Viterbo University
Viterbo University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Viterbo University at a Glance
Viterbo University is a private Catholic university in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1890 by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo is home to three colleges with nine schools offering 48 academic programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
1890
136 years old
1,904
1,179 undergrad · 725 grad
Identity
Is Viterbo University Worth It?
Viterbo University offers moderate value at $21,260/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $55,660, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 67% graduation rate means roughly 33% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Viterbo University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in WI
Ranked #22 of 147 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #6 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #22 | Viterbo University | 44 | $21,260 | $55,660 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Viterbo University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in WI.
Best Programs at Viterbo University
The highest-earning program at Viterbo University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $62,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Social Work at $38,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Viterbo University earns $62,900, while a Social Work graduate earns $38,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $26,377 in median debt vs. $27,200 for Social Work.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,260/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $62,900 | $62,900 | $26,377 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $45,800 | $45,800 | $26,049 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,100 | $42,100 | $24,079 |
| Social Work | $38,600 | $38,600 | $27,200 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- La Crosse, WI
- Student Body
- 1,249 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 67%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,260
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,660
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000