Herzing University-Madison stands out for its commitment to serving underrepresented students, with nearly two-thirds receiving Pell Grants and strong support systems that result in zero loan defaults.
The university's specialized programs, particularly in nursing and healthcare, provide clear pathways to stable careers for students who might not otherwise access higher education.
Herzing University-Madison is a private nonprofit institution that focuses on career-oriented programs designed to meet specific workforce needs. While Azimuth ranks it lower in the national distribution due to modest overall earnings outcomes, the university serves a distinct mission by providing accessible education to students who might not otherwise pursue higher education. Nearly 67% of students receive Pell Grants and 52% are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's commitment to serving underrepresented populations.
The university's strength lies in its specialized programs, particularly in nursing and healthcare fields where graduates can achieve solid career outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn around $60,799 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating that certain programs deliver strong returns despite the institution's overall modest earnings profile. Business Administration and Management also provides a pathway to middle-class earnings, with graduates earning approximately $50,047.
As a medium-sized private institution in Wisconsin, Herzing University-Madison operates with a clear focus on practical, job-ready education rather than broad liberal arts training. The university's approach appeals to students who want direct career preparation, flexible scheduling options, and support systems designed for non-traditional learners. While overall outcomes are modest compared to research universities, the institution serves an important role in providing accessible pathways to stable employment for students from diverse backgrounds.
Herzing University-Madison's program portfolio centers on healthcare and business fields that provide direct pathways to employment. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, with 130 graduates earning a median of $60,799 ten years after completion. This program represents the university's strongest return on investment, combining substantial enrollment with earnings that significantly exceed the institutional average.
Business Administration and Management serves as the primary non-healthcare option, graduating 41 students who earn approximately $50,047 in their careers. This program provides a solid foundation for middle-management roles and entrepreneurship opportunities. Clinical Research Coordinator programs, while smaller with 29 graduates, offer specialized training in the growing healthcare research sector with earnings around $36,195.
The concentration in healthcare reflects both market demand and the university's institutional strengths in practical, hands-on training. These programs benefit from strong industry partnerships and clinical placement opportunities that help graduates transition directly into employment. While the overall program mix is focused rather than comprehensive, this specialization allows the university to develop deep expertise and strong employer relationships in key sectors.
Graduates of Herzing University-Madison see modest but stable long-term earnings, with a median of $36,909 ten years after enrollment. The institution's earnings profile reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented programs rather than high-earning professional fields. However, graduates do achieve earnings that significantly exceed what similar students might earn without college education, with the university providing substantial value-added benefits of approximately $33,218 beyond expectations for students with similar backgrounds.
Earnings vary considerably by program choice, which is typical for career-focused institutions. The standout program is Adult Health Nursing, where 130 graduates earn a median of $60,799 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals. Business Administration and Management graduates, representing the largest non-nursing program with 41 graduates, earn around $50,047, providing a solid middle-class income. Clinical Research Coordinator programs, while smaller with 29 graduates, offer specialized training leading to earnings of approximately $36,195.
The university's program mix emphasizes healthcare and business fields that provide direct pathways to employment. While overall earnings are modest compared to research universities, the institution delivers meaningful economic mobility for students who might not otherwise access higher education. The focus on practical skills and industry connections helps graduates enter stable career paths, even if the absolute earnings levels are lower than at more selective institutions.
Herzing University-Madison maintains relatively consistent pricing across income levels, with net prices ranging from $19,290 for middle-income families to $24,755 for higher-income students. Low-income students pay approximately $20,485 annually, which represents a moderate financial commitment given the specialized nature of the programs and the private nonprofit structure. The pricing reflects the institution's focus on career-oriented education with smaller class sizes and specialized equipment.
Debt levels are manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $21,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $9,358. These amounts are reasonable given the career-focused nature of the programs and the direct pathways to employment that most programs provide. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully despite the modest earnings levels.
The affordability picture is strengthened by the institution's focus on programs that lead directly to employment. While net prices are not the lowest among Wisconsin institutions, the combination of manageable debt levels, strong job placement rates, and specialized training creates a sustainable financial model for students who complete their programs. The consistent pricing across income bands also provides predictability for families planning their educational investment.
Herzing University-Madison Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
