Alverno College
Alverno College is a private nonprofit university in Milwaukee, WI ranked #267 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 724 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 93.1%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, 78.6% first-year retention, and 50.5% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $16,722, about $276 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -22.6%, roughly 107.9 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $51,755. That's about $8,067 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Alverno College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Alverno College graduates 50.5% of students within six years and keeps 78.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Alverno College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $32,794 |
| Books and Supplies | $768 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,238 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $10,261 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $44,163 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 49.1% of Alverno College students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,889 to $17,577 depending on family income. Use Alverno College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,449/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,577/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $51,755
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,755
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $22,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 46.1%
- Employment Rate 89.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Alverno College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Alverno College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Alverno College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Alverno College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Alverno College graduates earn $51,755 median, the -22.6% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 724
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 78.6%
- Graduation Rate 50.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Alverno College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Alverno College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 93.1%, Alverno College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 93.1% acceptance rate, Alverno College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Alverno College undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 30.3%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 13.1%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 10.0%
- Psychology, General 6.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.9%
- Business/Commerce, General 5.2%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.1%
- Education, General 3.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $79,094
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $62,694
- 3. Communication and Media Studies $60,730
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business/Commerce, General $52,065
- 5. Biology, General $49,548
- 6. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $48,142
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $42,709
- 8. Psychology, General $40,753
- 9. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $36,361
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $117,589
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $93,558
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $88,867
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $83,692
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $64,631
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $54,803
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $79,094—118% more than Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions ($36,361). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $117,589 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Alverno College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 48 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 45 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 37 graduates)
- Special Education and Teaching (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 28 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (29 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business/Commerce, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Education, General
- Biology, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Social Work
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Design and Applied Arts
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Natural Sciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- History
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Master's Degrees (8 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (8 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, General
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 724
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 1.1%
- Female Students 98.9%
- Caucasian 31.1%
- Asian 4.4%
- Hispanic 41.2%
- Black 16.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 49.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Alverno College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Alverno College's undergraduate population. Women make up 98.9% of the student body, while men represent 1.1%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Alverno College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Alverno College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Alverno College has a diverse student body, with 31.1% identifying as White. Women make up 98.9% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Alverno College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Alverno College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Alverno College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -22.6% ROI. Ranked #267 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $16,722 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $51,755 median earnings. With 50.5% graduating within six years and 78.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Alverno College's Positioning
With a A- grade and #267 ranking, Alverno College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $16,722 annually, Alverno College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 78.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $11,705 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -22.6% ROI and $51,755 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $6,722+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Alverno College ranks #267 of 6272 institutions, with 388 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 50.5% six-year graduation rate sits 12.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 78.6% first-year retention is 1.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -22.6% return on investment is 107.9 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $51,755 run about 18% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $16,722 is roughly $396 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 78.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.6% employment rate within three years sits 21.4 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Alverno College—a private nonprofit university in Milwaukee, WI—at A- overall. It stands at #267 among 6272 schools Completion earns B, Support B+, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 78.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 50.5% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -22.6%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $16,722 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $44,163.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,441 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $22,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 49.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $51,755 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 18% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 89.6% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -22.6% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
93.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Alverno College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Milwaukee, WI 53234-3922
- Website www.alverno.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$35.5M