Carthage College has long been committed to the residential nature of a college education; it is one of our core values. The best collegiate experience is one where the curriculum and the co-curriculum are seamlessly integrated. Given that the educational benefits of a residential education are many and well-documented, Carthage guarantees housing for all four years. Students have the option of commuting from their home address (parent/legal guardians) within 30 drivable miles of the Carthage campus.

As a residential campus, Carthage expects all undergraduate students enrolled for 12 or more credit hours in a semester to reside in college residential facilities and participate in a full board (meal) plan. This residency requirement applies to all single/unmarried undergraduate students ages 18-22.

Carthage College is committed to making accommodations in our residences for medical or psychological conditions for which a student has been diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider. Accommodations are made in consultation with Carthage personnel including representatives from the Health and Counseling Center and Learning Accessibility Services. In rare circumstances when the College is unable to make accommodations as determined by these personnel, the student will be granted an exception.

Students may request an automatic exemption from College housing if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • Reside at the principal residence of their parent(s) and/or legal guardians within a 30-mile radius of Carthage
  • Have lived in Carthage residence halls for four full years (eight semesters, excluding summers)
  • Will be 23 years of age prior to September 1st
  • Legally married or single parent residing with their spouse or children
  • United States military veterans with 18 months or more of active military service
  • You have a medical condition(s) that cannot be accommodated by the College
  • Are a ward of the state

Any student approved for a housing exemption based on criteria #1 above (residing with parents or legal guardians at their primary place of residence) is later found to be residing somewhere else, the College reserves the right to require the student to move back on campus with applicable room and board charges and to refer the student to the student conduct system. Residency Policy Exemption Applications must be completed and approved. Contact the Office of Residential Life at housing@carthage.edu or 262-551-6169, or stop in the Office of Residential Life on the main floor of The Tower to obtain the form.

Exemptions to the residency requirement are not guaranteed and will be examined according to housing capacity needs and documentation provided. All exemptions are made at the sole discretion of the Director of Residential Life. Since the College must meet its financial obligation, first consideration must be given to ensure capacity occupancy in the residence halls. The Office of Residential Life reserves the right to deny housing to any applicant. These policies apply to all students including prospective students, new students, and returning students beginning Fall 2022 and moving forward.