Viterbo University
La Crosse, WI, USA

Reviews

Viterbo University

Laura from Stillwater, MN

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Academic Rigor
many of the classes i took this past semester i had some background knowledge in but the liberal arts education that viterbo provides its students with is amazing. the academics are challenging at times depending on what program you are in. the nursing program i have heard is very difficult from friends although i am not nursing major.
for those students who want to be challenged even more, i would recommend applying to the viterbo honors program. you only have to take one or two honors classes each year and it's a great way to be a part of classes that are more discussion based and where you have more freedom and are able to develop leadership skills. there are academic requirements but they are reasonable and the program is a lot of fun because the leadership team plans activities and has discussions outside of honors classes.
Am enjoying being here
there is usually lots of activities going on. vu after dark is a program where there are activities, games, and movies for anyone to go to on friday and saturday nights but it's mostly aimed towards freshman and sophomores. there tons of clubs, many based on common majors, like the viterbo student nursing association and others. if you want to create a club you do it! this year there are several new clubs on campus.
i really enjoyed most of the teachers i had this past semester. my classes were smaller, as most are at viterbo, and if you participate in class and ask questions you'll enjoy the class more and the teacher will get to know you better as well.
Bang for the buck
because it is a private school, viterbo is more expensive than some public schools, however, they offer lots of scholarships and financial aid. most students get academic scholarships, financial aid, or both. if you qualify for work study you're guaranteed a job. most jobs at viterbo are work study jobs so if you don't have a work study job you can apply at the bookstore or around town.
Tips for prospective students
apply early. the application is easy to complete and you hear back soon after you apply. make sure to apply for financial aid through fafsa. most academic scholarships you automatically qualify for when you apply to viterbo.
Great for these types of students
viterbo is great for students who are interested in becoming a nurse (it's the major with the most students), like smaller classes and getting to know teachers (there aren't any tas), and people who are looking at attending a smaller school. though it is a smaller catholic school, many people are open minded and there is a great diversity in backgrounds of people who go there.
viterbo isn't for you if you are looking for a big school or want to go to school in a big city, la crosse is a medium sized city but not huge.

Jasmine from New Lisbon, WI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Viterbo has many amazing professors whose goals are to help you succeed. Everyone is really helpful and will go out of their way if you need something. They excel in their education programs and their learning objectives for life that students can't get at a state school.
Academic Rigor
At any college, students will have to work hard in order to be successful. I believe Viterbo does a fantastic job preparing its students for their future careers by not only educating us on our major, but how to be servant leaders through contemplation, hospitality, integrity, service, and stewardship. Viterbo goes beyond to mold us into aspiring adults.
Dorm Life
Dorm life is different for each person and is made by the people on your floor. When filling out applications be truthful for what you want because some floors, depending on your answers are more quitter than others. My floor is fairly quiet and if I would have any concerns it is easy to talk to Residence Hall Life.
Food and Dining
I am a pretty picky eater, and I have no problem with the meals in the cafeteria. They have so many options to a fresh sandwich line, a grilled food line, a regular meal line, and a line in which a chef makes fresh meals of the day right in front of you. I have eaten at other campuses and Viterbo by far knocks everyone out of the park.
What to do for fun
On the weekend Viterbo holds many fun activities such as Harry Potter bingo, lock-ins, trips to the movies, and during winter a walk through of the rotary lights. They always have activities to keep us busy if we choose to utilize them, and most nights there are always prizes awarded for winners.
Great for these types of students
This school is great for students who prefer small class sizes, short walks between classes, and especially more one on one time with professors if you have questions about the class.
Clubs and Activities
Viterbo has a wide variety of clubs to DNA Club, Art Club, or Viterbo Free Thinkers. Also if there's a club that VIterbo doesn't have you can make your own!
Campus Safety
I am proud to say that Viterbo has 24 hour campus security. They do nightly checks around and in each building to make sure the university is safe. There are many blue emergency boxes located around campus too in case something happens or you would like to be escorted to your dorms at night.

Samantha from La Crosse, WI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Viterbo University is a great university for anyone looking to pursue any type of career. They really prepare you for you career interests and get you out into the field once you have chosen your major or field of interest. It is important for Viterbo to make sure all students are well prepared once they graduate.
Tips for prospective students
For students interested in attending Viterbo University, I would advise them to come prepared and ready to learn and work hard, not only in the classroom but also when doing field work. Be ready to be challenged in new ways and have an unwilling need to learn and ask questions as you begin your journey. Viterbo is also expensive, so if you are not sure or interested you may want to explore other options to be sure that this is the right school for you.
Academic Rigor
Viterbo is very challenging and causes students to think in new ways that maybe a public school would not allow them to do. Not only do you apply knowledge in the classroom, but in real life settings as well. This is how it can be challenging, but Viterbo wants all of their students to be prepared and ready for the chosen career path once they graduate.
Dorm Life
I personally have not experienced dorm life at Viterbo, but they do have a brand new residence hall that was just built this year. It is very clean and bigger than the typical college residence hall.
Food and Dining
The dining services at Viterbo are excellent. Most of the food that Viterbo has to offer is great and the dining services really do cater to student needs. There may not be a lot to chose from but what they do offer is quite good.
What to do for fun
Athletic events are a huge part of the Viterbo life as well as music/art shows. Viterbo is known for the many musical talents in the midwestern area and there are many shows offered monthly. There are many student clubs and organizations for every major or career path that the students may choose to join as well.
Bang for the buck
Viterbo may be more expensive than most schools in the country, but most students are able to qualify for financial aid. Also, they do an excellent job of preparing students for the outside world once they graduate. Most of the student's time will be spent outside of the classroom and practicing with real life situations, which most other public schools do not offer.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There not many unusual traditions that Viterbo has to offer.
Great for these types of students
Dedicated, hard-working, and students who are willing to persevere through anything (financially, socially, academically).
Clubs and Activities
There are many clubs and activities to join at Viterbo: a number of athletic teams including intramural teams, clubs with each major, a number of activities offered every weekend and most days of the week.
Greek Life
I have not had any experiences with Greek Life on campus.
Campus Safety
This is one of the safest campuses in the state. There is always a school police officer on duty as well as much access to any help that students in distress may need. They have a fantastic student development center that helps anyone who may feel threatened by anyone. It is also a small campus and it feels more like a family than it does an institution. Everyone seems to be really close and students feel more at home.

Mary from La Crosse, WI

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Viterbo University is truly a home away from home! There is such a sense of community and welcome; I could feel it even while just visiting, but now that I actually attend, I am enveloped in the feeling of camaraderie. Along with the small class sizes and more personalized learning, every faculty member makes a point to get to know you as an individual and works to help you succeed; this is just another bonus of attending Viterbo University!
Tips for prospective students
A few major tips for prospective students are to take advantage of all that is offered on campus, work hard to keep your grades up, and spend time making strong, lasting relationships.
Academic Rigor
The classes definitely increase in rigorousness as the years pass, but keep up a good work ethic and try not to procrastinate, and anyone can do well.
Dorm Life
Other than the usual close quarters of any dorm, the dorms are a place where friendships flourish and personalities develop and become more obvious. I still am close friends with those on my dorm floor, and I definitely saw everyone's personalities develop, and I saw each person come into their own throughout the year.
Food and Dining
The desserts and Steve's station are FANTASTIC!!! Crossroads and Franny's are frequent stops. You can find everything you are craving throughout the year and more.
What to do for fun
Other than the many performances that Viterbo puts on, downtown is only a few blocks from campus. Shopping, getting ice cream at the Pearl, going to Riverside Park, hiking on the Bluffs, or hanging around campus and playing in the courtyards are the best ways to spend the weekends!
Bang for the buck
Viterbo can be pretty pricey, but it offers so much. You are able to see wonderful performances at a reduced price, have smaller, more personalized classes, and get top-notch help if you have any problem.
Campus Safety
There are always security guards patrolling the campus. There are also emergency boxes that alerts security if you are feeling uncomfortable as you walk back to your residence. I have never felt in danger with the superb security that Viterbo has.

researching this school
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Bang for the buck
Seems reasonable for a private college