Students at Viterbo University achieve above-average earnings that place them in the top 25% nationally, reflecting the institution's focus on practical career preparation in high-demand fields.
The university's emphasis on nursing and professional programs creates reliable pathways to stable middle-class careers with strong long-term financial outcomes.
Viterbo University is a small private nonprofit institution in La Crosse, Wisconsin, that combines personalized education with practical career preparation. While not ranked among the largest or most selective universities, Viterbo delivers above-average earnings outcomes for its graduates, with median 10-year earnings of $55,660 placing it in the 78th percentile nationally. The university serves a moderate share of low-income students, with about 22% receiving Pell Grants and 28% being first-generation college students.
Viterbo's strength lies in its focused approach to professional programs, particularly in nursing and healthcare, which drive much of the institution's economic value for students. The university maintains reasonable net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying around $15,779 annually and middle-income families seeing costs of about $20,165. As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Viterbo provides solid access to higher education while delivering meaningful career preparation that translates into stable employment and middle-class earnings for most graduates.
The university's small size creates an intimate learning environment where students receive individual attention, though this also means fewer program options compared to larger institutions. For students who thrive in close-knit academic communities and seek direct pathways into professional careers, particularly in healthcare and business, Viterbo offers a reliable foundation for long-term career success.
Viterbo University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-focused fields that lead directly to stable employment. Nursing dominates both enrollment and economic outcomes, with 192 graduates earning a median of $65,052 ten years after graduation. This program represents the university's strongest economic engine, combining high demand in healthcare markets with solid compensation that grows over time.
Business programs provide the second major pathway, with Business Administration enrolling 48 students who earn median salaries of $47,595, while Accounting graduates achieve similar outcomes at $48,432. These programs reflect Viterbo's emphasis on professional preparation that translates into middle-management and specialized roles in regional business markets.
The university's program mix emphasizes depth over breadth, focusing resources on fields where graduates can achieve reliable career outcomes rather than spreading across numerous academic disciplines. This concentrated approach allows Viterbo to build strong employer relationships and maintain high-quality instruction in its core areas, particularly healthcare and business, where regional demand remains consistently strong.
Viterbo University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that place the institution well above national averages. With median 10-year earnings of $55,660, graduates earn more than those from about 78% of similar institutions nationwide. The university's return on investment reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented programs that lead directly into stable employment, particularly in healthcare, business, and professional services.
Nursing stands out as Viterbo's strongest economic engine, with 192 graduates earning a median of $65,052 ten years after enrollment. This program combines high enrollment with strong pay, making it the university's highest aggregate return major. Business Administration, the largest non-nursing program with 48 graduates, produces median earnings of $47,595, while Accounting graduates earn around $48,432. These programs reflect Viterbo's emphasis on professional preparation that translates directly into middle-class careers with clear advancement pathways.
The university's earnings outcomes demonstrate consistent value across its program portfolio, with most graduates entering stable career tracks that provide steady income growth over time. While earnings may not reach the peaks seen at large research universities or highly selective institutions, Viterbo graduates achieve reliable financial outcomes that support comfortable middle-class lifestyles and career stability.
Viterbo University maintains reasonable affordability for a private institution, with net prices that vary predictably across income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $15,779 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $20,165, and higher-income families pay about $26,575. These prices reflect substantial financial aid that helps make private education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Debt levels at Viterbo are manageable relative to the earnings graduates achieve. Typical students leave with about $25,000 in federal loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $19,000. With median graduate earnings of $55,660, most borrowers can handle standard 10-year repayment comfortably, as monthly payments typically fall within recommended debt-to-income guidelines. The university's loan repayment patterns show that graduates are paying down balances at rates above national averages, with strong performance in early repayment milestones that indicates financial stability among alumni.
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