Carthage welcomes largest ever incoming class

Affirming its rising stature in the Midwest, Carthage College welcomes a record-setting first-year class in fall 2025.

Based on enrollment figures as of Aug. 15, the 1,070 new Carthage undergraduate students include more than 900 freshmen and more than 100 transfers. That’s the largest incoming class in the institution’s 178-year history.

In fact, Carthage’s total enrollment has increased 9% over the past six years. The steady growth comes at an increasingly competitive time in higher education, when other schools in the region have reported sharp declines.

“This record-setting class reflects the confidence that students and families have in Carthage,” says Ashley Hanson, vice president for enrollment. “At a time when many colleges are facing enrollment challenges, our growth demonstrates the value of our strong academic programs, our personalized support, and the unmatched opportunities that come from our location in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor.”

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A deeper look at the numbers shows that Carthage assembled this class without lowering admission standards. The growth corresponds to an unprecedented surge in student interest, as more than 11,000 applicants sought admission for fall 2025 — a 42% increase over the previous year.

Leaders also highlight Carthage’s commitment to affordable education. The College awards more than $20 million in scholarships and grants each year, and its 4-Year Graduation Guarantee limits families’ out-of-pocket costs.

Nursing, business, psychology, biology, and marketing are the top areas of interest for students in the Class of 2029, although many continue to explore Carthage’s more than 75 bachelor’s degree programs, minors, and special academic options. A new School of Health launches this fall, just four years after the School of Business and Economics.

Carthage holds activities throughout the fall semester to help these newcomers transition smoothly to college life. That begins with the five-day New Student Orientation and continues with the 10-week College Success Seminar.

In addition, dozens of graduate students enter a range of accelerated programs this fall. They’re pursuing master’s degrees in athletic training, business design and innovation, sports management, education, and music.

Welcome to all of our new students!