Carwin and his two brothers were raised by his mother, who had the goal of getting all her sons college educations.^[6] He received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines as well as a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Technology from Western State College.^[6]

Carwin wrestled in college, becoming a two-time NCAA Division II Wrestling National Runner-Up Heavyweight in 1996–97 and the NCAA II Wrestling Heavyweight National Champion in 1999. He was also a two-time All-American in football for Western State and was chosen to participate in the Senior Bowl.

Carwin became an engineer out of college and continues to work in that field while pursuing his MMA career.^[7] Carwin is also a volunteer wrestling coach for the University of Northern Colorado.