University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) vs Carroll University

Envision yourself pursuing higher education in Wisconsin, where two distinct institutions await: the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and Carroll University. UWM, a public research university, stands out with its open admissions policy, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. Carroll University, a private liberal arts college, offers a selective admissions process, fostering a close-knit community. While both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, UWM boasts a wider selection of majors, including engineering, nursing, and business, while Carroll University excels in the liberal arts, sciences, and business. Discover the nuances that set these institutions apart by delving into the comprehensive comparison table, where you'll find detailed information on acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates. This side-by-side analysis will empower you to make an informed decision, aligning your academic aspirations with the ideal university experience.
Carroll University logo

Carroll University

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee logo

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Overview

Location Waukesha, Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 78.0% 76.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Presbyterian

Admission

Acceptance rate 70.5% 89.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $56
SAT range 1070 - 1290 N/A
ACT range 22 - 27 18 - 25
Students submitting SAT score 5.0%
Students submitting ACT score 40.0% 82.0%
Total number of applicants 4,481 14,859
Total number of admissions given out 3,159 13,218
Admitted students who chose to enroll 678 3,358
Yield rate 21.5% 25.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $48,498
In state: $24,614

Out of state: $36,479
Average net price $24,050 $17,083
Tuition $34,330
In state: $8,091

Out of state: $19,956
Room & board $11,690
Room/dormitory: $6,274

Meal plan: $4,189
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $22,168
89.0%
Average amount $4,401
Students receiving federal student loan 67.0%
Average amount $5,210
43.0%
Average amount $4,970
Students taking out private loans 13.0%
Average amount $14,318
7.0%
Average amount $10,933

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,884
Men 30.5% Women 69.5%
19,411
Men 45.2% Women 54.8%
Graduate students 513
Men 34.5% Women 65.5%
4,418
Men 37.3% Women 62.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Low
Out-of-state students 29.3% 10.7%
International students 1.4% 4.3%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,795 4,228
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Puerto Rico Florida Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Missouri Indiana

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Liberal Arts
  • Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio 14:1 18:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 67.4% 47.4%
Dropout rate 32.2% 48.0%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $102,050
  • Year 2: $108,426
  • Year 3: $104,032
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,660
  • Year 2: $74,576
  • Year 3: $76,900
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,607
  • Year 2: $65,797
  • Year 3: $73,583
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,728
  • Year 2: $71,326
  • Year 3: $72,017
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,920
  • Year 2: $61,317
  • Year 3: $64,501
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,293
  • Year 2: $54,644
  • Year 3: $61,206
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,925
  • Year 3: $60,076
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,954
  • Year 2: $45,618
  • Year 3: $53,524
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,102
  • Year 2: $51,273
  • Year 3: $52,580
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,528
  • Year 2: $36,992
  • Year 3: $49,981
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,506
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $93,377
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,454
  • Year 2: $78,343
  • Year 3: $86,207
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,770
  • Year 2: $67,812
  • Year 3: $72,895
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,590
  • Year 2: $72,727
  • Year 3: $72,400
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,200
  • Year 2: $65,267
  • Year 3: $71,939
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,477
  • Year 2: $66,247
  • Year 3: $71,536
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,137
  • Year 2: $67,995
  • Year 3: $71,158
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,809
  • Year 2: $64,196
  • Year 3: $69,426
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,103
  • Year 2: $57,995
  • Year 3: $68,280
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,159
  • Year 2: $60,851
  • Year 3: $65,279

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and Carroll University?

    UWM is a large, public research university located in an urban setting, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Carroll University is a smaller, private university with a focus on liberal arts and professional programs, located in a suburban setting. UWM generally has a lower tuition cost, while Carroll offers a more personalized learning environment with smaller class sizes.

  • Which university is larger: UWM or Carroll University?

    UWM is significantly larger than Carroll University. UWM has a much larger student body, offering a wider range of academic programs and research opportunities. Carroll University has a smaller, more intimate campus environment.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between UWM and Carroll University?

    Generally, UWM has a lower tuition cost, especially for Wisconsin residents, as it is a public university. Carroll University, being a private institution, typically has a higher tuition rate. However, financial aid packages can vary significantly, so it's important to compare the net cost (tuition minus financial aid) at both schools based on your individual circumstances.

  • What types of academic programs are offered at UWM and Carroll University?

    UWM offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various fields, including engineering, business, arts, education, and health sciences. Carroll University focuses on liberal arts and professional programs such as nursing, physical therapy, business, and education. While both offer a variety of programs, UWM has a broader selection, particularly at the graduate level.

  • How do the campus environments differ between UWM and Carroll University?

    UWM is located in a vibrant urban setting in Milwaukee, offering students access to city amenities, cultural attractions, and internship opportunities. Carroll University is situated in a suburban setting in Waukesha, providing a more traditional campus environment with a close-knit community feel.

  • What is the student-to-faculty ratio like at UWM and Carroll University?

    Carroll University generally has a lower student-to-faculty ratio than UWM. This often translates to smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors at Carroll. UWM, being a larger university, may have larger class sizes, especially in introductory courses.

  • Which university is known for its research opportunities?

    UWM is a designated R1 research university, meaning it has very high research activity. It offers numerous research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students across various disciplines. While Carroll University also supports research, its focus is primarily on undergraduate education.

  • What are the athletic programs like at UWM and Carroll University?

    UWM competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Milwaukee Panthers, offering a wide range of varsity sports. Carroll University competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Carroll Pioneers. Division I athletics typically involve a higher level of competition and larger athletic programs.

  • How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

    Both UWM and Carroll University offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. UWM's location in Milwaukee provides access to a wide range of internship opportunities in various industries. Carroll University also has strong connections with local businesses and organizations in the Waukesha area.

  • Which university is a better fit for me?

    The best university for you depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you prefer a large, urban university with a wide range of programs and research opportunities, UWM might be a better fit. If you prefer a smaller, more personalized learning environment in a suburban setting with a focus on liberal arts and professional programs, Carroll University might be a better choice. Consider visiting both campuses and talking to current students to get a better feel for each institution.

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