Students at Saint Norbert College achieve earnings that consistently outperform expectations, ranking among the top quarter of institutions nationwide for long-term financial outcomes.
The college's personalized approach and strong employer connections help graduates from all backgrounds, including low-income students, reach higher earning potential than peers at similar institutions.
Saint Norbert College delivers strong long-term value despite its selective student profile. This small private college in De Pere, Wisconsin, consistently produces graduates who earn well above typical outcomes for similar institutions. With median 10-year earnings of $58,363, Saint Norbert ranks in the 80th percentile nationally for graduate earnings, reflecting the institution's focus on career preparation and professional development.
The college serves a relatively affluent student body, with only about 14% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 21% being first-generation college students. This selectivity contributes to strong completion rates, with nearly 74% of students graduating within six years. Saint Norbert's "Selective Achievers" designation reflects this pattern: limited access for low-income students but strong outcomes for those who enroll.
As a small liberal arts college with fewer than 2,000 students, Saint Norbert offers the personalized attention and tight-knit community that many families seek. The institution balances traditional liberal arts education with practical career preparation, particularly in business fields where graduates see some of the strongest financial returns among the college's programs.
Saint Norbert College's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields that connect directly to regional employment opportunities. Business programs anchor the college's offerings, with General Business enrolling 50 graduates annually and producing median earnings of $46,087 ten years out. This combination of scale and solid returns makes business the institution's economic engine, providing both broad access to business careers and reliable financial outcomes.
Accounting stands out as the college's highest-earning program, with 21 graduates achieving median earnings of $57,318. This premium reflects both the specialized nature of accounting work and Saint Norbert's strong reputation among regional employers who recruit accounting graduates. The program's smaller size allows for intensive faculty mentorship and hands-on learning that translates directly into workplace readiness.
As a focused liberal arts institution, Saint Norbert graduates a concentrated cohort each year, creating meaningful connections within Wisconsin's business community and providing students with access to established alumni networks in accounting, finance, and general business management roles throughout the region.
Saint Norbert College graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently outperform many peer institutions. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $58,363, placing the college in the 80th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This performance reflects both the institution's career-focused approach and its ability to connect students with employers who value the college's graduates.
The strongest financial returns come from the college's business and accounting programs. Business majors, who represent the largest graduating class with 50 students annually, earn around $46,087 ten years out and generate the highest aggregate return for the institution. Accounting graduates see even stronger individual outcomes, with median earnings of $57,318, making it one of the college's most lucrative career paths. These programs benefit from Saint Norbert's strong regional employer relationships and emphasis on practical, career-ready skills that translate directly into workplace success.
Saint Norbert College presents a mixed affordability picture, with relatively high costs that may challenge many families despite generous aid for some income levels. Low-income families pay about $19,944 annually after aid, while middle-income families see similar costs around $19,828. However, high-income families face significantly higher expenses at $30,490 per year, reflecting the college's high sticker price and limited merit aid for wealthier students.
Most students who borrow take on substantial debt loads to attend Saint Norbert. Typical federal student loan debt reaches $26,731, while families often supplement with Parent PLUS loans averaging $27,399. These debt levels are higher than at many public institutions, though they remain manageable given the college's strong earnings outcomes. The combination of higher borrowing and solid post-graduation earnings creates a financial profile where students invest more upfront but generally see that investment pay off through stronger career prospects and earning potential.
Saint Norbert College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
