
Brookfield, WIprivate nonprofitherzing.edu
Herzing University-Brookfield is a no-frills, career-focused institution where practicality trumps prestige. With an acceptance rate hovering around 93%, it serves as an accessible gateway for students seeking fast-tracked degrees in healthcare, business, and technology—though graduation rates suggest many struggle to cross the finish line. The suburban Wisconsin campus operates more like a vocational training center than a traditional college, offering starkly utilitarian facilities and zero dorm life.
Herzing-Brookfield is about as selective as an open door—93% of applicants get in, according to multiple sources. SAT/ACT scores aren't even recommended, let alone required. The school clearly prioritizes accessibility over exclusivity, with US News and CollegeData both reporting Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. above 90%. Notably, 65 out of 69 applicants were admitted in one recent cycle documented by Peterson's, though enrollment numbers suggest many admitted students don't ultimately attend.
This is where rubber meets road: Herzing-Brookfield specializes in hyper-practical programs designed to get students job-ready fast. Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services dominate as the most popular major, per US News. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio (reported by Sallie) suggests modest class sizes, though Reddit threads warn of disorganization in some programs. The campus itself is described as 'straightforward' and 'focused' in Herzing's own marketing—a euphemism for no-frills facilities prioritizing function over form. One glaring red flag: The school's direct-entry MSN program reportedly has just a 78% board pass rate in Florida.
Don't expect rah-rah school spirit here. With just 379 undergrads (per College Board) and zero dorms or meal plans (as multiple Niche reviewers gripe), this commuter campus has all the social energy of a community college. The university touts 'state-of-the-art facilities' in Facebook posts and emphasizes multicultural initiatives, but student reviews describe an often 'unorganized' environment. The suburban Brookfield location means quiet streets, not college town vibes. This is clearly a place where students come for classes, then leave—no Greek life, no D1 sports, just pragmatic career preparation.
The numbers tell a sobering story: Herzing-Brookfield's graduation rate languishes at 41.67% (per their own disclosure), with historical data from College Tuition Compare showing it's hovered around that dismal mark for years. Early-career earnings for Herzing grads are equally underwhelming—$36,427 according to Niche's Orlando campus data, while College Factual reports Minneapolis grads earn about $30,000, calling it '$3,000 worse than expected.' The university emphasizes 'employment outcomes' in disclosures, but without specific placement rates for Brookfield, it's hard to gauge true career launch success.
With an average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $17,553 after aid (per MeetYourClass) and $19,425 after scholarships (per College Board), Herzing positions itself as an affordable option—though graduation rates suggest many students pay without ultimately earning degrees. The university awarded $19 million in scholarships and grants in 2024, emphasizing financial aid availability. Still, US News notes the net price calculation is crucial here, as sticker price versus actual cost differs significantly for those who qualify for assistance.
Herzing-Brookfield's singular appeal lies in its unapologetic vocational focus—it's a trade school masquerading as a university, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. For non-traditional students seeking quick entry into healthcare or tech fields without gen-ed fluff, this stripped-down approach works. But the trade-offs are significant: minimal campus life, mixed academic rigor, and graduation/earnings outcomes that lag behind national averages. It serves a specific niche—career-changers who need flexibility and speed—but struggles to deliver consistent quality across programs.