HELENA – Carroll College has announced a 4.5% increase in enrollment year-over-year, bringing its total student population to 1,167 across all programs. This growth includes the second largest first-year class in five years, with the class of 2028 comprising 284 new first-year students—a 4% increase over last year. Including transfer and re-admitted students, Carroll has welcomed 353 new undergraduate students this fall.
"We are proud of the strides Carroll College has made in attracting and retaining students across a wide range of disciplines,” said Carroll College President John Cech. “We are seeing growth in both our undergraduate as well as our graduate and post-baccalaureate programs which is encouraging. Most importantly, our improved 82.1% fall-to-fall retention rate speaks volumes about the quality of education and student experience we provide. These numbers reflect Carroll's commitment to excellence and our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of today's students. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential."
Carroll’s popular programs, including nursing, biology, business, health sciences, and psychology, continue to attract significant interest from both this incoming class as well as prospective students. The nursing program, in particular, stands out for its rigorous training and access to the cutting-edge E. L. Wiegand Nursing Simulation Center. Currently, 120 sophomores and upperclassmen are enrolled in the nursing program, with an additional 60 first-year students expressing interest. Nursing students now make up 15% of the student body, underscoring Carroll’s reputation as a leader in nursing education in Montana. Graduates from both the traditional and Accelerated Nursing tracks achieved a 100% first-attempt NCLEX pass rate this past spring and summer, well exceeding the statewide average of 94%. The college anticipates 54 nursing graduates in the upcoming spring and summer.
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program continues to grow as well. This fall, the program welcomed its largest cohort of new students yet—29 graduate students—bringing the total MSW enrollment to 45, a 32% increase from the previous year. The program’s nine-month advanced standing option, available to those with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW or BSSW) continues to grow, offering already committed social workers a path to clinical licensure.
Carroll College’s international student community also remains robust, with 26 students from 17 countries, including six participants in the Global Refugee Student Initiative. Of these students, 20 are degree-seeking, while six are attending through an exchange program. Representing countries as diverse as Brazil, Cambodia, Denmark, Ukraine, and Tajikistan, these students bring a rich cultural diversity that enhances the global perspective on campus.
Carroll attributes its growth to its unique learning environment, characterized by small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which fosters deeper, more enriching academic experiences. In addition, Carroll’s close-knit campus community provides students with a well-rounded college experience where they feel recognized, supported, and valued. The college remains deeply dedicated to its motto, “Not for school, but for life,” ensuring that students are not only prepared for their professional careers but also equipped socially, emotionally, and spiritually to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
In addition, research consistently shows that students who live on campus are more engaged, perform better academically, and experience enhanced well-being, a trend Carroll College is seeing firsthand with an 8.6% increase in students living in the traditional residence halls and apartments this year. This boost in on-campus living not only strengthens the sense of community, but also enhances student success by fostering deeper involvement in academic and extracurricular activities.
Also, in recognition of its ongoing commitment to character development and leadership, Carroll was recently named the inaugural NAIA School of Character, out of 237 NAIA schools nationwide, reflecting its focus on developing students who embody integrity and service both on and off the field.
Lastly, Carroll remains dedicated to making education accessible for all students, regardless of economic background. The college was once again named the #1 Best Value Regional College in the West by U.S. News & World Report—the third consecutive year it has earned this honor. The new Pell Promise for Montana Students ensures full tuition coverage for eligible Montana students receiving the federal Pell Grant, underscoring Carroll’s commitment to removing financial barriers for qualified students.
“As we continue to grow, our focus remains steadfast on providing students with an education that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply connected to service, leadership, and character development,” said President Cech. “Carroll College is preparing graduates who will not only excel in their careers but also make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.”