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Carthage College

Kenosha, WI

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Seeking truth. Building strength. Inspiring service. Together.

1847
Founded
Private college
Type
2,628
Total Students
2,559
Undergrad
108
Graduate
$163M
Endowment
(2024)
$37K
Tuition (In-State)
$37K
Tuition (Out-State)
$25K
Avg Net Price
84%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
6-year
82%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: John R. Swallow

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

About Carthage College

Carthage College: Pioneering spirit, lakeside beauty, modern academic vigor.

Carthage College stands as a testament to resilience and growth, evolving from its roots with Lutheran pioneers in Illinois to its vibrant, modern lakeside campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Founded in 1847, this private college boasts a rich history, including a brief association with Abraham Lincoln, who served on its board of trustees. After multiple relocations and name changes, it found its permanent home by the shores of Lake Michigan, blossoming into a dynamic institution.

Today, Carthage College offers an engaging student experience defined by continuous innovation and a commitment to its motto: "Seeking truth. Building strength. Inspiring service. Together." The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting an investment of over $130 million in new construction and renovations since 2001. Prospective students will discover impressive academic resources like the award-winning Hedberg Library, the A. W. Clausen Center for World Business, and the cutting-edge David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Natural and Social Sciences, which houses a new planetarium and advanced labs.

Beyond academics, Carthage fosters a lively student life with modern amenities such as the Campbell Student Union, robust athletic facilities like the Tarble Arena, and contemporary residence halls including The Oaks and The Tower, offering apartment-style living with stunning lake views. With a student body of 2,667, Carthage College provides a supportive and inspiring environment for learning and personal growth, preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and service.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1847 by Lutheran pioneers, showcasing a deep historical legacy.
  • Operates a vibrant lakeside campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin, dedicated in 1962, which spurred a period of exponential growth.
  • Boasts a student body of 2,667 and a substantial endowment of $0.2 billion.
  • Over $130 million invested in state-of-the-art campus facilities and renovations since 2001.
  • Home to the award-winning Hedberg Library and advanced academic centers, including the Clausen Center for World Business and the Straz Center for Natural and Social Sciences with a new planetarium.
  • Connected to Abraham Lincoln, who served briefly on its board of trustees from 1860-1861.
  • Guided by its motto: "Seeking truth. Building strength. Inspiring service. Together."

Timeline

1847
Founded in Hillsboro, Illinois, as The Literary and Theological Institute of the Lutheran Church in the Far West.
1852
Moved to Springfield, Illinois, and renamed Illinois State University.
1860
Abraham Lincoln served briefly on the board of trustees.
1870
Reestablished in Carthage, Illinois, acquiring its current name, Carthage College.
1957
Board of trustees voted to open a campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
1962
Lakeshore campus in Kenosha dedicated, beginning an era of significant growth.
2001
Hedberg Library and Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center opened.
2012
Campbell Student Union and The Oaks student residence village opened.
2015
New science center opened in the renovated David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Natural and Social Sciences.
2018
The Tower, a new apartment-style residence hall, opened.
🏛️
179 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

John R. Swallow
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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