Carthage College

Lutheran-affiliated Carthage College is “a small, friendly school where you can get a more personalized education than you would get at a large university.” Scholarships are generous, “classes are small,” and a broad set of general education requirements ensures that students here receive “a well-rounded liberal arts education.” There’s a January term that allows students to study abroad or focus on one unique course on campus (anything from contemporary Spanish film to how to build a robot). Also, virtually all students graduate in four years. Student opinion concerning the faculty is mixed. There are plenty of “knowledgeable and effective teachers” who “love what they’re doing” and are “always willing to help outside of class.” Other professors aren’t as impressive. “I’ve stumbled upon a few professors who are probably related in some way to Mrs. Donavan, Charlie Brown’s teacher,” relates a classics major. The administration does a decent job. “It seems like everyone is on your side and is willing to do anything for you to accomplish what you want,” notes one happy biology major. However, “a lot of business office-related things get messed up.”

Student at Carthage frequently hail “from the suburbs surrounding Chicago” and Milwaukee and they “tend to be fairly affluent.” As you would expect, “Some students are underachievers; others are overachievers,” however “Most are religious.” This is a very athletic campus and many of the undergrads here are “involved in some sort of sport at some point during their four years.” Not everyone is an athlete, though. “I don’t get the idea that Carthage is teeming with jocks,” says a freshman. “Music and theater is just as big a deal as sports.” Some students tell us that it’s okay to be odd here. “The student body is very nonjudgmental,” they insist. Others assert that “atypical students stand out.” “People who live a more alternative lifestyle have a hard time loving Carthage,” cautions a junior. Whatever the case, most everyone seems able to find a niche. “If you find a decent group to explore your college experience with, this school can be a good time,” promises one student.

The “lovely” and “very windy” campus of Carthage College is located “on the coast of Lake Michigan.” Students here like the fact that “you can walk to class in five minutes.” They don’t like the fact that “the dorms aren’t in the best condition.” Social life generally takes place on campus. There are several clubs and student organizations “that cater to the many diverse interests that Carthage students have.” “There are movie nights, concerts, mini festivals, dances, and dinners” as well. Music, theater, and intercollegiate sports are also popular. “Many people leave each weekend” either to go home or to visit friends at other schools in the area. Others take advantage of Carthage’s location roughly halfway between Milwaukee and Chicago. “We go on frequent trips to the cities,” says a junior. For students who stick around on the weekends, “hanging out in someone’s room and watching a movie or playing video games is very common” but “finding a party is never much of an issue.” Students wryly note that Carthage is possibly “the wettest dry campus.” Further afield, Kenosha is “very spread out” and, other than a few “hole-in-the-wall restaurants,” “there’s not a whole lot to do.” “It’s not the best college town,” admits a sophomore.