Carthage College vs University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary difference in location between Carthage College and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater?

  Carthage College is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a city on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a more suburban and lakeside environment. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is situated in Whitewater, Wisconsin, a smaller city located inland, providing a more traditional college town experience.

• How do the sizes of Carthage College and UW-Whitewater compare?

  Carthage College is a smaller, private liberal arts college with a significantly smaller student body, fostering a more intimate learning environment. UW-Whitewater is a larger, public university with a much larger student population, offering a broader range of academic programs and a more diverse student body.

• What are the typical tuition and fees like at Carthage College versus UW-Whitewater?

  Carthage College generally has higher tuition and fees compared to UW-Whitewater. As a private institution, Carthage's costs reflect its smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, and additional resources. UW-Whitewater, as a public university, benefits from state funding, resulting in lower overall costs, especially for Wisconsin residents.

• What academic programs are available at each institution?

  Carthage College offers a strong liberal arts curriculum with a focus on undergraduate studies, including pre-professional programs and a growing emphasis on experiential learning. UW-Whitewater provides a wider array of programs, including a strong business school, education programs, and a broader selection of graduate programs, catering to a more diverse range of academic interests.

• How does the campus environment differ between the two schools?

  Carthage College boasts a beautiful, lakeside campus with modern facilities and a strong sense of community. The smaller size allows for closer interactions between students and faculty. UW-Whitewater has a more traditional campus setting with a larger footprint, offering a wider variety of student activities and a more diverse social scene.

• What are the athletic opportunities like at Carthage College and UW-Whitewater?

  Both institutions offer robust athletic programs. Carthage College competes in NCAA Division III, emphasizing a balance between academics and athletics. UW-Whitewater is also NCAA Division III, but is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football and basketball, and attracts a large following.

• What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each university?

  Carthage College typically has a lower student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for more individualized attention and closer relationships with professors. UW-Whitewater, being a larger university, generally has a higher student-to-faculty ratio, though still offers opportunities for student-faculty interaction.

• How does the availability of financial aid compare?

  Both institutions offer financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Carthage College often provides generous merit-based and need-based aid packages to attract students. UW-Whitewater also offers financial aid, with a focus on affordability, especially for in-state students. The specific aid packages will vary based on individual circumstances, so it's important to apply for financial aid at both schools.

• What are the career services like at Carthage College and UW-Whitewater?

  Both colleges offer career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, and job placement. Carthage College's career services often provide personalized guidance due to the smaller student body. UW-Whitewater's career services have a broader reach, with connections to a wider network of employers, particularly in the business and education sectors.

• Which school is better for a student seeking a strong sense of community?

  Carthage College generally fosters a stronger sense of community due to its smaller size and emphasis on residential life. UW-Whitewater also has a strong community, but the larger student body means that students may need to actively seek out opportunities to connect with others.