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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: Rooted in history, thriving on Lake Michigan with continuous innovation.

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Carthage College offers a vibrant and enriching academic experience rooted in nearly two centuries of history. Founded by Lutheran pioneers in 1847, Carthage has evolved from its modest beginnings in Illinois, enduring periods of war and economic challenge, to become a thriving private institution dedicated to "Seeking truth. Building strength. Inspiring service. Together." Today, it welcomes 2,667 students to a campus boasting state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to continuous innovation.

Carthage's journey is marked by resilience and vision. After relocating several times, including a significant period as Illinois State University where Abraham Lincoln served on its board, the college found its permanent home on the Wisconsin lakeshore in 1962. This move heralded an era of remarkable growth, with a fivefold increase in enrollment and substantial expansion of its physical assets. The spirit of progress continues, with over $130 million invested in modernizing the campus since 2001, creating an environment that supports dynamic learning and a rich student life.

Academically, Carthage is equipped to prepare students for the modern world. Its award-winning Hedberg Library, recognized as Wisconsin Library of the Year, stands as a hub for intellectual inquiry. The A. W. Clausen Center for World Business provides a dedicated space for global commerce studies, while the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Natural and Social Sciences offers cutting-edge labs and a planetarium, fostering discovery in STEM fields. Students also enjoy a vibrant campus life, with modern residence halls like The Oaks and The Tower, and the Campbell Student Union serving as a central hub for dining, recreation, and community engagement. Carthage College truly blends its rich heritage with forward-thinking academic and student experiences.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1847 with a proud Lutheran heritage and a motto of "Seeking truth. Building strength. Inspiring service. Together."
  • ✦Boasts a stunning lakeshore campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin, dedicated in 1962, which sparked a period of extensive growth.
  • ✦Guided by a $0.2 billion endowment and serving 2,667 students under President John R. Swallow.
  • ✦Historically significant, with Abraham Lincoln serving on its board of trustees from 1860-1861.
  • ✦Committed over $130 million since 2001 to state-of-the-art facilities, including a new planetarium and advanced science labs.
  • ✦Home to the award-winning Hedberg Library, named Wisconsin Library of the Year in 2004.
  • ✦Offers a dynamic student experience with modern residence halls (The Oaks, The Tower) and the Campbell Student Union.

Timeline

1847
Founded in Hillsboro, Illinois, originally as The Literary and Theological Institute of the Lutheran Church in the Far West.
1852
Moved to Springfield, Illinois, and was renamed Illinois State University.
1860
Abraham Lincoln served briefly on the board of trustees until 1861.
1870
Reestablished in Carthage, Illinois, and acquired its current name, Carthage College.
1957
Board of trustees voted unanimously to open a campus in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
1962
The lakeshore campus in Kenosha was dedicated, launching an era of significant growth.
2001
The Hedberg Library and Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center opened.
2012
The 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, adding a planetarium.
2018
The Tower, a new apartment-style residence hall, was opened.
🏛️
179 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

John R. Swallow
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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