Viterbo University once again earned recognition in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings, moving up in several categories that highlight the university’s mission-driven commitment to quality, affordability, and access.

The family of Nancy Haggerty has gifted $1 million to Viterbo University to create an endowed nursing scholarship in honor of her life and legacy as a deeply compassionate nurse and someone who dedicated her life to serving others.

"Money" has named Viterbo University to its list of Best Colleges in America for 2025. This annual list showcases the country’s top educational values based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries, and other criteria.

For biology major and men’s soccer player Sebastian Ortiz, moving over 4,000 miles from Puerto Rico to La Crosse came with challenges, but also unexpected rewards. From finding a second family on the soccer team to pursuing his passion for science and service, Ortiz has made the most of his Viterbo experience.

Neuroscience major Emma Blackdeer didn’t expect to attend Viterbo University, but a campus visit changed her mind. Now, she’s conducting research on fentanyl in local wastewater through Viterbo’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, gaining valuable experience as she prepares for medical school.

Elyse Ramseier is gaining hands-on experience in law enforcement and emergency response through a summer internship with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department.

Graduate student Kaitlyn Jenne’s research on smoking relapse after gastric bypass surgery led to a new follow-up care protocol at Mayo Clinic and earned her a spot presenting at a national medical conference in Washington, D.C.

Excelling in both her coursework and an internship in the university’s business office, Delaney Christianson is gaining valuable real-world experience and building strong professional relationships as she prepares for a future career in the private sector.

Long dedicated to community service, Washington-Spivey pursued counseling to help expand mental health access—skills he now uses to lead and support the La Crosse community.

After nearly six years as a corrections officer, Spencer Seitz saw the deep connections between trauma, addiction, and mental illness—and the limitations of addressing them in a jail setting. Motivated to make a greater impact, the La Crosse native returned to school to pursue social work.