Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Viterbo University

Viterbo's nursing program positions graduates right at Wisconsin's median for the field, though earnings fall slightly behind the national benchmark by about $2,400. More concerning is the trajectory: graduates earn $72,463 in their first year but see earnings dip to $70,501 by year four—a 3% decline when most nursing careers show steady upward momentum. This pattern suggests graduates may face challenges advancing to higher-paying roles or maintaining full-time hours.

The financial fundamentals are solid enough. At $29,013 in median debt—just slightly above state and national medians—graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40. That translates to debt payments representing roughly 8-9% of gross income, which leaves room in a nursing budget. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin nursing programs, putting it in the middle tier of in-state options, though notably below UW-Madison and the Herzing campuses.

For families focused on minimizing debt while launching a nursing career, Viterbo checks that box. But the earnings stagnation matters. If your child thrives in environments that push toward leadership positions or specialized nursing roles, the stronger programs listed above might justify their similar debt loads with better long-term positioning.