About Carthage
A Community of Deep Connections.
Founded in 1847, Carthage College is located on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan in Kenosha, Wisconsin, midway between Chicago and Milwaukee. Home to 2,800 students, Carthage blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree programs, transformative learning opportunities, and personal attention from distinguished faculty.
At Carthage, we embolden passionate and compassionate students to pursue knowledge in all its forms, to seek deeper connections with people and purpose, and to use their optimism and creativity to make a positive imprint on a world that needs them now more than ever.
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/58/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1067,1065/482_Caroline_Cardamore.rev.1638389812.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/58/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1067,1065/482_Caroline_Cardamore.rev.1638389812.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/58/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1067,1065/482_Caroline_Cardamore.rev.1638389812.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/58/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1067,1065/482_Caroline_Cardamore.rev.1638389812.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/58/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1067,1065/482_Caroline_Cardamore.rev.1638389812.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/58/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1067,1065/482_Caroline_Cardamore.rev.1638389812.jpg" alt="Caroline Cardamore ?21" width="183" height="183" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/58/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1067,1065/482_Caroline_Cardamore.rev.1638389812.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/58/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,1067,1065/482_Caroline_Cardamore.rev.1638389812.jpg 3x" data-max-w="1067" data-max-h="1065" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “I chose Carthage because it has amazing scholarships for foreign language, impressive professors who work closely with the students, and the lake. Looking out your dorm window and seeing sailboats on Lake Michigan can’t be beaten.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/456-">Caroline Cardamone</a> ’21</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/93/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/47,79,314,346/427_AllyssaVargas.rev.1638389814.webp 1x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/93/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/47,79,314,346/427_AllyssaVargas.rev.1638389814.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/93/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/47,79,314,346/427_AllyssaVargas.rev.1638389814.jpg" alt="" width="183" height="183" data-max-w="267" data-max-h="267" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “The biggest surprise for me so far would have to be how much Carthage feels like home. Before going away for college, I never pictured myself loving a place so much.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/474-">Allyssa Vargas</a> ’22</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/116/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,185,374,559/405_Luisa_Nava_23.rev.1638389814.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/116/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,185,374,559/405_Luisa_Nava_23.rev.1638389814.webp 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/116/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,185,374,559/405_Luisa_Nava_23.rev.1638389814.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/116/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,185,374,559/405_Luisa_Nava_23.rev.1638389814.jpg" alt="" width="183" height="183" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/116/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,185,374,559/405_Luisa_Nava_23.rev.1638389814.jpg 2x" data-max-w="374" data-max-h="374" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “My relationships with the faculty members within my majors are both professional and personal. They never fail to help me out whenever I need it.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/513-">Luisa Nava</a> ’23</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/44/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,300/563_Matthew_Krzewinski.rev.1638389810.webp 1x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/44/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,300/563_Matthew_Krzewinski.rev.1638389810.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/44/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,300/563_Matthew_Krzewinski.rev.1638389810.jpg" alt="Matthew Krzewinski 21" width="183" height="183" data-max-w="300" data-max-h="300" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “The faculty at Carthage really want to see you succeed, and they have a lot of connections to help you after you graduate.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/486-">Matthew Krzewinski</a> ’21</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/99/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,300/487_Purity_Bundi.rev.1638389813.webp 1x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/99/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,300/487_Purity_Bundi.rev.1638389813.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/99/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,300/487_Purity_Bundi.rev.1638389813.jpg" alt="Purity Bundi ?22" width="183" height="183" data-max-w="300" data-max-h="300" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “The relationships I have formed with Carthage faculty members have enabled me to acquire opportunities and meet people I wouldn’t have met.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/485-">Purity Bundi</a> ’22</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/105/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/54,96,374,416/411_HollyPelnar.rev.1638389814.webp 1x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/105/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/54,96,374,416/411_HollyPelnar.rev.1638389814.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/105/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/54,96,374,416/411_HollyPelnar.rev.1638389814.jpg" alt="" width="183" height="183" data-max-w="320" data-max-h="320" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “I chose Carthage because I wanted to know my professors. I like how supportive and helpful the faculty is here at Carthage.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/413-">Holly Pelnar</a> ’21</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,121,736,858/327_25265_37318_149686135709974_1.rev.1638389815.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,121,736,858/327_25265_37318_149686135709974_1.rev.1638389815.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,121,736,858/327_25265_37318_149686135709974_1.rev.1638389815.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,121,736,858/327_25265_37318_149686135709974_1.rev.1638389815.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,121,736,858/327_25265_37318_149686135709974_1.rev.1638389815.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,121,736,858/327_25265_37318_149686135709974_1.rev.1638389815.jpg" alt="Haley Aichholzer" width="183" height="183" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,121,736,858/327_25265_37318_149686135709974_1.rev.1638389815.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,121,736,858/327_25265_37318_149686135709974_1.rev.1638389815.jpg 3x" data-max-w="736" data-max-h="737" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “Carthage welcomed me with open arms and created an environment in which I felt safe, empowered, and cared about.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/435-">Haley Aichholzer</a> ’21</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/35/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,374,249/416_BreannaReynolds.rev.1638389814.webp 1x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/35/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,374,249/416_BreannaReynolds.rev.1638389814.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/35/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,374,249/416_BreannaReynolds.rev.1638389814.jpg" alt="" width="183" height="183" data-max-w="374" data-max-h="249" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “I chose Carthage for its amazing location. Our beautiful campus is halfway between Milwaukee and Chicago and has endless opportunities.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/477-">Breanna Reynolds</a> ’21</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/106,34,293,221/401_KathrynM.rev.1638389814.webp 1x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/106,34,293,221/401_KathrynM.rev.1638389814.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/47/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/106,34,293,221/401_KathrynM.rev.1638389814.jpg" alt="" width="183" height="183" data-max-w="187" data-max-h="187" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “I am definitely surprised by the things I have been able to accomplish and the opportunities I was able to participate in. Every college tells you that they provide great opportunities, but Carthage delivers. I have been able to take great internships, travel, and play sports all while studying here at school.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/448-">Kathryn Milschewski</a> ’21</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
- <div class="lw_widget lw_widget_type_blockquote"><blockquote class="blockquote"><div class="blockquote__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/61/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,299/570_Alassane_Guisse.rev.1638389809.webp 1x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/gid/61/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,299/570_Alassane_Guisse.rev.1638389809.jpg 1x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/61/width/183/height/183/crop/1/src_region/0,0,300,299/570_Alassane_Guisse.rev.1638389809.jpg" alt="Alassane Guisse 21" width="183" height="183" data-max-w="300" data-max-h="299" loading="lazy"/> </picture> </div><div class="blockquote__content"><div class="blockquote__quote"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="icon icon-round-left-quote" width="48" height="33"><use xlink:href="#icon-round-left-quote"/></svg><p> “The professors at Carthage do everything they can to make sure you do well in the classroom and beyond.”</p></div><footer class="blockquote__footer"><span class="blockquote__author"><a href="/live/profiles/420-">Alassane Guisse</a> ’21</span></footer></div></blockquote></div>
A commitment to Excellence.
A Tradition of Transformation.
- <div class="text-with-stat__stat"><div class="text-with-stat__stat-inner"><strong class="text-with-stat__stat-number">96%</strong><span class="text-with-stat__stat-text"><p> medical school acceptance rate among Carthage pre-health students.</p></span></div></div>
- <div class="text-with-stat__stat"><div class="text-with-stat__stat-inner"><strong class="text-with-stat__stat-number">Top 5</strong><span class="text-with-stat__stat-text"><p> nationally for participation in short-term study abroad</p></span></div></div>
- <div class="text-with-stat__stat"><div class="text-with-stat__stat-inner"><strong class="text-with-stat__stat-number">17</strong><span class="text-with-stat__stat-text"><p> students in an average class</p></span></div></div>
- <div class="text-with-stat__stat"><div class="text-with-stat__stat-inner"><strong class="text-with-stat__stat-number">>90%</strong><span class="text-with-stat__stat-text"><p> of Carthage students receive scholarships and grants</p></span></div></div>
- <div class="text-with-stat__stat"><div class="text-with-stat__stat-inner"><strong class="text-with-stat__stat-number">100%</strong><span class="text-with-stat__stat-text"><p> of classes taught by faculty (not TAs)</p></span></div></div>
- <div class="text-with-stat__stat"><div class="text-with-stat__stat-inner"><strong class="text-with-stat__stat-number">2,300</strong><span class="text-with-stat__stat-text"><p> feet of Lake Michigan shoreline</p></span></div></div>
Carthage provides students with rare access to uncommon learning opportunities, hands-on experiences, dedicated faculty, caring mentors, and state-of-the-art facilities. Explore, expand, and refine your talents on our inspiring campus, in the largest hub of social, economic, and technological innovation in the Midwest.
- Named a Best Midwestern College by the Princeton Review
- Named a Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report
- Top 5 in the country for student participation in short-term study abroad
- 96% medical school acceptance rate
- Lead institution for NASA research
- Generous scholarships and financial aid, plus a 4-Year Graduation Guarantee
- New high-demand programs like engineering science, data science, and sports management.
- Strong commitment to equity and inclusion
- Home to The Aspire Program™, a comprehensive four-year career development program that ensures all students graduate with the skills they need to succeed after college.
Prof. Edward Kawakami leads the Carthage Philharmonic during a Carthage Christmas Festival.
Prof. Tracy Gartner meets with a student.
Student work together on a class project.
Prof. Leslie Cameron leads an Introduction to Psychology class.
Students on the J-Term study tour Biodiversity, Brains and Behavior encounter a shark underwater in Honduras.
Carthage students celebrate Holi on campus.
A spring look at the "Learning Moment" statue on Campus Drive.
German professor Greg Baer leads a classroom discussion.
Carthage’s outdoor classroom provides the perfect place to watch the sunrise.
Students hang out in the red Adirondack chairs between classes.
Carthage Theatre presents 3-5 main stage productions each year.
Students meet for a quick study break between classes.
The atrium in the Science Center is a favorite place to study.
The stepped theatre in the Science Center is another favorite study spot.
Students take in the views during a J-Term study tour to South Africa.
A student takes a study break between classes on the second floor of the Clausen Center.
Students gather to work together on a group project in the A. W. Clausen Center for World Business.
A look down at the bustling Starbucks cafe inside the Clausen Center.
Explore Carthage
- <div class="page-widget page-widget--callout"><div class="callout callout--image"><div class="callout__image"><picture class="lw_image"> <source type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/gid/79/width/1010/height/556/crop/1/src_region/0,0,3200,2133/32224_Lincoln_plaza_Call_Out.rev.1640877900.webp 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/79/width/1010/height/556/crop/1/src_region/0,0,3200,2133/32224_Lincoln_plaza_Call_Out.rev.1640877900.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/79/width/1010/height/556/crop/1/src_region/0,0,3200,2133/32224_Lincoln_plaza_Call_Out.rev.1640877900.webp 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/79/width/1010/height/556/crop/1/src_region/0,0,3200,2133/32224_Lincoln_plaza_Call_Out.rev.1640877900.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/79/width/1010/height/556/crop/1/src_region/0,0,3200,2133/32224_Lincoln_plaza_Call_Out.rev.1640877900.jpg 3x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/79/width/1010/height/556/crop/1/src_region/0,0,3200,2133/32224_Lincoln_plaza_Call_Out.rev.1640877900.jpg" alt="A Learning Moment, in Carthage College?s Sesquicentennial Plaza." width="1010" height="556" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/79/width/1010/height/556/crop/1/src_region/0,0,3200,2133/32224_Lincoln_plaza_Call_Out.rev.1640877900.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/79/width/1010/height/556/crop/1/src_region/0,0,3200,2133/32224_Lincoln_plaza_Call_Out.rev.1640877900.jpg 3x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2133"/> </picture> </div><div class="callout__content"><h2 class="callout__title"> 175 Years of Excellence </h2><div class="callout__body"><p> At Carthage, we’ve seen 175 years of leaders, makers, and go-getters go out and go forth. We’ve changed our name — and even our location — since we were founded in 1847. But the core of a Carthage education has stayed the same: Our liberal arts foundation provides students with a strong academic, moral, and intellectual compass, so they become perceptive, resourceful, and grounded individuals.</p><p><a href="/about/college-history/">Our Rich History</a></p></div></div></div></div>