Viterbo University
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Viterbo University offers more than 70 academic programs (traditional and online) that prepare students for outstanding careers. Whether they be at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree level, classes are taught by faculty members dedicated to the success of their students. Viterbo students are known by name and build strong connections with faculty both in and outside of the classroom. Most programs feature internships, study abroad, service, and field research opportunities that enhance the classroom experience. Viterbo also has a generous transfer-credit policy and accelerated bachelor’s degree completion programs specifically designed for working professionals. Viterbo’s beautiful campus and vibrant community are located in La Crosse—a city nestled between scenic bluffs and the Mississippi River and named the top college town in Wisconsin.
Get to know Viterbo University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Literary magazine
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Pep band
- Student government
- Student newspaper
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practica
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Free Bus Services
- Library Services
- Disability Services
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Peer Mentors
- Counseling
College Highlights
A Viterbo education means much more than traditional books, classrooms, and computer labs. Viterbo offers hands-on learning. Just a few of the options available for students include: spending the night outside in February—a simple but profound gesture—to raise awareness about people experiencing homelessness; harvesting organic vegetables at the local community garden; and gaining nursing experience assisting the people who are utilizing the services of the Salvation Army. Viterbo students have also collaborated with area schools to introduce philosophical problems and lead respectful and meaningful discussions.
STUDY ABROAD
Perhaps the most enriching and life-changing experience a student can have is studying abroad in another country. In addition to academics, students learn firsthand about new places, people, and cultures while experiencing things most people only see in books or on a screen. Viterbo students also have opportunities to join their classmates on week-long overseas trips during break. For example, a group of Viterbo theatre and musical theatre students traveled to London to learn more about the history of theatre and see different styles of theatre. And, as part of a Viterbo class, students have traveled to South Africa to explore and learn more about history and culture.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Service is an essential component of a Viterbo education. Students can choose to help with a Habitat for Humanity house build, to collect hats and mittens for those less fortunate, or to stock the food shelves at the local food pantry. Students find the experience of providing service extremely rewarding. Viterbo also hosts Service Saturdays, which provides monthly opportunities for students and employees to serve alongside various community organizations, connect with each other, and enjoy a post-service reflection meal. Viterbo campus ministry organizes service trips to Midwest cities during spring and winter breaks to focus on building community among trip participants, between participants and the people served, and living out the message of the Gospel.
Viterbo’s ability to engage students in meaningful civic and community projects has been recognized nationally, as the university was named to the President’s Higher Education Service Honor Roll.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 56 | 10-19: 150 | 20-29: 70
30-39: 37 | 40-49: 4 | 50-99: 11 | 100+: 0
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 2%
Hispanic/Latino: 3%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 0%
White, non-Hispanic: 87%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 5%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 1%
Viterbo University prepares students for whatever career they choose, diving into outstanding academic programs that are taught by faculty members who are dedicated to student success.
UNIQUE SEMINAR COURSES
Knowledge should be acquired with purpose and meaning. Viterbo’s unique core curriculum allows students to select seminar courses that align with their interests and are infused with Viterbo’s mission: Franciscan Values and Traditions, Living in a Diverse World, Serving the Common Good, and The Ethical Life.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Viterbo offers outstanding opportunities for personalized student research in every area of study. On a larger scale, at a regional symposium held on the Viterbo campus, students and their faculty mentors present and defend their research.
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Viterbo offers more than 25 student organizations or sport clubs as well as the opportunity to start new clubs. The different opportunities are listed here: www.viterbo.edu/student-organizations. One of the newest additions is the Breaking Barriers Diversity Club, whose mission is to bring awareness to the student body and faculty about different issues involving race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and other ideologies. Viterbo also created a Diversity and Inclusion Center with a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. The Center is also used for events related to identity.
IDENTITIES PROJECT
The Identities Project is a Student Affairs-sponsored, cross-campus collaboration with the Diversity Committee, Breaking Barriers Diversity Club, and other campus entities that provides opportunities for our community to explore and discuss gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, social class, ethnicity, and other facets of identity through intentionally-reflective civil dialogues, lectures, documentaries with discussions, and other programs. Some examples include identity and the media, healthy living, substance abuse, Hmong festival and New Year’s celebration, how to respond to hate speech, and interfaith conversations.
OUTSTANDING FACILITIES
State-of-the-art facilities also add to the academic experience. Viterbo’s Reinhart Center houses outstanding science facilities. The School of Nursing building is truly distinctive, with four simulation labs dedicated to critical care, medical/surgical, maternal newborn care, and child health care. It also has a premiere nutrition and dietetics lab. The Charles D. Gelatt Finance Simulation Lab is located in Brophy Center, which is home to the Dahl School of Business. The finance lab features two 22-foot stock tickers, 24 dual-screen computer terminals equipped with financial markets simulation software, and four large screen televisions to provide live coverage of the financial markets and world news. The Viterbo Fine Arts Center is one of the best facilities of its kind in the region and includes a 1,100 seat main theatre, a recital hall, an art gallery, a dance studio, and a Black Box theatre for performances in a more intimate setting.
Viterbo University is a Catholic, Franciscan, undergraduate and graduate, liberal arts college founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. The Viterbo University community prepares students for faithful service and ethical leadership.
ACCREDITATIONS
Viterbo holds accreditations from the following:
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Weekend college
GUEST SPEAKERS
Viterbo University students enjoy amazing speakers and programming brought to campus by the university’s D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership. Guest speakers include Holocaust survivor and Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel; best-selling author of Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom; and Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza. The Ethics Institute sponsors a series of lectures by nationally and locally known speakers that are intended to be both informative and inspiring, and to address ethical issues in a variety of settings, including business, health care, science, religion, politics, and technology. In a similar Leadership at Noon series, students are able to meet face-to-face with business leaders who serve as inspiring role models. The university also hosts an annual Holocaust workshop for middle and high school teachers, a humanities symposium, and a variety of interdisciplinary conferences.
THE ARTS
Viterbo is the region’s home to the fine and performing arts. The university features an outstanding and diverse lineup of fine arts events each year, from world-renowned concert pianists to amazing singers and incredible musicians at the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center. The School of Fine Arts also performs outstanding concerts, plays, and musicals throughout the year.
Viterbo also shares space in the Weber Center for the Performing Arts. It is a beautiful 30,000 square-foot, 450-seat facility located on the Mississippi River, less than a mile from campus in downtown La Crosse.
ATHLETICS FACILITIES
The Varsity Athletics Center, the Amie L. Mathy Center, and the Outdoor Athletics Complex are home to Viterbo athletes and are used for community athletics and clinics. The Outdoor Athletics Complex building features locker rooms, athletic training rooms, concessions, and public restrooms.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Viterbo University is located in beautiful La Crosse, Wisconsin. Between the majestic bluffs and the scenic valleys near the Mississippi River sits a vibrant campus just minutes from downtown and the arts district. There are many opportunities for recreational seasonal activities in La Crosse, including hiking the bluffs and running the marsh trails, walking in Riverside Park along the Mississippi River, watching bald eagles, relaxing at the Black River Beach or Pettibone Beach, and skiing and snowboarding at Mt. La Crosse. Viterbo’s campus is about 15 minutes away from the Valley View Mall retail shopping area.
ATHLETICS
Viterbo University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a part of the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Conference.
Men’s sports: baseball, basketball, bowling, competitive dance and cheer, cross country, golf, soccer, track (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball.
Women’s sports: basketball, bowling, competitive dance and cheer, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball.
Mascot: Vic V-Hawk
Colors: Red and Navy
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 94%
Undergraduates: 35%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Apartments for single students
Theme housing
Viterbo’s ethics-based liberal arts curriculum prepares students to get the most out of life.
ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER
Viterbo offers the practical tools for success. The university’s Academic Resource Center is utilized by 92% of undergraduate students and offers a wide variety of tutoring, academic counseling, test-preparation services, and academic workshops. Faculty members also give students personalized attention that helps them to succeed. The university offers counseling services, extensive disability support, and health and safety services. Each Viterbo student is assigned an academic and professional advisor.
CAREER SERVICES
Success for many students means landing a job in their academic field. And with a 99% placement rate, the Viterbo career services office helps students do just that. Career services offers assistance with interviews, résumés, internships, and securing gainful employment. In addition to an excellent placement rate, Viterbo graduates have outstanding reputations with employers, which is very important in a competitive job market.
INTERNSHIPS
Viterbo guarantees that all business students will participate in at least one paid internship or field practicum. Internships provide an opportunity for students to gain invaluable work experience related to their academic major or career field and have proven to improve job placement prospects.
VITERBO DISTINCTIONS
Viterbo holds the following distinctions:
- Colleges of Distinction
- Champions of Character Five-Star Institution 2016-17 Silver
- Military Friendly School
- 8 Keys to Veterans Success
- The President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
- SILVER Well Workplace award
- Yellow Ribbon
Viterbo is a member of the following:
- American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU)
- Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U)
- Association of Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU)
- Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)
- The College Board
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)
- Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU)
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Class rank | Academic GPA | Standardized test scores Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities
Volunteer work | Work experience
Important
First generation | Alumni/ae relation | Level of applicant’s interest
Considered
Application Essay | Recommendation(s) | Geographical residence
State residency | Racial/ethnic status
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 520 | 75th Percentile: 660
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 520 | 75th Percentile: 740
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 21 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT English
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 25
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $27,960
Fees: $690
Room & Board: $9,295
Room: $4,125
Board: $5,170
Aid
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION
Ninety-eight percent of all Viterbo undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance. All need-based financial aid awards are for one year only. Students must reapply each year of attendance. Renewal is dependent on continued need for aid, maintenance of academic standards as outlined in the Student Handbook and continued funding.
Students are awarded aid drawn from approximately 30 federal, state, and Viterbo University programs. Students are usually offered a combination of scholarship, grant, loan, and employment opportunities. Besides providing general tuition and fees information, Viterbo’s financial aid office offers an “early estimator” that reveals the amount of financial aid the student is eligible to receive. Viterbo’s financial aid office also helps students with Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) questions, scholarship information, veterans’ benefits, and more. Visit: www.viterbo.edu/financial-aid for more information.
Viterbo also recognizes the confusing nature of the financial aid process and has taken steps to simplify it. Viterbo features an online Net Price Calculator designed to help students estimate their financial aid options: www.viterbo.edu/affordable. Many are surprised at how affordable college is when all financial aid is included.
SCHOLARSHIPS
In addition to providing dozens of scholarships for incoming students, transfers, and working professionals, Viterbo hosts three annual scholarship competitions for first-time freshmen students in human behavior, health science, and nursing.
What Others are Saying
Contact Viterbo University
Contact Admissions
www.viterbo.edu/admissions-and-aid
(608) 796-3010
admission@viterbo.edu
Campus Location
900 Viterbo Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 796-3000