Cardinal Stritch University

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Life at Cardinal Stritch University reflects the intimate scale and welcoming atmosphere that distinguish this Franciscan institution from larger, more impersonal university environments. The suburban campus in Fox Point provides a safe, attractive setting with easy access to the cultural and recreational offerings of metropolitan Milwaukee while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere conducive to focused study and community building. Student organizations span interests from academic and professional development to spiritual life, community service, and recreational activities, with new groups forming regularly as students identify shared passions and organize around them. The Franciscan tradition manifests in an emphasis on service, with students regularly engaging in volunteer activities throughout the Milwaukee area and participating in service immersion experiences that broaden perspectives and deepen commitment to social justice. Athletic programs compete at the NAIA level, offering opportunities for student-athletes to continue their competitive careers while benefiting from the academic support and balanced approach that characterize Stritch athletics. Campus ministry programs provide spiritual support for students across faith traditions, reflecting the inclusive approach of Franciscan spirituality that welcomes seekers and believers of all backgrounds. Residence life programming builds community among on-campus students, while commuter student services ensure that those living off-campus remain connected to the broader university experience.

Location & Surroundings

The Cardinal Stritch University campus occupies an attractive suburban setting in Fox Point, an affluent community on Milwaukee's North Shore that offers safety, natural beauty, and convenient access to the resources of Wisconsin's largest metropolitan area. Milwaukee itself provides students with a remarkably livable urban environment featuring world-class cultural institutions including the Milwaukee Art Museum, diverse neighborhoods with distinctive characters and cuisines, professional sports teams, and a revitalized downtown with entertainment districts and Lake Michigan waterfront access. The cost of living in metropolitan Milwaukee remains significantly lower than comparable cities on either coast, allowing students to stretch their budgets further while enjoying genuine urban amenities. Public transportation links the campus to downtown Milwaukee and surrounding communities, while the city's manageable size means that most destinations are reachable within twenty to thirty minutes by car. The proximity of major employers in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and education creates internship and employment opportunities directly relevant to many Stritch programs. Lake Michigan's influence moderates the climate and provides recreational opportunities throughout the year, from summer beach activities to winter sports in nearby areas. The surrounding Fox Point community offers quiet neighborhoods, parks, and local businesses that complement the campus environment.

Costs & Career Outcomes

The financial investment in a Cardinal Stritch University education represents a thoughtful balance between providing quality programming and maintaining accessibility for students from diverse economic backgrounds, with the institution offering comprehensive financial aid packages that reduce net costs significantly below published tuition rates for most students. Scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, service, and specific talents provide renewable awards that reward accomplishment while reducing loan burdens for qualifying students. Need-based grants supplement federal and state aid to address demonstrated financial need, and payment plans spread costs across the semester to ease cash flow concerns for families. Working students often find employment opportunities on campus or through cooperative arrangements with local employers that provide income while building professional experience relevant to their fields of study. Career outcomes for Stritch graduates demonstrate the effectiveness of the university's career-focused approach, with alumni finding employment in education, business, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors throughout Wisconsin and beyond. The Career Services office provides resume assistance, interview preparation, job search strategies, and employer connections that facilitate transitions from education to employment. Alumni networks offer mentorship and professional connections that continue to benefit graduates throughout their careers. Graduate school acceptance rates for qualified applicants remain strong, particularly in education and business disciplines where Stritch has established regional reputation.

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