Carroll College is committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, national origin, or ethnic origin. No qualified individual is excluded from admission or participation in any educational program, activity, or facility by reason of disability, providing the individual can properly perform with reasonable accommodation.
Degree Candidates
Degree candidates are those who have made application, through the Office of Admission, for a course of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Accountancy or Master of Social Work degree (for information about graduate level admission, please refer to the Graduate Programs Bulletin section of this catalog). Degree candidates may be enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis.
General Requirements
Admitted candidates are those who, in the view of the Admission committee, are likely to succeed in and contribute to the Carroll College community. The Committee conducts a comprehensive review when evaluating and determining the admissibility of candidates. In all cases, the underlying principle of comprehensive review for admission consideration is the assessment of preparedness, potential and purpose. The process is one that weighs heavily the candidate’s past academic performance with the greatest emphasis placed upon the candidate’s grades and the quality of academic preparation (curriculum). Admitted candidates will demonstrate a strong academic background. Carroll does not have established quotas or standardized admission requirements. Decisions are based on a student’s work during high school, verbal and quantitative reasoning skills, secondary school report/letter of recommendation, demonstrated commitment to intellectual achievement, and performance on standardized college entrance examinations. In the case of transfer applicants, the college work already completed is considered.
Freshman Admission
A complete admission file includes:
- Completed application form, including personal essay
- Official transcripts from high school, any college(s) concurrently attended during high school, or GED/HiSet Exam scores (if applicable)
- Official ACT or SAT scores (restrictions apply, please refer to the test optional link on the web: https://www.carroll.edu/how-apply/test-optional)
- Secondary school report or letter of recommendation (encouraged but not required)
Students who desire to enroll before completing the traditional senior year in high school (outside of our Advanced College Experience/Early Access program) will be reviewed by the Admission Committee to determine the applicant’s ability for academic and personal success.
The Admission Committee will consider ACT or SAT test scores posted on an official high school transcript as official for admission purposes. Otherwise, the applicant must have test scores submitted from one of the following entrance examinations: ACT or the College Board (SAT). The Carroll ACT identifying number is 2408 and the SAT identifying number is 4041. Traditional freshman applicants are encouraged to take admission tests by December of the senior year of high school in order for the Office of Admission to make a timely decision. Applicants may obtain testing information from any high school counseling office/career center or online.
The offer of admission is contingent upon the successful completion of the senior year of high school and graduation requirements. To receive full consideration for scholarships and financial aid opportunities, applicants must have a complete admission file by the regular consideration admission deadline.
Freshman applicants are strongly encouraged to follow a college-preparatory curriculum. While such a curriculum is recommended, it is not required in order for a student to be considered for admission to Carroll College. The following is a recommended curriculum schedule for four years of high school:
English—4 years
Mathematics—3 years, including Algebra II
Social Studies—3 years, including U.S. History and U.S. Government
Science—2 years, including one lab science
Foreign Language—2 years
Fine Arts (music, art, theatre)—2 years
Technology—1 year
Early College Program
High school students with demonstrated superior academic ability will, upon written request, be considered for admission to a degree-seeking program after completing a minimum of three years of high school. The following additional documents are required for admission consideration:
- Two letters of recommendation from an instructor, counselor and/or high school principal supporting the student’s decision to seek early admission.
- Personal statement addressing the circumstances and decision that led the student to seek early admission to college.
- Interviews may be required of some candidates.
Advanced Placement
High schools students who receive scores of 4 or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination may, upon enrollment, be granted advanced placement and college credit in appropriate subjects. Reports on examinations must be sent to the Registrar directly from the College Board. For a full list of AP exams accepted for addition to Carroll transcripts, please visit the AP and IB policy webpage at https://www.carroll.edu/apply/ap-ib-policy.
International Baccalaureate
Carroll College recognizes the International Baccalaureate as a challenging program of student and takes this into consideration when reviewing the student's application for admission. Students who present scores of 5, 6, or 7 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) higher level examinations may be awarded college credit. No credit will be awarded for subsidiary level examinations. Reports on examinations must be sent to the Registrar directly from the International Baccalaureate Organization. For a full list of IB exams accepted for addition to Carroll transcripts, please visit the AP and IB policy webpage at https://www.carroll.edu/apply/ap-ib-policy.
International Leaving Exams
Credit and/or advanced standing for international leaving exams is considered on a case by case basis. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office at intl@carroll.edu.
Home School Applicants
Carroll College welcomes students who have been educated through homeschool curricula. Students applying for admission to Carroll College that have participated in a home-school program must submit the following:
- Completed application form (available online at www.carroll.edu or www.commonapp.org)
- High school transcript and/or syllabus of all course work completed and any colleges concurrently attended during high school, or GED/HiSet Exam (if applicable)
- Results of a standardized test (ACT, SAT, COMPASS or ACCUPLACER)
- Letter of recommendation, by someone other than a parent, addressing academic potential and accomplishments (encouraged but not required)
Please note: Although not required for admission consideration, homeschooled candidates are encouraged to submit their state’s equivalency of high school completion.
Transfer Admission
Carroll welcomes applications from students whose educational interest will be served by transferring from two-year or four-year colleges. Students are considered transfer candidates if they have attempted a minimum of 24 credits from a regionally accredited college or university after high school graduation.
Admitted candidates are those who, in the view of the Admission Committee, are likely to become successful members of the Carroll community and demonstrate a strong academic background. For that reason, a holistic admission policy is practiced. Transfer students should have a minimum 2.50 overall college grade point average (4.0 scale) to be considered for admission.
A complete admission file includes:
- Completed application form, including personal statement
- Official transcripts from all college(s) previously attended and official transcripts from high school if fewer than 24 semester credits of college level work was attempted
- ACT or SAT test scores if fewer than 24 semester credits of college level work was attempted. The COMPASS or ACCUPLACER may be requested of applicants who have been out of high school for more than three years
- Letter of recommendation are encouraged but not required.
The offer of admission to transfer students is contingent upon the successful completion of collegiate course work.
Transfer of Credit Policies
The policy governing the undergraduate Transfer of Credit is found in the Academic Policies section of this Catalog.
The policy regarding Transfer of Graduate Level Credits is fund in the Academic Policies for Graduate Students section of the Graduate Programs Bulletin.
International Student Admission
Carroll is pleased to welcome international students. Carroll offers a welcoming community and provides a variety of services for international students during their tenure at the College. International students who wish to attend Carroll College as degree or non-degree students will follow these guidelines:
- Apply online at www.carroll.edu or complete the Common Application.
- All applicants must submit certified copies of all transcripts, diplomas, certificates, and degrees received, as well as certified copies of all subjects for which the applicant was enrolled or is presently enrolled via InCRED. If records are not in English, the applicant must submit an official certified translation. All credentials must bear the official school seal and signature and be sent directly to the Office of International Admission no later than the deadlines outlined in the Admissions Deadlines and Notifications section of this catalog. Transcripts marked “issued to student” are unacceptable.
- Regardless of citizenship, applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit proof of English language proficiency. Carroll College accepts official results for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam, the EIKEN or the IELTS exam.
TOEFL: The minimum score accepted is 550 (paper) 213 computer and 80 (iBT) with a 20 in each band. The Carroll College school code is 4041. Information concerning the TOEFL may be obtained from: www.ets.org/toefl/ or from the nearest U.S. Consulate.
EIKEN: A grade of pre-1 or higher is required.
IELTS: A score of 6.5 or higher is required. (IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations).
- All applicants requiring an F1 or J1 visa must submit Carroll’s certified financial statement demonstrating who will accept responsibility for the student’s financial obligations. This statement must certify that the applicant will have funds available to meet all costs required to attend Carroll College each year the applicant is in the United States. This form can be obtained on the international admission website or by contacting the Admissions Office at intl@carroll.edu.
- All international students are required to show proof of medical insurance before attending classes. All J1 students must secure insurance that meets the US Department of State insurance requirements.
- All international students must follow the International Student Policies as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Admissions Deadlines and Notifications
All offers of admission are contingent upon the successful completion of high school or collegiate course work in progress. Files that are incomplete or do not provide clear evidence of an ability to pursue college level work will be held until further evidence is requested and received.
| Fall Semester |
| Freshman Applicants |
Deadline |
Notification Period |
| Early Action |
November 1 |
December 31 |
| Regular Decision |
February 28 |
Rolling Notification |
| Rolling Consideration |
May 1* |
Rolling Notification |
| Direct Entry Freshman Applicants |
November 1 |
Rolling Notification |
| *After May 1 applicants are considered on a space available basis. |
| Transfer Applicants |
Deadline |
Notification Period |
| Regular Decision |
March 15 |
Rolling Notification |
| Rolling Consideration |
June 15* |
Rolling Notification |
| *After August 1 transfer applicants are considered on a space available basis. |
| Direct Entry Nursing Transfer Applicants |
Deadline |
Notification Period |
| Regular Decision |
May 1 |
June 15th |
| Spring Semester |
| Freshmen and Transfer |
Deadline |
Notification Period |
| Regular Decision |
November 1 |
Rolling Notification |
| Late Consideration |
December 1* |
Rolling Notification |
| *After December 1 applicants are considered on a space available basis. |
Admission into a Major Program of Study
Admission into the College by the Office of Admission does not guarantee acceptance into a major program of study. Acceptance into the Nursing program or the Teacher Education program requires submission of an additional application and supporting credentials. Nursing offers both a direct entry and pre-nursing option. Criteria for admission into a particular program can be obtained by referring to the appropriate department section of this catalog.
Enrollment Reservation (Tuition Deposit)
Upon receiving notification of admission, students must submit an enrollment reservation fee of $200 ($750 for international students) and a completed enrollment reservation form to confirm their intent to enroll at the College. Students admitted for the Fall semester must submit the enrollment reservation fee and form by May 1. Students admitted after May 1 are required to submit their enrollment reservation fee and form within 15 days of admission. The fee is non-refundable after May 1. The priority for need-based aid will be given to those students who have made their enrollment deposit by May 1. For Spring semester, to confirm intent to enroll, admitted students must submit the enrollment reservation fee and form by December 1 to confirm their intent to enroll. The fee is non-refundable after that date.
Note: Although this is a non-refundable fee after May 1 for Fall semester or December 1 for Spring semester, it can be applied to either semester within one full academic year following the original application to enroll.
Readmission
Students who have been absent from Carroll College for one or more semesters are required to complete an application for readmission available from the Office of Admission. A student who has attended another college/ university since withdrawal from Carroll College must submit an official copy of the transcript from each institution to the Office of Admission before the application will be considered. Students readmitted to Carroll will continue with the academic standing they had the last term they attended the College. Generally, if a student interrupts attendance, s/he must graduate under the requirements in effect at the time of re-admission; however, a student who takes a one- or two-semester break from the College and leaves in academic good standing may be eligible to return under her or his original catalog year, providing s/he can complete the requirements within six years of initial enrollment. Determination of appropriate catalog year is made by the Registrar. Prior admission and/or attendance at Carroll College does not guarantee readmission. Readmission to the College does not guarantee acceptance into college housing. Once readmitted, students who wish to reside on campus must submit a Housing Application form.
Non-Degree Students
Non-degree students are those who are enrolled at Carroll College, usually on a part-time basis, and who are not seeking a degree.
Non-degree students must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants who were enrolled in high school within the last two academic years are required to submit an official high school transcript and a personal statement indicating why they are seeking admission as a non-degree student. Once these supporting documents are received the Admission Committee will render its decision. Students must meet the requirements for good standing at Carroll in order to enroll for subsequent courses.
Non-degree students may complete 18 credits of coursework after which time the student must apply for admission as a degree-seeking student or re-apply to continue his or her status as a non-degree student.
Enrollment Procedure
To enroll as a non-degree student at Carroll College, one must complete the following steps at the Office of Admission or Registrar's Office (1 and 2 below) and at the Business Office (3):
- Complete the Non-Degree Student Application Form, which can be found online at www.carroll.edu.
- Complete registration according to the dates specified in the semester schedule.
- Pay for other charges and appropriate special course fees.
Conversion to Degree Candidacy
Should non-degree students wish to become degree candidates, they must comply with all admission requirements as outlined in this bulletin. The non-degree student should keep in mind the following points:
- A non-degree student is not guaranteed admission into a degree program of the College by reason of having taken courses at Carroll.
- The non-degree student is obligated to fulfill the graduation requirements set forth in the college bulletin for the year of admission as a degree candidate.
- Non-degree students who are admitted as degree candidates must abide by all academic policies as outlined in the appropriate bulletin.
Auditors
Students may be enrolled as auditors upon payment of the usual fee and audit tuition. Auditors will not receive college credit for the course. A student cannot establish credit in an audited course by a challenge examination or by payment of additional tuition. Class participation is at the discretion of the instructor. It is the responsibility of the auditor to meet with the instructor at the beginning of the course to determine the level of participation and obligation required of the auditor. Certain programs and specified courses are not open to auditors. In all classes, students who register for credit and who pay regular fees will have priority over those students who register on an audit basis. Senior citizens over 60 years of age are accepted on an audit basis at reduced tuition costs.
Carroll Early Access and Advanced College Experience
A special arrangement with Helena-area high schools enables qualified juniors and seniors to enroll for college credit courses at Carroll while completing their secondary school requirements. Qualified home-schooled students are also welcome to participate in this program. Carroll Early Access program students will enroll for college credit only; as part of a two-year pilot program (Fall 2018 - Spring 2020*), these students will not be charged tuition, but other fees will apply. Advanced College Experience program students will enroll for both college credit and high school credit under dual-credit agreements with local high schools; these students will be charged a per-credit tuition rate, plus applicable fees. While some restrictions apply, the Carroll Early Access and Advanced College Experience programs are open to students with a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.25 and approval from their high school counselor and/or parent if the student is homeschooled. Students may register for a maximum of two courses (typically 6-8 credits) per semester. Application forms and further information are available through the Office of Admission.
*Effective Fall 2020, the Carroll Early Access program has been suspended until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Campus Visit
Carroll encourages interested students to visit the campus. Students have the option to participate in a student guided campus tour, attend classes, meet with an admission and/or financial aid counselor, and meet with a professor. Please contact the Office of Admission two weeks prior to the date of your intended visit. Information regarding campus visits or any matters regarding admission should be directed to:
Carroll College, Office of Admission
1601 North Benton Avenue
Helena, MT 59625-0002
406-447-4384 or 1-800-992-3648
visit@carroll.edu
www.carroll.edu