Sept. 23, 2025
VITERBO UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES LARGEST-EVER MERIT AWARDS, EXPANDING ACCESS FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Viterbo University today announced the launch of GO VITERBO (Granting Opportunities), the single largest investment in student support in the institution’s history. Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, every first-time, full-time student accepted to Viterbo will automatically receive a GO VITERBO Merit Award starting at $18,000, which represents an 80% increase in merit dollars over the previous year. Students with a higher GPA and/or who submit optional ACT/SAT test scores may qualify for levels at $20,000, $22,000, $24,000, and $26,000 based on academic achievement. The awards are renewable each year for up to four years so long as the student remains in good academic standing.
GO VITERBO, short for Granting Opportunities, reflects the mission and vision of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA), who founded Viterbo in 1890 with a commitment to making education accessible to all.
“From the very beginning, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration sought to extend opportunity through education,” said Viterbo University President Rick Trietley. “GO VITERBO is a bold initiative that honors that legacy by ensuring that today’s students, regardless of their background, can access an education rooted in faith, service, and purpose. It is our responsibility to continue their tradition of granting opportunities to future leaders who will serve and inspire others.”
The GO VITERBO Initiative not only reduces the financial barrier for students and families but also highlights Viterbo’s consistent record of outcomes. More than 98 percent of Viterbo graduates are employed or pursuing advanced education within a year of graduation. Additionally, Viterbo’s academic programs are well known for high-quality curriculum, creating research opportunities, and offering dynamic experiential learning and networking opportunities.
“At a time when many families are asking hard questions about the value of higher education, Viterbo continues to prove that it is an investment worth making,” said Erin Edlund, PhD, vice president for marketing, communications, and enrollment. “Our graduates not only achieve outstanding career and graduate school placement rates but also leave with clarity of purpose and the confidence to make a difference in their communities. GO VITERBO makes that transformational experience possible for more students and families.”
In addition to merit awards, Viterbo also offers a wide variety of additional scholarships and awards that may be stacked with the merit awards, and students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may qualify for additional support, making a Viterbo education even more accessible.
“While not every family will qualify for need-based aid, we strongly encourage all families to complete the FAFSA. It can unlock unexpected resources and opportunities that might not otherwise be available. In recent years we’ve seen fewer families submitting the FAFSA, but it remains one of the most valuable free tools to help expand college options,” said Edlund.
For more information about GO VITERBO, visit viterbo.edu or contact admission@viterbo.edu.
-30-