Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in La Crosse, WI (2026)
La Crosse, Wisconsin has a population of about 51,791. The city’s median household income is $53,803 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 34.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 4 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of La Crosse, with tuition ranging from $38,298 to $48,380 per year. In the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $100,600 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to La Crosse
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from La Crosse city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viterbo University | La Crosse, WI | 1.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | 27.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Loras College | Dubuque, IA | 95.2 mi | $38,298 - $48,380 | – |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | 95.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Wisconsin schools on the Wisconsin liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near La Crosse
La Crosse is part of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metro area (BLS area code 29100). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Wisconsin statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $63,080 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $68,715 |
| Management Analyst | $100,600 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $109,586 |
| Technical Writer | $76,090 | WI statewide | $82,887 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $52,670 | WI statewide | $57,375 |
| Editor | $58,940 | WI statewide | $64,205 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $67,480 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $73,508 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $65,180 | La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | $71,002 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
La Crosse at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 51,791 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $53,803 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 34.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in La Crosse County | 134 workers, 16 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other La Crosse-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Winona, MN – 27.0 mi away (30,208 pop)
- Rochester, MN – 63.6 mi away (114,976 pop)
- Eau Claire, WI – 70.1 mi away (106,681 pop)
- Wisconsin Rapids, WI – 79.9 mi away (28,406 pop)
- Austin, MN – 87.8 mi away (25,105 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near La Crosse, WI?
Our directory lists 4 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of La Crosse. The closest is Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI (1.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (95.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near La Crosse?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near La Crosse are: Management Analyst ($100,600), Technical Writer ($76,090), Training and Development Specialist ($67,480). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Wisconsin statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Winona instead of La Crosse?
Winona, MN is 27.0 miles from La Crosse and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is La Crosse an affordable place to study liberal arts?
La Crosse’s median household income of $53,803 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in La Crosse while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Wisconsin public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Wisconsin
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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