Alverno was founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis for the purpose of educating women. The college provides educational opportunities to all women, regardless of socio-economic background. Well over 50% of Alverno students are the first in their families to attend college and more than 70% qualify for need-based financial aid. Alverno boasts the highest percentage of minority students for any public or private college in Wisconsin. To serve students of modest means, Alverno tuition is kept as affordable as possible and is among the lowest of Wisconsin's 21 private colleges.
