Montana's #1 College

Carroll College #1 Best in Montana

We are committed to sharing stories and data that highlight Carroll College’s distinction as Montana’s #1 college. We are proud of our accomplishments and the positive impact they have on Helena and Montana.

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Three Female Graduates at Commencement

#1 for Graduation Rates

Carroll’s six-year graduation rate is 66%, which eclipses that of any other public or private institution in Montana. This is important because students who graduate in four years are able to enter the workforce and begin earning a salary sooner, leading to higher lifetime earnings. Source

Two Carroll College students smiling

#1 for Retention

Carroll’s retention rate of 81%, which is the number of students who stay enrolled between their freshman and sophomore years, is also above any other public or private institution in Montana. When students stay at Carroll, this indicates they are satisfied with their experience. Source

Source: U.S. Department of Education Scorecard

Retention Rate

81%
Medical Students

#1 in Medical School Placement

Carroll has sent 161 students to medical school in the past 10 years, with a 30-year average placement rate above 80% (the national average is 41%). We lead in Montana for acceptance rate among institutions averaging over 10 applicants per year.

Four Nursing Students

#1 for Nursing NCLEX Pass Rate

Carroll’s three-year RN licensure exam first-time pass rate is 98.8%, which is the highest of any public or private institution in Montana. Source

First-Time Pass Rate

98.8%
Students Smiling

#1 for Graduate Lifetime Earnings

According to a recent Georgetown University report, Carroll graduates have the highest lifetime earnings of any college in Montana. Source

Pre-Law

#1 Net Importer of Talent for Montana

Sixty percent of our enrolling students come from outside Montana, yet five years after graduation, 72% of our graduates are working in Montana. And since Carroll grads have the highest average wages of any Montana graduate, the 3,267 Carroll alumni that live in the Helena area alone make a huge impact on our economy. Source: Carroll College Institutional Research

Making a Difference

As a regional Catholic liberal arts college, our students demonstrate that they are critical thinkers and problem-solvers, while also possessing excellent communication skills. They can debate issues and demonstrate empathy, and they rapidly rise into leadership positions. A regional CEO recently told us that they would hire as many Carroll graduates as possible due to these attributes. 

Our students share a deep concern for the communities they live in and want to make this world a better place.

MSW smiles

Other Distinctions

Carroll is consistently recognized at the national level for excellence in academic programs, athletics, value, and the accomplishments of our alumni. Recently, the Carroll Talking Saints won their 34th consecutive conference title from the Northwest Forensics Conference championship tournament. For a full list of other distinctions and rankings, including our ranking as U.S. News and World Report's 2023-2024 Best Value school in the West, visit our distinctions and ranks page.

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Why are we the #1 college in Montana? Find out more.

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