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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: A lakeside legacy of learning, growth, and community on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Carthage College, a private institution with a rich history dating back to 1847, stands proudly on the shores of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Guided by its motto, "Seeking truth. Building strength. Inspiring service. Together.," Carthage fosters a vibrant academic community for its 2,667 students. What began as a Lutheran-founded college in Illinois has transformed into a dynamic institution renowned for its continuous innovation and commitment to student success.

The college's journey is a testament to resilience and growth. From its roots as "The Literary and Theological Institute of the Lutheran Church in the Far West," through its period as Illinois State University where Abraham Lincoln briefly served on its board, Carthage has always adapted. After facing challenges and relocating to Kenosha in 1957, the college truly blossomed. The dedication of its lakeshore campus in 1962 marked an era of unprecedented expansion, seeing enrollment increase fivefold, endowment triple, and physical assets soar by 600 percent in just a decade.

Today, Carthage College offers a modern, engaging student experience, backed by over $130 million invested in campus enhancements since 2001. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities like the award-winning Hedberg Library and the A. W. Clausen Center for World Business. Aspiring scientists thrive in the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Natural and Social Sciences, which features a planetarium and twelve new labs. The campus also boasts the Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center, the expansive Campbell Student Union, and contemporary residence halls like The Oaks and The Tower, ensuring a holistic and supportive environment where students can learn, grow, and connect.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1847 by Lutheran pioneers, with a rich history stretching back to Hillsboro, Illinois.
  • Abraham Lincoln briefly served on the college's board of trustees from 1860-1861 when it was known as Illinois State University.
  • Since 2001, over $130 million has been invested in new construction and major renovations, providing modern learning and living spaces.
  • The Hedberg Library was named Wisconsin Library of the Year in 2004 and won the Highsmith Award in 2007.
  • The state-of-the-art David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Natural and Social Sciences features a new planetarium and twelve new science labs.
  • A vibrant student body of 2,667 students enjoys a private college experience on the shores of Lake Michigan.
  • The Campbell Student Union, opened in 2011, houses a 200-seat theatre, art gallery, and diverse dining options.

Timeline

1847
Founded in Hillsboro, Illinois, and chartered as The Literary and Theological Institute of the Lutheran Church in the Far West.
1852
College moved to Springfield, Illinois, and was renamed Illinois State University.
1860
Abraham Lincoln began serving 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 was dedicated, launching an era of significant growth.
2001
Hedberg Library and Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center opened as part of a major campus expansion.
2004
The former Ruthrauff Library was renovated into the A. W. Clausen Center for World Business.
2012
Campbell Student Union and The Oaks student residence village opened.
2015
David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Natural and Social Sciences opened after a $45 million expansion.
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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