About Viterbo University
The average student pays $22,633 after financial aid, less than the $32,350 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $55,660 ten years after graduation, making the typical $25,000 debt load manageable with monthly payments around $265. The employment rate hits 98.2%, suggesting strong job placement. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $15,779.
Women make up 73% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. The V-Hawks compete in 20 varsity sports through the NJCAA, with 369 student-athletes receiving $772,413 in athletic scholarships. However, the 70% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life or find better fits elsewhere.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.2%
- Retention Rate
- 69.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,660
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $103,078 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $70,456 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,052 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,218 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,318 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $54,322 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,595 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $45,919 |
Campus Life
The heavily female student body (72.7% women) creates a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. Students gather in the Fine Arts Center for theater productions or catch V-Hawks games across 20 varsity sports programs. Weekends often mean exploring La Crosse's riverfront parks or heading to nearby hiking trails in the Driftless Area. The Franciscan mission shapes campus culture through service learning and social justice initiatives. Students frequent downtown La Crosse for restaurants and entertainment, though many stay on campus for residence hall programming and study groups. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and regularly invite classes to their homes for dinner.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 733 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1890
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–25°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 101.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 43.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 27.3%
- Women
- 72.7%
- White
- 81.5%
- Black
- 3.1%
- Hispanic
- 6.8%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 67.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.5%
Location
- Address
- La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-8804
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,660
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $65,556
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Viterbo University?
Viterbo University accepts 72.38% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060-1240 on the SAT. This Catholic Franciscan institution values well-rounded admissions that align with its mission-driven approach.
How much does Viterbo University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,633 annually after aid, less than the full tuition of $32,350. Graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000 and monthly loan payments of $265. The university provides substantial financial support to make its nursing and education programs accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Viterbo University?
Viterbo maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,392 total students. This small size allows for personalized attention in the university's signature programs like nursing and performing arts. The intimate Catholic environment fosters close mentoring relationships between faculty and students.
What are the employment outcomes for Viterbo University graduates?
Viterbo graduates achieve a 98.2% employment rate within six months of graduation. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $55,660. The university's strong programs in nursing and education lead to stable career paths in high-demand fields.
Where is Viterbo University's campus located?
Viterbo sits in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a small city along the Mississippi River. The campus houses 733 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. About 67% of students come from Wisconsin, while others are drawn to the scenic river valley setting.
Does Viterbo University have a diverse student body?
Women comprise 72.70% of Viterbo's student population, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and education fields traditionally dominated by women. The student body is 81.54% white with growing Hispanic (6.82%) and Black (3.09%) enrollment. This demographic mix reflects both the regional population and the university's health sciences focus.
