Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2024
Interested in attending a STEM school in Wisconsin? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2024
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- Marquette University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Edgewood College
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Edgewood College
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Edgewood College 99%
- Cardinal Stritch University 93%
- Marquette University 87%
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 86%
- Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
- University of Wisconsin–Madison 49%
- University of Wisconsin–Madison 18 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 17 to 1
- Marquette University 13 to 1
- Edgewood College 12 to 1
- Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
- Cardinal Stritch University 7 to 1
- Marquette University $46,670
- Cardinal Stritch University $35,444
- Edgewood College $33,550
- Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
- University of Wisconsin–Madison $9,273
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $8,091
- Marquette University $22,410
- Edgewood College $18,296
- Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
- Cardinal Stritch University $11,728
- University of Wisconsin–Madison $10,728
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $10,701
- Edgewood College
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Edgewood College
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
- University of Wisconsin–Madison 49%
- Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 86%
- Marquette University 87%
- Cardinal Stritch University 93%
- Edgewood College 99%
- Cardinal Stritch University 7 to 1
- Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
- Edgewood College 12 to 1
- Marquette University 13 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 17 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Madison 18 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $8,091
- University of Wisconsin–Madison $9,273
- Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
- Edgewood College $33,550
- Cardinal Stritch University $35,444
- Marquette University $46,670
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $10,701
- University of Wisconsin–Madison $10,728
- Cardinal Stritch University $11,728
- Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
- Edgewood College $18,296
- Marquette University $22,410
Colleges and Universities in Wisconsin
Between community colleges, technical schools, and universities, Wisconsin has 30 public schools. All the public schools in Wisconsin have affordable tuitions, ranging from $4,000 to $11,000. The University of Wisconsin - Madison has over 35,000 students in attendance, making it the largest in the state. The tuition runs about $11,000, and the school boasts an 85% graduation rate. Public affairs, veterinary medicine, and human ecology are just some of the fields students can study here.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Of Wisconsin’s 29 private schools, 18 are religious. With just under 10,000 students, Marquette University is the largest, and tuition for this school is about $42,000. Located in Milwaukee, this Catholic, Jesuit university offers degrees in fields like business, engineering, physical therapy, and law. Also located in Milwaukee, the state’s smallest institution, the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, is a private graduate school with just over 30 students, and is geared toward those earning their doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Wisconsin, like many states, also provides a loan forgiveness program to those who are working in the health care field.
When people think Wisconsin, they might immediately crave cheese. After all, the state is home to a museum dedicated to all things cheese, including the annual making of a 90-pound wheel of Swiss. But The Beaver State is also known for its more than 15,000 lakes, including Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Prospective students looking to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree will enjoy the food, landscape, and educational variety Wisconsin has to offer.
Learn more about Wisconsin’s higher education opportunities by checking out the state’s variety of colleges and universities.
What are Wisconsin’s Colleges & Universities?
- 6 Research Universities
- 26 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 7 Graduate Schools
- 13 Public Colleges & Universities
- 19 Private Colleges & Universities
- 15 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 20 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 14 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 17 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Wisconsin’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 6 research universities in Wisconsin. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2023
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #7 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #9 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
Other Rankings
- #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #25 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #15 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #1 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
- #2 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
- #2 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #5 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
89%
Student body
51K
Median SAT/ACT
1425/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison
Cost of Degree: $10,796Expenses: $17,198Starting Salary: $68,000Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Madison known for?
University of Wisconsin–Madison’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- History
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
48%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Cost of Degree: $9,620Expenses: $15,130Starting Salary: $48,200Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee known for?
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Physics
- Engineering
- Anthropology
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
83%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1265/28
Career Outlook for degree at Marquette University
Cost of Degree: $46,670Expenses: $17,892Starting Salary: $70,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Marquette University known for?
Marquette University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Law
- Medical
- History
- Business
- Literature
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wisconsin
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Wisconsin 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
- #5 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs
- #6 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #8 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
- #8 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #11 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
- #11 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #24 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
66%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Wisconsin
Cost of Degree: $33,062Expenses: $19,260Starting Salary: $47,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Concordia University Wisconsin known for?
Concordia University Wisconsin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- History
- Nursing
- Medical
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Education
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Concordia University Wisconsin’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Computer Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication and Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Educator
- Healthcare Informatics
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Analytics and Change Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management of Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Radiologic Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Wisconsin 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
- #10 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Cardinal Stritch University
Cost of Degree: $35,444Expenses: $14,792Starting Salary: $55,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cardinal Stritch University known for?
Cardinal Stritch University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Cardinal Stritch University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Introduction to Business
- Advanced Business Principles
- Human Resources and Marketing
- Economics and Accounting
- International Business
- Introduction Sport and Recreation Business
- Advanced Sport and Recreation Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Education Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Introduction to Education
- Classroom Management and Culture
- Reading and Language Arts Integration
- Secondary Curriculum and Methods
- and Secondary Education Application
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Health
Degree Concentrations
- Human Biology
- Social Inequality
- Social Change and Social Institutions
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
Degree Concentrations
- Quantitative Chemistry
- Human Biology
- Social Change and Social Institutions
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Edgewood College
Cost of Degree: $33,550Expenses: $15,832Starting Salary: $47,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Edgewood College known for?
Edgewood College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Find the Best Research Universities in Wisconsin for Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.