They purchased 13 acres (5.3 ha) within the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and established a new motherhouse, as well as Our Lady of Mercy Academy.

Bill in 1945, with Peter F. Flaherty, who went on to become a two-term Mayor of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Commissioner, among the first male students.

In 1978, Carlow College offered what few institutions of higher education did at the time: accelerated classes designed for working adults.

[8] In December 2016, Carlow announced that it would add men's and women's track and field teams beginning spring 2018.

[9] Carlow University is organized into two colleges (one for Arts and Sciences, one for Health and Wellness) across three campuses—Oakland, Cranberry, and Greensburg.

The university is a member of NCAA Division III, competing in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) since the 2023-2024 academic year.

[13] After a brief hiatus in intercollegiate competition, the Carlow women's basketball program sprung back into action in 1990.

Carlow University women's soccer team started competition in 1999–2000 and made a playoff appearance in 2000–2001.

The team competes at Founders Field and at least 18 contests per season as a member of the American Mideast Conference.

Since 1979, the Madwomen in the Attic program at Carlow University has created a space for writing, the exchange of ideas, and the publication of women’s literature.

Semester-long creative writing workshops are open to undergraduate students and community writers (women ages 18-99).