HELENA — For years, the sticker price of a college education has scared some families away before they ever filled out an application. Now, Carroll College is hitting reset — unveiling a dramatic tuition decrease designed to make college more affordable and more appealing to future students.
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Carroll College will lower its published undergraduate tuition and fees from $44,712 to $26,800, a 40% reduction.
“It’s very exciting. It’s very exciting to hear that more students will be able to have a chance,” said Carroll student Nolan Forseth.
The move replaces a high-tuition, high-discount model — where colleges post a high price, then offer heavy financial aid.
“Price is one of the biggest contributors to deciding what schools are even possible, what schools to even think about going to,” Forseth said.
Carroll says its own research found that higher prices were causing some families to rule out the college before ever applying or visiting campus.
“We want them to make the decisions to come to college and to come to Carroll based on the actual experience here, not because of a price that actually isn’t that close to what they’ll be paying,” said Carroll College President Dr. Jennifer Glowienka.
The new model eliminates general undergraduate student fees and realigns financial aid with the new price. Room and board costs will also hold flat. On average, students are expected to see about $200 less in out-of-pocket costs.
“The students who are currently enrolled will get a recalibrated financial aid. Our philosophy in this is that no student will pay more than what they’re paying this fall,” said Erik Rose, associate vice president of enrollment.
Staff say the planning process took two years. Carroll's goal is to see enrollment grow year over year in the next three to five years.
While first-year enrollment is slightly down this year, the college reports a large increase in transfer students. The college also says budget projections under the new model are more sustainable going forward.
“It shows that they’re committed to their mission, that they’re committed to giving a high quality education to as many people as they possibly can and not just those who can afford it,” Forseth said.
Carroll College says the hope is that a lower price tag will give more families confidence to consider a private college education.
The new tuition model is expected to begin in fall 2027.
