Saint Norbert College

With a negative ROI score, prospective students should carefully evaluate the long-term financial implications of attending Saint Norbert College.

Further research into specific departmental strengths and faculty is recommended to assess academic quality.

A small student body typically fosters a more intimate community, potentially offering more personalized attention but fewer diverse social and academic opportunities compared to larger institutions.

The provided data focuses on median earnings 10 years after entry, which is $58,363. Starting salaries may vary significantly by program and career path.

Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, and the provided earnings and debt data do not differentiate by residency.

Saint Norbert College has an acceptance rate of approximately 85.7%, classifying it as a moderately selective institution. This means that while a significant portion of applicants are admitted, the college still reviews applications carefully. To increase your chances of admission, focus on presenting a strong academic profile. This includes maintaining a competitive GPA, excelling in challenging coursework (such as AP or IB classes if available), and submitting well-crafted essays that showcase your personality, interests, and reasons for choosing Saint Norbert. Strong letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors can also significantly bolster your application. Standardized test scores, if submitted, should align with the college's average ranges. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, virtual tours, or attending information sessions can also positively influence the admissions committee's decision. While not as highly selective as some elite institutions, a thoughtful and well-prepared application is still crucial for a successful outcome.

Evaluating the financial worth of Saint Norbert College requires a balanced look at costs versus potential returns. The sticker price of $45,580 for tuition is substantial, and the median 10-year earnings of $58,363 suggest a modest financial payoff. With median debt at $26,731, graduates will need to manage loan repayments alongside their early career salaries. The ROI score of -68 indicates that, on average, the financial return doesn't significantly exceed the cost. To make it 'worth it,' students would need to leverage the college's resources for high-earning potential careers or secure significant financial aid. For instance, if a graduate enters a high-demand field like specialized tech or finance, their earnings could far exceed the median, making the investment more justifiable. Conversely, pursuing lower-paying fields might make the debt burden feel heavier. The value is enhanced by the quality of education, networking opportunities, and personal development, which are harder to quantify. Ultimately, for students who can secure substantial scholarships or grants, or who are targeting careers with strong earning potential, Saint Norbert can be a worthwhile investment. For others, the cost may outweigh the immediate financial benefits.

While Saint Norbert College offers a well-rounded liberal arts education, certain majors tend to align well with strong regional employment opportunities and potentially higher earning potentials. Business Administration, with concentrations in areas like Finance or Marketing, is often a strong choice, preparing students for roles in the many financial and manufacturing firms in Wisconsin and the Midwest. The Biology and Chemistry programs are excellent pathways to graduate studies in health professions (medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy) or research roles, tapping into the growing healthcare sector. Computer Science is another increasingly valuable major, offering skills applicable to tech roles within various industries. For those interested in the humanities, English or History majors can lead to careers in communications, education, or law, often requiring further graduate study. The success of graduates often depends on internships, networking, and further specialization, but majors that directly feed into high-demand sectors like business, healthcare, and technology typically offer a more direct route to post-graduation employment and competitive salaries.

Student life at Saint Norbert College is characterized by its close-knit community atmosphere, typical of a small liberal arts college. With an enrollment of around 1,600 students, the campus fosters a sense of belonging and encourages active participation. Students can engage in a wide array of extracurricular activities, including over 50 student clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and NCAA Division III athletics. The college places a strong emphasis on leadership development and community service, offering numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference. Campus events, cultural activities, and performing arts are regularly scheduled, contributing to a vibrant social scene. The residential campus environment means most students live on campus, further strengthening the community feel. While it offers a traditional college experience, its location in De Pere means students may need to travel to nearby Green Bay for more diverse entertainment or nightlife options. Overall, student life is engaging, community-oriented, and provides ample opportunities for personal growth and involvement.

Saint Norbert College is committed to making its education accessible through various forms of financial aid. A significant majority of students receive some form of financial assistance. This aid typically includes a combination of merit-based scholarships (awarded for academic achievement, talents, or specific interests) and need-based grants (determined by a student's financial circumstances as assessed through the FAFSA and CSS Profile). The average financial aid package awarded to students can be substantial, helping to offset the $45,580 tuition cost. It's crucial for prospective students to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any other required institutional forms by the specified deadlines to be considered for all eligible federal, state, and institutional aid. The college also offers various payment plans and encourages students to explore external scholarship opportunities. While specific average aid amounts fluctuate annually, Saint Norbert generally aims to provide robust support to its student body, making it more affordable than the sticker price might suggest.

The median salary for Saint Norbert College alumni 10 years after graduation is reported at $58,363. However, actual earnings can vary significantly based on major, career path, and geographic location. Graduates from business-related fields, such as Finance or Marketing, often find roles in regional companies like Associated Bank or larger corporations, potentially earning salaries in the $50,000-$70,000 range starting out, with growth potential. Alumni with degrees in STEM fields, particularly those pursuing careers in healthcare (e.g., nursing, lab technicians) or technology, may see similar or higher starting salaries, especially if they secure positions in higher cost-of-living areas or specialized roles. Those pursuing graduate studies in fields like law or medicine will have a longer path to high earning potential but can expect significantly higher salaries upon completion of their advanced degrees. It's important to note that the median earnings reflect a broad average; individual outcomes depend heavily on internships, networking, and career choices. Graduates who stay within the Wisconsin region may see earnings closer to the median, while those relocating to major metropolitan areas might achieve higher salaries, albeit with a higher cost of living.

Saint Norbert College provides a range of on-campus housing options designed to support its residential student population. First-year students are typically required to live in traditional residence halls, which offer double or triple occupancy rooms with shared common bathrooms on each floor. These halls are designed to foster community and provide a supportive environment for new students, often featuring resident assistants (RAs) to help with the transition. As students progress through their academic careers, they may have the opportunity to move into suite-style living, apartment-style units, or even on-campus houses, offering more independence and amenities like private bathrooms or kitchenettes. The college emphasizes creating a safe, comfortable, and engaging living environment. While specific amenities vary by building, common features include study lounges, communal kitchens, laundry facilities, and recreational spaces. The overall atmosphere is geared towards facilitating student success both academically and socially, with housing playing a key role in the campus community experience.

Saint Norbert College offers undergraduate research opportunities, particularly within its strong liberal arts framework. While it may not have the extensive graduate-level research infrastructure of a large research university, it provides dedicated avenues for students to engage in scholarly inquiry. Many science departments, such as Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science, encourage and facilitate student participation in faculty-led research projects. These opportunities often involve assisting professors with ongoing studies, conducting independent research under faculty mentorship, and presenting findings at campus symposia or even external academic conferences. The smaller class sizes and faculty-student ratio can make it easier for undergraduates to connect with professors and secure research positions. While the scale of research might be smaller, the hands-on experience gained can be invaluable for students considering graduate school or careers in research-oriented fields, providing a solid foundation for future academic or professional pursuits.

Saint Norbert College is often compared to other private liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, such as Lawrence University, Carroll University, and Ripon College. These institutions share a similar focus on undergraduate education, small class sizes, and a strong sense of community. Compared to larger universities like Marquette, Saint Norbert offers a more intimate educational experience and a potentially lower cost of living in its immediate vicinity. Its key advantages over peers often lie in its specific program strengths (e.g., certain business or science tracks) and its unique campus culture. However, disadvantages can include a less extensive alumni network and fewer direct recruitment pipelines compared to schools in larger urban centers like Milwaukee (Marquette). While all these schools provide a solid liberal arts foundation, Saint Norbert's specific niche is its blend of academic rigor, community engagement, and Midwestern accessibility, making it a distinct choice within this peer group.

Employers generally hold a positive view of graduates from Saint Norbert College, particularly within the Midwest. The college's reputation for producing well-rounded, articulate, and ethically grounded individuals is well-regarded by regional businesses. Companies that frequently hire Saint Norbert alumni, such as Associated Bank, Bellin Health, and Schreiber Foods, value the practical skills and strong work ethic instilled by the college's liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on experiential learning. The Career and Professional Development office actively works to build relationships with employers, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. While Saint Norbert may not have the widespread national brand recognition of larger, more prestigious universities, its graduates are seen as reliable, adaptable, and capable contributors. For employers seeking candidates with a solid foundation in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, a degree from Saint Norbert College is often viewed favorably.