Undergraduate Scholarships

Carthage awards automatic merit scholarships of up to $20,000 per year to qualified incoming freshmen at the time of admission. These scholarships are based on the application for admission and transcripts/GPA, and are completely funded by Carthage. No additional application is required.

All Carthage non-need-based scholarships and grants are reserved for full-time undergraduate students seeking their first bachelor’s degree. Amounts listed below are for students starting classes in fall 2025 or later.

Renewal requires an annual minimum cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment status. A student may compete or be eligible for a combination of non-need-based scholarships and grants but, when combined, cannot exceed tuition unless otherwise noted. The number of scholarships awarded is not limited. Please call the Office of Admissions for additional information at 800-351-4058.

Academic Scholarships

Up to $20,000 per year, renewable
At the time of admission, academic scholarships up to $20,000 per year are awarded to qualified freshmen based on cumulative high school grade-point average (non-weighted). Complete your application for admission and send your high school transcripts to discover your merit award.

Scholarship Amount	GPA
$20,000 per year	3.75-4.0
$19,000 per year	3.5-3.74
$18,000 per year	3.0-3.49
$17,000 per year	2.5-2.99

Visit Grant

$1,000 per year, renewable
A four-year renewable grant of $1,000 per year (four-year value: $4,000) is awarded to prospective students who visit Carthage. One Visit Grant per student. Schedule your visit. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required for renewal.

EARLY FAFSA FILERS AWARD

$500 per year, renewable
The Early FAFSA Filers Award is for students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), officially signed by applicant and one parent, to be received by the Federal Processing Agency by February 1. Renewable with FAFSA completion by January 1 each year. Students may receive this award regardless of financial need.

Lutheran GRANT

$1,000 per year, renewable
A four-year renewable grant of $1,000 per year (four-year value: $4,000) is awarded to members of congregations affiliated with the Lutheran Church. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required for renewal.

LEGACY GRANT

$1,000 per year, renewable
A four-year renewable grant of $1,000 per year (four-year value: $4,000) is awarded to grandchildren, children and siblings of Carthage alumni and students. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required for renewal.

MINISTERIAL GRANT

$500 per year, renewable
A four-year renewable grant of $500 per year (four-year value: $2,000) is awarded to children of ELCA ministers. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required for renewal.

MULTICULTURAL GRANT

$1,000 per year, renewable
A four-year grant in the amount of $1,000 per year is awarded to students of a multicultural background meeting certain academic criteria. The student must be admitted to Carthage as a new freshman or transfer. A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 is required for renewal.

TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS

A variety of scholarships are available to students transferring to Carthage from another college.
Learn more about transfer scholarships

Scholarships and grants may be combined with federal and state grants, not to exceed full tuition.

Carthage awards more than $2 million in competitive scholarships each year to incoming students who demonstrate leadership skills and academic strength. All students who are on the Carthage mailing list will receive information about our competitive scholarships. Competitive scholarships require a special application and/or audition and participation on the part of the student. Amounts listed below are for students starting classes in fall 2025 or later.

THE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

(35) $31,000 to full tuition, renewable
Open to all majors and offers 35 scholarships ranging from $31,000 to full tuition per year. To compete for these scholarships, students must apply to Carthage and return the completed Presidential Scholarship Program application and required essay by December 3.
Presidential Scholarships: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS SCHOLARSHIPS

(2) full tuition per year, renewable
Two full-tuition per year scholarships per incorporating all Carthage assistance. To compete for these scholarships, students must apply to Carthage and return the completed School of Business and Economics Scholarship Program application by December 3.
School of Business and Economics Scholarships: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

CARTHAGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS

(3) $2,000 scholarships
Three $2,000 scholarships (increased or decreased at the discretion of the Alumni Council) are awarded to a direct relative of a graduate (for example: parents, siblings, aunts/uncles, grandparents, and/or cousins) of Carthage. To compete, students must apply to Carthage and submit the required scholarship information postmarked no later than December 3.
Alumni Association Scholarship: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and INCLUSION SCHOLARSHIPS

(15) $2,500 per year, renewable
Up to fifteen $2,500 per year scholarships are awarded. These scholarships are in addition to most other Carthage assistance. To be considered, students must apply to Carthage and return a completed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship application and essay by December 3.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarships: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

TEACHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

(1) full tuition per year, renewable
One full-tuition per year scholarship incorporating all Carthage assistance. To compete for this scholarship, students must apply to Carthage and return the complete Teacher Education Scholarship Program application by December 3.
Teacher Education Scholarship: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP

(1) full tuition per year, renewable
One full-tuition per year scholarship incorporating all Carthage assistance. To compete for this scholarship, students must apply to Carthage and return the complete Engineering Scholarship Program application by December 3.
Engineering Scholarship: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

FALL TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

1 full-tuition scholarship, 1 $29,000-per-year scholarship
Carthage awards one full-tuition scholarship and one $29,000-per-year scholarship, renewable for up to three years, to new incoming transfer students who show determination, intelligence, and motivation. Application deadline: May 2025.
Fall Transfer Scholarships: learn more

HISTORY/ENGLISH/CREATIVE WRITING SCHOLARSHIP

(1) full tuition per year, renewable
One full-tuition per year scholarship incorporating all Carthage assistance. To compete for this scholarship, students must apply to Carthage and return the complete History/English/Creative Writing Scholarship Program application by November 1.
History/English/Creative Writing Scholarship: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

KENOSHA/RACINE SCHOLARSHIPS

(10) full tuition per year, renewable
Eight full-tuition scholarships awarded to City of Kenosha residents in recognition of the City of Kenosha’s agreement to lease land to Carthage for residence halls and parking. Two full tuition scholarships awarded to County of Racine residents recognizing Carthage’s commitment to our neighbors in Racine. These scholarships incorporate all Carthage assistance. To compete, students must apply to Carthage and return a completed Kenosha/Racine Scholarship application and essay by December 3.
Kenosha/Racine Scholarships: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

KENOSHA POLICE/FIRE SCHOLARSHIP

(1) full tuition per year, renewable
One full-tuition scholarship is awarded to a dependent of a City of Kenosha police officer or firefighter. This scholarship incorporates all Carthage assistance. To compete, students must apply to Carthage and return the completed Police/Fire Scholarship application and essay by December 3.
Kenosha Police/Fire Scholarship: APPLY NOW

MATH/SCIENCE SCHOLARSHIPS

(2) full tuition per year, renewable
Two full-tuition per year scholarships incorporating all Carthage assistance. To compete for these scholarships, students must apply to Carthage and return the completed Math/Science Scholarship Program application by December 3.
Math/Science Scholarships: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

MODERN LANGUAGES SCHOLARSHIPS — FRENCH, GERMAN, JAPANESE, AND SPANISH

Up to (4) $31,000 per year, renewable
Up to four scholarships are awarded to students majoring or minoring in French, German, or Japanese, or majoring in Spanish. Each scholarship covers $31,000 per year renewable for four years, and incorporates all Carthage assistance. Candidates must apply to Carthage and return the completed Modern Languages Scholarship application by November 1.
Modern Languages Scholarships: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

Nursing Scholarship

(1) full tuition per year, renewable
One full-tuition per year scholarship incorporating all Carthage assistance. To compete for this scholarship, students must apply to Carthage and return the complete Nursing Scholarship Program application by November 1.
Nursing Scholarships: learn more

SPRING SCHOLARSHIPS

(1) full tuition per year and (1) $29,000 per year year, renewable
One full-tuition scholarship and one $29,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to three years, are awarded to new incoming Spring Term freshmen and transfer students who show determination, intelligence and motivation. To compete, students must apply to Carthage and return a completed Spring Scholarship application and essay postmarked or submitted online no later than December 3.
Spring Scholarships: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

TARBLE FAMILY CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIPS

Up to (10) scholarships up to $31,000 per year, renewable
Up to 10 scholarships ranging in value to incoming freshmen or transfer students from California. Tarble Family California Scholarships recipients will receive up to $31,000 per year in Carthage assistance. To compete, students must apply to Carthage and return a completed Tarble Family California Scholarships application and essay by December 3.
Tarble Family California Scholarships: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS

$500-$10,000 per year, renewable
Carthage awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $10,000 per year to admitted students who excel in visual and performing arts. Scholarships are awarded through competitive audition and/or portfolio review. Recipients are required to participate in department activities through service and creative work. If you have an interest in the fine arts, take advantage of these scholarship opportunities by scheduling and completing an audition and/or a portfolio review by late February. (The exact date varies by program.)
Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships: learn more and APPLY ONLINE

Carthage competitive scholarships may incorporate all Carthage assistance. Scholarships and grants may be combined with federal and state grants, not to exceed full tuition.

A grant is a form of aid that does not need to be paid back and is typically based on need. Need-based grants require students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if they qualify. Carthage offers many grant and scholarship programs. 

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CONTINUING STUDENTS

Carthage offers continuing students an opportunity to compete for merit awards, such as Intellectual Foundations Scholarships, Departmental Honors, Service Fellowships, and selected endowed scholarships. These require faculty recommendations and may have additional stipulations as developed by the department donor. Students should watch The Bridge for scholarship news. Carthage also notifies students of outside scholarships through The Bridge and the financial aid website.

Federal Grant Programs

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are for undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree, and who have financial need as determined by the FAFSA. A Federal Pell Grant does not need to be repaid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
SEOG is for full-time undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA. These funds are limited and do not need to be repaid.

TEACH Grant
TEACH Grants are for qualifying students who are completing or plan to complete coursework needed to begin a career in teaching. Eligibility is based on multiple factors and recipients agree to completing a teaching service obligation.

Wisconsin Grant Programs

Wisconsin Tuition Grant (WTG)
The Wisconsin Tuition Grant is a need-based grant that does not need to be repaid. This grant provides assistance to undergraduate Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time in private, non-profit institutions within the state of Wisconsin. The maximum grant amount is established annually by the Higher Educational Aids Board of Wisconsin (HEAB). The Wisconsin Tuition Grant recipients are determined by information submitted on the FAFSA form. Grants range from $1,000-$4,400 per year.

Academic Excellence Scholarship
Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded to Wisconsin high school seniors who have the highest grade point average in each public and private high school throughout the State of Wisconsin. The value of the scholarship is $2,250 per year, to be applied towards tuition. Half of the scholarship is funded by the state, while the other half is matched by the institution.

Hearing and Visually Impaired Student Grant
The state offers funding for Wisconsin residents who demonstrate financial need and have severe or profound hearing or visual impairment. Students are eligible to receive up to $1,800 per year for up to five years. The FAFSA must be filed in order to qualify for this grant, and the student must be at least half-time.

Indigenous Peoples Student Assistance
The State of Wisconsin offers funding through its Indian Student Assistance Grant, up to $1,100 per year to any Wisconsin resident who is at least 25 percent Native American and is enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate program for up to 10 semesters. Students who apply early and demonstrate exceptional financial need will be nominated by the Carthage Office of Student Financial Services.

Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant
This grant program provides limited funds to selected minority students with exceptional financial need. Students must be nominated in their sophomore year. The FAFSA must be filed to be considered.

Minority Teacher Loan (forgivable loan program)
The state offers a forgivable loan to any full-time, eligible junior or senior enrolled in a Teacher Certification Program with a minimum GPA of 2.50. This loan ranges up to $2,500 per year for a maximum of two years. Twenty-five percent of the loan is forgiven for each year spent teaching in an eligible school. Students who apply early and demonstrate exceptional financial need, will be nominated by the Carthage Office of Student Financial Services. For more information, visit www.heab.state.wi.us/programs.

Talent Incentive Program Grant (TIP)
This state program provides grants to students who demonstrate exceptional need. Students who qualify may be nominated in their freshman year through Carthage to the state agency or can apply for this program at their Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program (WEOP) Office. Once accepted, this aid lasts for four years.The FAFSA must also be filed to be considered for the Talent Incentive Program Grant.

Institutional Need-based Grants

In addition to a broad range of federal and state Programs, Carthage supplements these awards with a generous commitment of institutional need-based grants. The Financial Grant is just one form of institutional aid in which the amount varies based on need and completion of the FAFSA.

Visit your high school guidance office to learn about local scholarships from community, religious, and service organizations. In addition, the following websites are useful scholarship search resources:

• FastWeb is the largest and most complete scholarship search on the Internet. It provides free access to a searchable database of more than 400,000 private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants, and student loans available to students. Carthage is a member institution of FastWeb.
• Scholarship America
• Scholarships.com
• Tuitionfundingsources.com
• OutsideScholarships.org
• StudentScholarships.org

Please note: Do not pay money to have any organization search for scholarships. These are not worth the cost and a search can be done easily and free of charge.

Scholarships and grants may be combined with federal and state grants, not to exceed full tuition.