College and Competitor Profile: St. Norbert College
Overview
St. Norbert College (SNC) is a prestigious private Catholic liberal arts institution established in October 1898 and located in De Pere, Wisconsin. The college is highly regarded, securing the 90th position among National Liberal Arts Colleges and 74th for Best Value Schools in U.S. News and World Report for 2025. Offering over 80 academic programs, SNC provides both undergraduate and graduate degrees across various fields such as business and theatre.
Key Highlights
- Mission and Values: St. Norbert College emphasizes a purposeful community that thrives on collaboration, service, and thoughtful engagement.
- Financial Aid: Committed to making education affordable, the college provides financial aid to 100% of incoming first-year students.
- Post-Graduation Success: From the Class of 2023, 93% were employed, pursued further education, or engaged in service within nine months post-graduation.
- Engagement and Events: Active engagement through events like musical concerts, art exhibits, and festivals enrich the student and community experience.
Leadership
Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., took office as the ninth president of SNC in July 2023. Previously, she served as president of St. Xavier University in Chicago. As a distinguished leader in Catholic higher education, Joyner's leadership is noted for its emphasis on non-discrimination and inclusive growth. Marc Belanger supports the strategic goals as Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer.
Controversies
Recently, faculty raised concerns with a "no confidence" vote against President Joyner, while the Board of Trustees reaffirmed their support, pointing to ongoing governance discussions.
Competitive Landscape
St. Norbert College competes primarily with institutions emphasizing liberal arts education. Key competitors include Marywood University, Bard College, and Trinity Washington University, which share similar programs and target demographics.
Noteworthy Competitors
1. Marywood University: Offers competitive programs similar to SNC, with a focus on holistic education.
2. Bard College: Recognized in the National Liberal Arts Colleges rankings, sharing educational values akin to SNC.
3. Trinity Washington University: Targets a comparable student demographic within liberal arts education.
Recent Performance and Rankings
St. Norbert College is ranked #90 in U.S. News & World Report’s "Best Colleges" for 2025, with tuition and fees at $45,580, underscoring its strong academic offerings and challenging it to maintain competitive standing.
Competitive Comparison
- Strengths: Rigorous liberal arts programs, intimate campus, strong commitment to holistic student experiences.
- Challenges: Competitors include specialized programs such as University of Wisconsin-Madison Digital Skills Bootcamps, which may attract students seeking specific skill sets.
Strategic Positioning
To strengthen its market position, SNC should focus on unique academic programs, personalized education pathways, and expansive extracurricular offerings. Establishing strategic partnerships and enhancing digital presence can broaden its reach to students interested in niche skills and lifelong learning.
Constant analysis of the competitive milieu will enhance St. Norbert College's brand visibility, innovation in academics, and alumni relations throughout the region.
