About Carlow University
Carlow University is a private, not-for-profit institution rooted in Catholic identity and student success. Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Mercy, the school provides transformative education to leaders in today’s challenging world. CU develops students into lifelong learners in a nurturing teaching environment, with bachelor’s to doctoral degrees and certificate programs.
Carlow University online provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees to nontraditional students. Subject areas range from business and education to healthcare and liberal arts. Also, CU online degrees maintain small class sizes and a personalized tech team. So students’ online experience is an individualized, unique academic journey to a professional career.
Carlow Universit online benefits:
- Fully online and hybrid formats
- Low-residency programs with online components
- Access to resources and support
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Accreditation & Licensing
Carlow University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Roman CatholicGraduate Enrollment:
1,163Fully Online Graduate Students:
36%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$25,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
84%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$19,806Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesCarlow’s schedule can work well for adults with jobs. Class times often fit around work hours. That makes it easier to stay on track each term and keep moving toward graduation while handling other responsibilities.
Cost can be the tougher part. Annual tuition is listed at $35,874, and many families see it as high. Aid can also feel hard to get.
Even so, Carlow can still feel worth it for students who want small classes and direct access to professors. That close support can make a real difference as students plan their time and finish their degree.
At Carlow, support feels personal and easy to reach. Students often describe staff as caring and committed to their success. People are seen as kind, helpful, and quick to respond.
That same support carries into class. Professors are approachable and ready to help. Students get clear guidance and steady follow-through on coursework. Instructors, advisors, and staff stay involved, so help is close when students need it.
Carlow’s small-school feel keeps that support human and consistent each day.
Online classes use active formats. Courses include discussion boards, video calls, and group projects. The pace is not just read-and-submit. It keeps regular contact built into class work.
Schedule fit is a key plus. Class times can work with job hours. Graduate classes also offer flexible scheduling. Carlow’s online programs are authorized through SARA in 48 member states. Some online nursing pathways are not offered in specific states.
At Carlow, classes feel personal and active. Professors know their subjects and care about students. They are easy to reach and quick to help. Small class sizes mean many instructors know students by name.
Courses often use discussion boards, video calls, and group projects. That keeps learning hands-on, not distant. Students often describe classes as challenging in a good way and useful for career growth.
Some classes work better than others, and a required math course gets mixed reactions. Even so, the day-to-day pattern is clear. Students get close faculty contact, active teaching, and steady structure.
Carlow is a strong choice for students who want close contact with professors. Classes are small, and instructors are knowledgeable, caring, and easy to reach. Many students are known by name, which gives classes a personal feel.
Online courses stay active through discussion boards, video calls, and group projects. The format feels connected, not isolating. Class times can also work well for students with jobs or family duties.
Cost is the main challenge for many students. Tuition can feel high, and some students are not happy with housing and dining costs. Aid and school processes can feel uneven at times. Even so, Carlow remains a solid, relationship-focused option for students who value strong teaching and flexible scheduling.
Carlow is a strong choice for students who want close contact with professors. Classes are small, and instructors are knowledgeable, caring, and easy to reach. Many students are known by name, which gives classes a personal feel.
Online courses stay active through discussion boards, video calls, and group projects. The format feels connected, not isolating. Class times can also work well for students with jobs or family duties.
Cost is the main challenge for many students. Tuition can feel high, and some students are not happy with housing and dining costs. Aid and school processes can feel uneven at times. Even so, Carlow remains a solid, relationship-focused option for students who value strong teaching and flexible scheduling.
Online Programs offered by Carlow University
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Healthcare
Nursing
Psychology & Human Services
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carlow University
Is Carlow University accredited?
Yes. Carlow University is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Carlow University offer?
Carlow University offers 70 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Carlow University offer?
Carlow University offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at Carlow University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Carlow University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Carlow University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Carlow University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Carlow University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Carlow University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Carlow University military friendly?
Carlow University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Carlow University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Carlow University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Carlow University accept life experience credit?
Carlow University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Carlow University programs fully online or mixed?
Carlow University includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
Do any Carlow University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Are any admission tests required for Carlow University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Carlow University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Carlow University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Carlow University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Carlow University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Carlow University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Carlow University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Carlow University is featured in 22 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Carlow University is located in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania at a Glance:

Top Majors in Pennsylvania:
Top Incentives in Pennsylvania:
- PA State Grant Program: Up to $4,525 annually
Top Career Pathways in Pennsylvania:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE
























