Cost
Graduate tuition is charged at a per-credit-hour rate plus a $10 per credit resource fee. All of Viterbo's master's and doctoral programs are eligible for federal financial aid.
Financial Aid
Graduate students may elect to borrow federal student loans to assist in paying for the M.A. in Servant Leadership. Students wishing to explore financial aid, are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and contact the Viterbo University’s graduate financial aid counselor with any questions at 608-796-3900. The Viterbo University FAFSA code is 003911. Visit the Adult and Graduate Student webpages or financial aid office for additional information.
Additionally, if you are exploring the utilization of veterans benefits at Viterbo University, visit the Types of Financial Aid web page of financial aid or contact Financial Aid to speak with Viterbo's school certifying official, at cdjennings@viterb.edu or 608-796-3900.
Scholarships
Graduate students are eligible for a number of scholarships associated with the Master of Servant Leadership program. The scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the program by a committee based on academic standing, demonstrated financial need, and completion of at least 3 graduate credits. Scholarship award amounts may vary based upon fund availability. Current and potential MASL students may apply through this form by January 15, 2026 for consideration (link coming for next scholarship cycle in November 2025).
Sister Arita Dopkins Ministry Scholarship:
Sister Arita Dopkins taught in the Viterbo Religious Studies department. Sr. Arita was born to Mearle and Helen (Nellie Hurley) Dopkins on September 21, 1920 in Beldenville, Wisconsin. She entered St. Rose Convent on August 15, 1936 and made her profession of vows on August 12, 1940. Having earned a bachelor's degree in education from Viterbo College and and master's degree in scripture from St. Mary's, Notre Dame, Indiana, Sr. Arita ministered for 28 years in elementary schools in Iowa and Wisconsin before joining the staff of the Religious Studies Department at Viterbo College. She was an instructor for 28 years and chairwoman of the department from 1989-1993. Sr. Artia served on the FSPA General Administrative Board from 1970- 1978. After receiving Professor Emeritus Status in 1993, Sr. Artia continued to teach part-time until she retired in 2000. In 1985, Sr. Arita was Teacher of the Year at Viterbo and in 2004, she received the 18th annual Iverson-Freking Ecumenical Award.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Person of faith and member of a faith community
- Demonstrated record of service
- Practiced service and leadership for at least three years
- Financial need
- Committed to the Mission of Viterbo University and Master of Arts in Servant Leadership
Earl Joseph Madary Scholarship in Servant Leadership
The consensus among people was that despite what appeared to be an early death, Earl Madary modeled inclusivity and lived a large, and fulfilled life, joyfully in love with people and his God. In doing so, he touched the lives of the young and the old, those with abundance, as well as those living on the margins. In just 15 years at Viterbo University, he was awarded most of the university's highest honors: the Leadership Award (1999), Mission Exemplar Award (2000), Alumni Spirit of St. Francis Award (2005), and Teacher of the Year (2005). At the time of his death, he was the chair of the religious studies and philosophy department, director of the St. Francis choir, former president of the Faculty Assembly, and co-founder of a Place of Grace, a Catholic Worker House. A talented vocalist, pianist, and guitarist, he recorded two CDs: Gilead and Prodigals.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Enrolled in the MASL program
- Successfully completed two courses in the MASL program
- Complete a 300 word essay describing specifically service to the least of our brothers and sisters, and how this service is integrated with Catholic social teaching
Bishop John Paul Scholarship in Servant Leadership
Established by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in memory of Bishop John Paul in honor of his dedicated service to the Diocese of La Crosse.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Good standing with the university
Walter and Elizabeth Lang Scholarship in Servant Leadership
This scholarship was established in memory of Walter and Elizabeth Lang, both of whom were born in 1917 in Town of Cassel, Marathon County. They were parents of five children including Eileen and Marla who are FSPA and graduates of Viterbo. Walter and Elizabeth expressed their baptismal call through family and occupationally through farming and a wielding business crafting custom, ornamental designs for homes. They had a heart for those less able to achieve their goals because of financial limitations or constraints. Walter died in 1977 and Elizabeth in 2008; their daughters established this scholarship in memorial of them.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrolled in the MASL program and committed to the Christian faith and mission of servant leadership
- Demonstrate financial need
- From a rural community or town (10,000 or less in population) in Wisconsin
Thomas Thibodeau Master of Arts in Servant Leadership Scholarship
Thomas Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership, founded the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership program in 2003 with a team of FSPA members and Dr. Richard Kyte. Professor Thibodeau joined the faculty of Religious Studies at Viterbo in 1984, and since that time ahs inspired countless colleagues, students, and community members with his enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment to leadership and service. Tom is also a founding member of Place of Grace, a Catholic Worker house, in La Crosse Wisconsin.
Eligibility requirements:
- Successfully enroll for two consecutive semesters in the MASL program at Viterbo
- Good academic standing
- Demonstrate a commitment to:
- Viterbo University in faithful service and ethical leadership
- the common good
- and caring for the least of our brothers and sisters