Carthage Undergraduate Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

Carthage College, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is known for offering a broad range of financial aid options and scholarships to help make education more affordable for its students. Whether you are an incoming freshman, a transfer student, or a current undergraduate, there are several financial assistance programs available to support your educational journey. These options are designed to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of academic success.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Carthage College offers merit-based scholarships to recognize students for their academic achievements. These scholarships are available for new and returning students based on their high school GPA, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), and overall academic performance.

a) Carthage College Merit Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded automatically upon admission, with no separate application required. The amount varies depending on the student’s academic credentials:

$14,000 to $23,000 per year
Eligibility is based on high school GPA and ACT/SAT scores.

b) Carthage Trustee Scholarship

The Trustee Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards at Carthage College and is offered to students with exceptional academic performance.

Amount: Up to $25,000 per year
Awarded to students with outstanding academic records and leadership qualities.

c) Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship is a competitive award for top-tier students who exhibit excellence in their academic pursuits.

Amount: Up to $22,000 per year
Based on a comprehensive review of your academic record and leadership potential.

d) Distinguished Scholar Award

This scholarship is designed to honor high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional scholastic performance.

Amount: $18,000 per year
Based on GPA and academic rigor.

2. Need-Based Financial Aid

In addition to merit-based scholarships, Carthage College offers a range of need-based financial aid options for students who demonstrate financial need. These options ensure that students who may not have the financial resources to pay for college are still able to pursue their education.

a) Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

Amount: Varies, up to $6,495 per year (2024-2025 award year).
Eligibility is determined based on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

b) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This is a federal grant for students who have the most financial need.

Amount: Varies, but typically ranges from $100 to $4,000 per year.
Awarded to students who qualify for the Pell Grant.

c) State Grants

Carthage College participates in various state-sponsored grant programs, including the Wisconsin Grant for residents of Wisconsin.

Amount: Varies based on state eligibility.
Awarded to students based on their state of residence and financial need.

d) Carthage College Need-Based Grant

In addition to federal and state assistance, Carthage College provides institutional need-based grants for students who require additional support.

Amount: Varies based on demonstrated financial need and FAFSA results.

3. External Scholarships

Carthage College also encourages students to apply for external scholarships provided by corporations, organizations, and foundations. These scholarships can be stacked with Carthage scholarships to further reduce the financial burden of tuition.

Scholarships from Private Organizations: Various community organizations, religious groups, and businesses offer scholarships to students pursuing higher education.
Corporate Sponsorships: Some companies provide scholarships to employees’ children or students pursuing specific fields of study.
National Merit Scholarship Program: Students who achieve exceptional scores on the SAT or ACT may be eligible for national scholarships through this prestigious program.

4. Work-Study Programs

Carthage College offers work-study opportunities to undergraduate students, enabling them to earn money while gaining valuable work experience. These positions typically involve working on campus in various departments, libraries, or research projects.

Federal Work-Study (FWS): Federal funding is available for eligible students based on financial need.
Institutional Work-Study: Carthage also offers non-federal work-study positions to students who may not qualify for federal work-study but still wish to work on campus.

5. Loans and Other Financing Options

Carthage College also participates in federal and private loan programs to help students cover the remaining cost of their education after scholarships and grants have been applied.

a) Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, this loan does not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time.

Amount: Up to $3,500 to $5,500 per year, depending on year in school and dependency status.

b) Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

This loan is available to all undergraduate students, regardless of financial need.

Amount: Up to $5,500 to $7,500 per year, depending on year in school and dependency status.

c) Parent PLUS Loan

Parents of dependent undergraduate students can apply for the Parent PLUS Loan to help cover their child’s educational expenses.

Amount: Up to the total cost of attendance, minus other financial aid received.

d) Private Loans

Students and families can also explore private loan options through banks and other lending institutions. These loans typically require a credit check and may offer varying terms and interest rates.

6. Scholarships for International Students

Carthage College also offers scholarships to international students who are coming from outside the United States. These students may be eligible for merit-based awards and need-based financial assistance to help cover their tuition costs.

Merit-Based Scholarships for International Students: Similar to the scholarships for U.S. students, international students can qualify for merit awards based on their academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: International students may also be eligible for limited need-based financial assistance.

7. Application Process for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid at Carthage College, students must complete the following steps:

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This is required for all students applying for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study. The FAFSA determines eligibility for federal aid and most state aid programs.
Submit the Carthage Financial Aid Application: Carthage requires students to submit their financial information to determine eligibility for institutional aid.
Apply for Scholarships: While merit-based scholarships are automatically awarded upon admission, students should also apply for any additional scholarships they may be eligible for.
Review and Accept Financial Aid Package: After reviewing the financial aid package, students must accept or decline the offered aid.

8. Tips for Maximizing Financial Aid

Apply Early: Financial aid is often awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s crucial to submit applications early.
Maintain a Strong Academic Record: Many of the merit-based scholarships at Carthage are awarded based on GPA and standardized test scores, so maintaining a strong academic performance is essential.
Seek External Scholarships: Be proactive in searching for scholarships from outside sources to increase the amount of financial aid available.
File the FAFSA Each Year: Financial aid eligibility is determined each year, so students should file the FAFSA annually to ensure they receive the best financial assistance possible.

Conclusion

Carthage College offers a wide range of undergraduate scholarships and financial aid options designed to help students of all backgrounds afford a quality education. By combining merit-based awards, need-based financial assistance, work-study opportunities, and loan options, Carthage makes it possible for students to focus on their academic and career goals without being overwhelmed by financial concerns. Students are encouraged to explore all available opportunities and apply for financial aid as early as possible to maximize their funding.