Carroll College Announces New Tuition-Free Pathway for MT Students

Carroll College is proud to introduce the Pell Promise for Montana Students, a transformative financial aid initiative designed to fully cover tuition costs for federal Pell-eligible students from Montana. This program underscores Carroll’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and reducing financial barriers for Montana residents. By providing substantial financial assistance to federal Pell Grant recipients who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, the Pell Promise ensures that qualifying Montana students can pursue their education at Carroll College without the burden of tuition costs.

Starting in the fall of 2025, Carroll College will cover the remaining tuition for first-time, in-state freshmen enrolled in an undergraduate program who are federal Pell recipients. This coverage will apply after deducting their federal Pell award, at least $3,500 in subsidized federal Stafford loans, and any additional institutional aid. The award is renewable each year, provided the student files a FAFSA, receives a federal Pell Grant, and meets GPA and credit requirements.

“Carroll College delivers a world-class education, and with this new program, we are making it more accessible to talented students across Montana,” said Dr. John Cech, President of Carroll College. “We are deeply committed to ensuring that every Pell-eligible student in Montana has the opportunity to thrive at Carroll, free from financial barriers that might otherwise stand in their way.”

This initiative is designed to align with Carroll College’s mission to guarantee equality of opportunities and to dedicate academic resources to the service of Montanans. As more students and families are experiencing economic pressures, Carroll College is committed to covering the gap in tuition expenses for students with the greatest financial need.

Carroll College takes pride in having the highest four-year graduation rate in Montana and being recognized in a recent Georgetown University study for its graduates achieving the highest lifetime earnings among all colleges and universities in the state. Additionally, Carroll boasts an impressive three-year NCLEX RN pass rate of 98.8% for its nursing program. Over the past decade, the college has successfully placed 161 students into medical school and maintains a 100 percent placement rate into graduate programs.

Established in 1972, the federal Pell Grant Program was created to address the national need for financial assistance for undergraduate students. Pell Grants are typically awarded only to students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree and meet eligibility criteria determined by filing a FAFSA.

For more information about this program or other financial aid opportunities at Carroll College, please visit http://www.carroll.edu/promise or contact Carroll’s Financial Aid Office at fao@carroll.edu. (Carroll College)