "Mount St. Charles College," with an ambitious vision to cultivate leaders for the priesthood, law, medicine, teaching, and engineering. The college's very foundation was graced by a historic moment when U.S. President William Howard Taft himself helped lay the cornerstone of St. Charles Hall, underscoring its early national significance and promising future.

Throughout its rich history, Carroll College has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. Renamed in 1932 to honor its visionary founder, the institution famously withstood the devastating 1935 Helena earthquake with minimal damage, even repurposing fallen stones to build the state's oldest astronomical observatory, the Neuman Observatory. This spirit of innovation continued through World War II, when Carroll proudly participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program, shaping future naval officers.

Today, Carroll College continues its mission as a vibrant co-educational institution, having evolved from its all-male origins to embrace a diverse student body, including many veterans supported by the GI Bill. Students thrive in a supportive, faith-based environment that champions critical thinking and ethical leadership. With a strong emphasis on liberal arts, the college prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service, carrying forward a legacy of academic excellence and community contribution in Montana and beyond.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1909 by Bishop John Patrick Carroll, initially as Mount St. Charles College.
✦The cornerstone of St. Charles Hall was laid by U.S. President William Howard Taft in 1909, who praised its future impact.
✦Renamed Carroll College in 1932 to honor its visionary founder.
✦Survived the 1935 Helena earthquake with only minor damage, repurposing fallen stones to build the Neuman Observatory, Montana's oldest astronomical observatory.
✦Participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II, offering students a path to a Navy commission.
✦Transitioned from an all-men's college to admitting its first female students after World War II, also serving many veterans through the GI Bill.

Timeline

1883

Bishop John Baptist Brondel proposes a Catholic college in Montana.

1909

College founded as "Mount St. Charles College" by Bishop John Patrick Carroll.

1909

U.S. President William Howard Taft helps lay the cornerstone of St. Charles Hall.

1910

Mount Saint Charles College opens its doors for classes.

1916

The first college student graduates.

1932

School's name changed to "Carroll College" in honor of its founder.

1935

Carroll College suffers only minor damage during the Helena earthquake.

1941

Carroll College participates in the V-12 Navy College Training Program during World War II.

1945

College begins expansion, enrolls veterans under the GI Bill, and later admits its first female students.

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