About Alverno College
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $16,722 after aid, well below the sticker price of $43,800. Graduates earn a median of $53,145 ten years after leaving school, though they typically carry $27,000 in debt with monthly payments around $286. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, and the college keeps costs reasonable for low-income families at under $16,000 annually.
The student body reflects Milwaukee's diversity, with 41% Hispanic and 16% Black students among the 99% female enrollment. With 85% of students coming from Wisconsin, Alverno maintains strong local ties. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, and the 78% retention rate suggests most students adapt well to the unique assessment system that employers increasingly value.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 42.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.5%
- Retention Rate
- 78.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,145
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,072 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $66,045 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $66,045 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,999 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Certificate | $51,482 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,432 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,945 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $40,140 |
Campus Life
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, which fits Alverno's signature assessment model that replaces traditional grades with detailed competency evaluations. Students spend considerable time in small seminars and one-on-one meetings discussing their academic progress. With 85.94% of students from Wisconsin, many head home on weekends, though campus residents often explore Milwaukee's coffee shops, art galleries, and lakefront. The Inferno athletics program fields seven Division III teams with 62 total athletes. The collaborative atmosphere reflects both the small size and the all-women environment, where students frequently form close study groups and support networks that extend beyond graduation.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 264 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1887
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–30°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 52.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 1.1%
- Women
- 98.9%
- White
- 31.1%
- Black
- 16.3%
- Hispanic
- 41.2%
- Asian
- 4.4%
- In-State Students
- 85.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 49.1%
Location
- Address
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53234-3922
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,145
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,593
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Alverno College?
Alverno College accepts 89.88% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. This Catholic women's college in Milwaukee focuses on ability-based learning rather than traditional grades, attracting students who want a different approach to education.
How much does Alverno College cost after financial aid?
Students at Alverno College pay an average net price of $16,722, less than the $32,794 sticker price. About 49% of students receive financial aid, and the school keeps costs manageable for low-income families with net prices under $16,000 for those earning less than $48,000 annually.
Does Alverno College use traditional grades?
Alverno College operates without traditional grades, instead using an ability-based assessment system that measures student competencies. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, professors can provide detailed feedback on skill development rather than letter grades, making this one of the most distinctive academic approaches in higher education.
What are the graduation rates at Alverno College?
Alverno College graduates 50.5% of students within six years and maintains a 78.63% retention rate from first to second year. Graduates earn a median salary of $53,145 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes in fields like nursing, education, and social work.
Where do students live at Alverno College?
Alverno College houses 264 students on its Milwaukee campus, serving a total enrollment of 724. The urban setting provides internship and job opportunities while keeping 85.94% of students from Wisconsin close to home.
What is the student body composition at Alverno College?
Alverno College serves 98.90% women as a historically women's college, with 41.16% Hispanic students making it one of the most diverse campuses in Wisconsin. The student body is 31.08% white and 16.30% Black, reflecting Milwaukee's urban diversity and the college's commitment to serving underrepresented populations.
