Carroll Named 2025-26 College of Distinction, Earns Multiple Awards

Carroll University has once again been named a College of Distinction for the 2025–2026 academic year, reaffirming its status as one of Wisconsin’s premier private institutions dedicated to transformative undergraduate education.

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has annually recognized colleges that embody the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Carroll’s ongoing inclusion reflects its commitment to high-impact practices, small classes, community-based learning, internships and robust career development support.
 

Specific Awards Earned for 2025–26

Best Nursing Colleges
Carroll’s nursing programs, including the accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)–Nurse Educator, earned the Nursing College of Distinction award. These programs are built on simulation-based training, high NCLEX pass rates and hands-on clinical experiences.

Best Business Colleges
Through The Sullivan School of Business, Engineering and Technology, Carroll delivers business programming grounded in real-world experience, advising and career outcomes that contribute to its recognition as a Business College of Distinction.

Best Education Colleges
Carroll’s School of Education and Human Services offers undergraduate and graduate education pathways rooted in practical experience, mentoring and student success — earning it the Education College of Distinction honor.

Best Colleges for International Students
New in recent recognition, Carroll received acclaim as a college offering exceptional support for international students, a designation acknowledging its welcoming resources, global learning opportunities, and inclusive campus community — now officially part of Colleges of Distinction’s expanded awards.

Best Military Support Colleges
The Military Support College of Distinction award was presented to Carroll for its Military and Veteran Student Services Program, dedicated support staff, veteran-themed events, and demonstrated success in aiding service members and military-affiliated students in academic transition.

Best Private Colleges
As a private liberal arts university, Carroll was again named an overall College of Distinction and a Wisconsin College of Distinction, upholding its status among the state’s top private colleges through its full undergraduate experience.
 

What Sets Carroll Apart

• Engaged learning & hands-on training: From nursing simulation labs to education practicums and business internships, Carroll equips students for real‑world careers.
• Strong faculty mentorship: Professors in all disciplines emphasize close advising and individualized guidance.
• A vibrant, student‑centered environment: Clubs, learning communities, international programs, and veteran support all reflect Carroll’s lively campus life.
• Proven outcomes: Students graduate prepared — with state-leading NCLEX pass rates, career readiness, and alumni placing successfully across multiple sectors Colleges of Distinction.

 
For the 2025–26 academic year, Carroll University has secured its place among nationally distinguished institutions by earning honors in:

• Overall College of Distinction (including Best Private Colleges)
• Best Nursing College
• Best Business College
• Best Education College
• Best Colleges for International Students
• Best Military Support College

These awards celebrate Carroll’s unique blend of academic rigor, hands-on training, inclusive community, and unwavering dedication to student success across demographics and career goals.