Understanding Carthage College Tuition and Costs

Choosing a college is a significant investment, and understanding the costs associated with attending a particular institution is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition, fees, and other expenses related to attending Carthage College, a private institution located in Kenosha, WI. We will explore the sticker price, total cost, financial aid options, and potential student loan debt, offering a clear picture of the financial aspects of a Carthage College education.

The Sticker Price: Tuition and Fees

Carthage College's tuition is $41,000, which is cheaper than the national average cost of tuition of $47,097. These figures encompass both tuition and fees, often referred to as the sticker price. It's important to note that fees can vary across institutions and may cover various services such as library access, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

The Total Cost: Beyond Tuition

When comparing the costs of different institutions, it's essential to consider the total cost, which includes the sticker price plus expenses like food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. At Carthage College, the total cost amounts to $55,200. This figure provides a more realistic estimate of the overall investment required for a year of study. Also, this residence fee is for a standard double room and the standard meal plan for freshmen. Other room styles, including single rooms, may carry additional fees. The standard meal plan provides an average of 14 meals per week, plus Birdie Bucks that can be used at any dining location and guest passes for family and friends.

Other Costs

Books and Supplies: \$1,200 per year
Personal Expenses: \$2,400 per year

Financial Aid: Making College Affordable

Recognizing that financing a college education is a partnership, Carthage College works with families to identify the appropriate mix of available resources, including assistance from Carthage itself, the federal government, and some state governments. Nearly all Carthage students receive financial assistance, and significant need-based and merit-based aid remains available.

Need-Based Aid

In fall 2023, 75% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students was $6,056. Need-based self-help aid, which includes federal loans and work-study, averaged $1,890 for first-year students. Carthage College met 15% of its students’ financial aid need.

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Types of Aid Available

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Scholarships and Grants: These are forms of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships consider a student’s financial status, while merit-based scholarships are awarded for academic or athletic achievement. Scholarships may also be available based on community service, unique hobbies or traits, personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.
Loans: Loans must be paid back, typically after graduation.
Work-Study: Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
Priority Application Due: Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. It's still advisable to apply for financial aid even if you miss this deadline.
Notification Date: When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
Response Due: The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Student Loan Debt: Planning for the Future

The amount of student loan debt you accumulate can significantly impact your financial life after college. Ideally, your total student loan debt should be less than your anticipated starting salary upon graduation.

At Carthage College, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $26,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $276.

Additionally, 28% of graduating students at Carthage College took out private loans, with an average private loan debt of $50,476 at graduation.

Average Total Indebtedness

The average total indebtedness of the 2024 graduating class was $56,927, with 86% of graduating students having borrowed some type of loan.

Understanding Net Price

The average net price, which represents a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive, is \$24,962 per year at Carthage College. Your net price is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies.

Additional Opportunities

Jobs

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job.

Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

Meal Plans

3 daily Meal Exchanges are allowed. Limit one Meal Exchange per period.
Commuter Meal Plans can be purchased as needed in blocks of 25 or 50 throughout the academic year. Commuter Plan Meal Swipes can be used in The Caf and Lentz Do Lunch. Commuter Plan Meal Swipes expire at the end of the academic year. Birdie Bucks can be added to commuter student ID anytime via the GET App.
During J-Term, residential students who are on campus can choose to purchase an optional meal plan.

Tuition Reset

In September, President John Swallow announced that Carthage will lower tuition to $31,500 - a 30 percent drop from the current $45,100. The tuition reset, which applies to all new and returning undergraduate students, should not affect the amount families actually pay.

“Understanding the true cost of college has become unnecessarily complicated,” said President Swallow. The reset was announced shortly after the launch of The Aspire Program, a comprehensive four-year career development initiative for all Carthage students.

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“Each year, we’ve made a stronger commitment to affordability, making a Carthage education accessible for more students from all backgrounds,” said Nick Mulvey, vice president for enrollment.

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