Overview of Alverno College
Alverno College, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a private Catholic women’s liberal arts college renowned for its innovative approach to education and commitment to empowering women. Founded by the School Sisters of St. Francis in 1887, Alverno has been a trailblazer in shaping a distinctive learning environment that focuses on student-centered education, experiential learning, and the development of leadership skills.
At the core of Alverno College’s educational philosophy is the groundbreaking Alverno College Abilities-Based Learning (ABL) approach. This unique model, established in the 1970s, places a strong emphasis on assessing and developing students’ abilities across eight core competencies: communication, analysis, problem-solving, valuing in decision-making, social interaction, developing a global perspective, effective citizenship, and aesthetic engagement. Unlike traditional grading systems, Alverno employs a narrative evaluation method, providing detailed feedback on each student’s progress in these crucial areas.
The ABL approach encourages active participation and self-directed learning. Students are actively engaged in the learning process, with faculty acting as facilitators and guides. This method empowers students to take ownership of their education, fostering a sense of responsibility and autonomy that prepares them for the challenges of the professional world.
Alverno College offers a range of undergraduate programs in areas such as arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and health sciences. These programs are designed to align with the college’s commitment to developing well-rounded, intellectually curious individuals equipped with the skills necessary for success in their chosen fields. Small class sizes and a supportive academic community contribute to a personalized and collaborative learning environment.
The college’s commitment to experiential learning is evident in various programs and initiatives. Internships, community service, research opportunities, and global learning experiences are integrated into the curriculum to provide students with practical, real-world exposure. The goal is to bridge the gap between theory and application, preparing Alverno graduates to excel in a rapidly evolving and dynamic global landscape.
Alverno’s dedication to social justice and community engagement is reflected in its numerous outreach programs and partnerships. The college actively encourages students to participate in service-learning initiatives, allowing them to apply their skills and knowledge to address societal issues and contribute to positive change. The college’s commitment to social justice aligns with its Catholic and Franciscan values, emphasizing the importance of compassion, service to others, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.
The campus itself is a vibrant community that fosters personal and academic growth. Residence halls, recreational facilities, and cultural amenities contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment. Alverno College also embraces diversity and inclusion, striving to create an atmosphere where students from all backgrounds feel welcomed, valued, and respected.
Alverno’s commitment to women’s empowerment is a distinguishing feature of the college. By providing a women-centered education, Alverno aims to foster an environment where women feel empowered to pursue their academic and professional goals. The college encourages leadership development, critical thinking, and the cultivation of a strong sense of self-worth, preparing its graduates to excel in a variety of fields and make meaningful contributions to society.
Alverno College has a strong record of producing successful and accomplished alumnae. Graduates of Alverno have gone on to excel in fields such as education, healthcare, business, and the arts. The college’s alumnae network serves as a valuable resource for current students, providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance as they navigate their post-graduate paths.
In summary, Alverno College stands as a pioneer in women’s education, known for its innovative ABL approach, commitment to experiential learning, and dedication to social justice. With a focus on empowering women to become leaders and change-makers, Alverno College continues to shape a learning environment that prepares students for success in their professional endeavors while instilling a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to lifelong learning.
3400 S. 43rd Street, PO Box 343922 Milwaukee, WI 53234-3922
Phone: (414) 382-6100
Email: admissions@alverno.edu
Web site: http://www.alverno.edu
Rankings: Alverno College
Located in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is one of the best universities in the state of Wisconsin. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Alverno College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Alverno College.
Alverno College rankings are highly respected in the higher education industry. The college has been consistently ranked in the top tier of regional universities by U.S. News and World Report for over a decade and is also recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the best colleges in America. In addition, Alverno has also been ranked highly by Washington Monthly as one of the top colleges for undergraduate teaching, reflecting its commitment to providing students with a challenging and engaging learning environment. Alverno students have consistently scored above average on standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT, and the college’s graduates have gone on to achieve professional success in a wide range of fields. Alverno is also well-regarded for its diverse student body and commitment to providing an inclusive learning environment for all students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. The college is committed to providing equitable access to educational opportunities for all students and works hard every day to ensure that its students are prepared to succeed in their chosen career paths after graduation.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 44 |
| Score: | 45 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.2 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 102 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 73.2% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 41.5% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 82 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 55.0% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 13:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 71.4% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 109 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 17-22 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 12% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 34% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 88.6% |
| Financial resources rank: | 56 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 15 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 18.9% |
Essential Facts: Alverno College
- Alverno College’s ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities Midwest, #53.
- Alverno College is not for the faint of heart. Alverno College is great place to start your life long journey and learn how to do what you love. Alverno is an all female student college.
- Alverno offers undergraduate programs and a coeducational Master of Arts program for teachers and business professionals, the Alverno MBA, and a Master of Science in nursing.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 10% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 2% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 40% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 90% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, literary magazine, music ensembles, radio station, student government, student newspaper |