Choosing a college that’s right for you means asking yourself big questions. Whether or not you can graduate in four years shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why we guarantee that all students who enter Carthage as freshmen will graduate in four years.
Our Promise
Starting in Fall 2020, every student who enters Carthage College as a freshman seeking a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Nursing will earn that degree in four years.
To fulfill that promise, Carthage assures students that they:
- WILL receive personal advising to create a four-year plan tailored to their educational goals.
- WON’T need to take on an excess course load.
- WILL have access to the courses they need to graduate in four years.
Eligibility Guidelines
To be eligible for the four-year guarantee, students must enter Carthage as freshmen at the beginning of the fall term and meet certain requirements during their four years here. See eligibility guidelines
Besides avoiding a fifth or even sixth year of tuition, there’s a significant financial bonus to graduating on time: a head start in the job market.
Nick Mulvey ’02, the College’s vice president for enrollment, reminds college searchers and their parents to keep that in mind when they’re comparing value.
“You’re off and earning long before other college graduates reach the starting line,” he said. “In these uncertain times, it’s great to have some certainty.”
Lots of schools wear the four-year label. Carthage stands behind it.
That starts with advising. At Carthage, students work with a team of advisors including a faculty advisor and an Aspire Center Career Specialist to map out a plan that leaves them room to explore different disciplines and stretch their minds in multiple directions. At the same time, they can begin to fulfill requirements for general education and their major, once they’ve chosen it.
Of course, not even the most meticulous planner can foresee every scheduling conflict. That’s when students turn to the Office of the Registrar.
“One of the benefits of a smaller school is the personal attention we’re able to give each student,” said Carthage registrar Mary Duckworth. “We realize there are many ways to reach the same goal, and we’ll work with students individually to make sure they do it in a four-year time frame.”
