Founded in 1847, Carthage College combines an environment of reflection and self-discovery with a culture of high expectation, so that our students uncover and ignite their true potential. As a four-year private liberal arts college with roots in the Lutheran tradition, we place a strong emphasis on both moral and intellectual values. Our prime location in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, allows students the opportunity to learn in a professional context. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre arboretum on the shore of Lake Michigan is home to 150 scholars, 2,600 full-time students, and 400 part-time students. Our rich academic experience equips students with foundational knowledge and skills, preparing graduates to be lifelong learners, and to lead meaningful, productive lives.
Location
Carthage’s campus is an 80-acre arboretum located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wis., between Chicago and Milwaukee. The campus offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from almost every building on campus, including many residence hall rooms. The Pike River winds its way through the campus.
Degrees Offered
Carthage awards the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in more than 40 subject areas, and the Master of Education degree. Carthage also hosts the Loyola University Chicago Master of Social Work graduate degree program.
Awards, Honors & Accreditation
Carthage is a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review (2013), and has been named a Tier 1 national liberal arts institution by U.S. News & World Report (2013). Carthage has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1916.
Academics
Carthage offers majors, minors and concentrations in more than 50 areas of study. Students can choose from accounting to astrophysics, occupational therapy to opera. Carthage seniors score in the top 11 percent nationally in critical thinking, problem solving and written communication according to the Collegiate Learning Assessment.
The Carthage faculty comprises nearly 150 scholars, 90 percent of whom hold doctorate or terminal degrees from the world’s top graduate schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Princeton, and Oxford. Professors, not teaching assistants, teach all classes, and the average class size is just 17 students.
Campus Life
70% of students live on campus. On-campus housing is guaranteed for all four years. Carthage is a Lutheran school, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, but welcomes students of all faiths.
Study Abroad
Carthage is ranked No. 6 in the nation among baccalaureate institutions for student participation in short-term student abroad. Many students who wouldn’t otherwise study abroad during college have an opportunity to spend up to a month in a different country during Carthage’s January Term.
Facilities
Things look new at Carthage because they are new. Carthage has invested more than $150 million in campus facilities in the past decade. New buildings include the Campbell Student Union, the Oaks Residential Village, N. E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center, and A. W. Clausen Center for World Business. The College breaks ground on a new science center in Spring 2014.
Athletics
Carthage fields 24 NCAA Division III teams competing in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. About a third of Carthage students are involved in varsity intercollegiate athletics, and another third participate in the many intramural and club sports offered.
