At $16,722/yr net price, Alverno College graduates earn $53,145/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,145/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,722 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,888 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,145/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,145/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,889/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,885/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,307/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,449/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,577/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,072 | $48,157 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $66,045 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $66,045 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 | $38,974 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,999 | $24,973 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Certificate | $51,482 | $30,164 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,432 | $38,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $41,937 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,945 | $27,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $40,140 | $50,549 |
The Risk Factor
50.5% of students at Alverno College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Alverno College delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other programs. The nursing program produces graduates earning $96,072 annually, making it one of the highest-paying options in Wisconsin despite the $48,157 debt load. Business administration graduates earn a modest $63,005 with nearly $39,000 in debt, creating a marginal financial case.
The college's 50% graduation rate presents significant risk. Half of students who start at Alverno never finish their degrees, yet many still carry debt from their time there. Education majors face particularly challenging economics, with $66,045 salaries that may struggle to service typical debt loads in a field known for modest pay growth.
Alverno works financially if you can secure admission to the nursing program and complete your degree. The program's reputation in Milwaukee's healthcare market justifies the investment. For other majors, the combination of low graduation rates and mediocre earning potential creates poor value.
You should consider Alverno if you're committed to nursing and prefer a smaller, supportive environment over larger state programs. The $16,722 net price becomes reasonable when viewed against nursing salaries. However, if you're unsure about your major or considering education, business, or liberal arts, you'll find better financial outcomes at Wisconsin's public universities or community colleges that transfer to four-year programs.
Financial aid reaches about half of students, but merit scholarships remain limited at this small private college. Your best strategy involves confirming nursing program admission before committing and having backup transfer options if you struggle academically in your first year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alverno College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Alverno College's $16,722 annual net price is reasonable, but graduates earn $53,145 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Alverno College?
Nursing programs at Alverno College offer the strongest return on investment, with some graduates earning over $96,000. Education and business programs typically lead to lower salaries around $63,000-$66,000.
How much debt do Alverno College students graduate with?
Alverno College graduates have a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the relatively low net price. However, this debt load may be challenging for graduates in lower-paying education programs.
Should I attend Alverno College for a nursing degree?
Yes, Alverno College's nursing programs show strong ROI with graduates earning $60,000-$96,000. The debt-to-income ratio works well for nursing careers, making this one of the school's better financial investments.