At $22,633/yr net price, Viterbo University graduates earn $55,660/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,660/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,633 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,532 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,660/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,660/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,779/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,129/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,165/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,629/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,575/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 | $103,078 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $70,456 | $28,608 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,052 | $26,983 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,218 | $30,017 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,318 | $17,532 |
| 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 | $25,000 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $45,919 | $42,780 |
The Risk Factor
65.2% of students at Viterbo University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Viterbo University delivers strong returns if you choose the right major, but the overall financial picture is mixed. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, making it one of the best ROI programs in Wisconsin. Educational administration also pays well at $70,456, though you'll carry nearly $29,000 in debt.
Your choice of major matters enormously at Viterbo. Nursing graduates earn nearly double the school's median of $55,660, while other programs lag behind. Business administration provides decent returns at $61,218 but requires $30,000 in debt. The school's 65% graduation rate means one in three students never finish, making program selection critical.
Viterbo poses specific financial risks with its 70% retention rate. Nearly 30% of students transfer out after freshman year, often losing credits and money. The La Crosse job market limits opportunities outside healthcare and education, so your career flexibility depends heavily on your major choice.
This school works financially if you're committed to nursing or education and can complete your degree. The relatively low median debt of $25,000 helps, but only 22% of students receive institutional aid. You should look elsewhere if you're undecided about your major or interested in fields with limited regional job prospects. The combination of moderate graduation rates and location-dependent job markets makes Viterbo a risky choice for career changers or students without clear professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viterbo University worth the cost?
Viterbo's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn over $65,000 starting out, making the $25,000 median debt manageable, but other programs show weaker returns on a $22,633 annual net price.
What are the best paying majors at Viterbo University?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $65,000-$103,000, followed by Educational Administration at $57,000-$70,000. Business Administration graduates average $61,218, which is solid but not exceptional for the debt load.
How much debt do Viterbo University graduates typically have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is reasonable compared to many private colleges. However, with average 10-year earnings of $55,660, graduates outside of nursing and education may struggle with loan payments.
Does Viterbo University have good financial aid?
The net price of $22,633 suggests decent aid packages, bringing costs down from the full sticker price. Still, only 65% of students graduate, meaning some take on debt without finishing their degree.