MSOE vs. Viterbo

Comparable Facts

Compare Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI with Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Milwaukee School of Engineering is larger than Viterbo based on total student enrollment (2,953 students vs. 2,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Milwaukee School of Engineering is located in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting); Viterbo University is in La Crosse, WI (Small City setting).
• Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Viterbo University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Milwaukee School of Engineering 12:1; Viterbo University 10:1.

MSOE vs. Viterbo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSOE or Viterbo? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Viterbo University than MSOE ($21,933 vs. $25,669).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Viterbo University are 19.1% lower than at Milwaukee School of Engineering ($11,320 vs. $13,984).
• Milwaukee School of Engineering is 47.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Viterbo (about $16,230 more per year; $50,480.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.4% higher at MSOE than at Viterbo University (about $16,230 more per year; $50,480.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Milwaukee School of Engineering as at Viterbo University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milwaukee School of Engineering students is 56.9% larger than aid received by Viterbo University students ($36,997 vs. $23,573).

MSOE vs. Viterbo Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSOE or Viterbo? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Viterbo and MSOE.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Milwaukee School of Engineering (1280) is 70 points higher than at Viterbo (1210).
• Incoming MSOE students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 24 at Viterbo).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Milwaukee School of Engineering 1160/1405; Viterbo University 1040/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Milwaukee School of Engineering 24/30; Viterbo University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSOE - Test-free; Viterbo - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MSOE Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman MSOE students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Viterbo (3.5).
• Viterbo has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than MSOE (58.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.2% at MSOE vs. 15.9% at Viterbo.

MSOE vs. Viterbo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSOE and Viterbo? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Milwaukee School of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Viterbo University's (49%).
• Graduates from Milwaukee School of Engineering earn a median of about $24,600 more per year than Viterbo graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,900 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Viterbo University and MSOE graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Viterbo University and MSOE graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More MSOE graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Viterbo students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 68%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.