Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
Key Takeaways
- There are 15 Christian colleges in Wisconsin, and both are well-known for their academic excellence, commitment to the Christian faith, close-knit community of students, faculty and staff members, and alumni.
- These Christian colleges provide a wide range of benefits for their students, from quality education to spiritual formation.
- Accredited Christian colleges in Wisconsin offer financial aid options for qualified students.
Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
Marquette University remains in the top position in our 2025 ranking of the best Christian colleges in Wisconsin. Carroll University and Concordia University Wisconsin move up to the number 2 and number 3 positions this year.
Marquette has introduced a new “Imagine” mission them, which emphasizes the Ignatian tradition of imagination and personal reflection, encouraging students to explore their spiritual journeys and consider their impact on the broader community. The schools is also opening the Wellness + Recreation facility, which will consolidate health services under one roof, supporting student well-being in a stigma-free, holistic environment.
Carroll University has expanded their academic programs to include high-demand fields like Industrial and Systems Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, which integrate Christian values with liberal arts education, preparing students to be both technically skilled and ethically driven leaders.
Concordia will introduce a new Campus Ministry Plan by mid-2025, ensuring that over half of the student body engages with spiritual offerings, fostering a vibrant Christian community. Additionally, the university has strengthened its commitment to Lutheran doctrine by requiring all academic programs to incorporate the concept of “vocation” from a Lutheran perspective, reinforcing a distinctively Christian educational approach.
Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
- Marquette University
- Most Popular Degree Programs: Religious Studies, Nursing, Communications
- Carroll University
- Most Popular Degree Programs: Chemistry, Nursing, Medical
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Most Popular Degree Programs: Religious Studies, History, Nursing
- Carthage College
- Most Popular Degree Programs: Physics, Criminal Justice, Biology
- St. Norbert College
- Most Popular Degree Programs: Sociology, Philosophy, Economics
- Edgewood College
- Most Popular Degree Programs: Nursing, Sociology, Religious Studies
- Alverno College
- Most Popular Degree Programs: Nursing, Social Work, Mathematics
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Most Popular Degree Programs: Nursing, Communications, Education
- Viterbo University
- Most Popular Degree Programs: Nursing, Medical, Literature
Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
- #14 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2025
Other Rankings
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
- #20 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2025
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: $48,700Expenses: $19,730Starting Salary: $70,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryExpect to acquire a transformative education grounded in Catholic teachings when you study at Marquette University. Students can develop their skills and a sense of community at this institution.
What we love about Marquette University:
Marquette University trains students to lead purposeful lives. The school’s teachings are grounded in deep morals and values and are open to applying different approaches in education.
Marquette University is ideal for students who:
Want to study at a school that pursues academic excellence and spirituality.
Marquette University might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to keep their cost of tuition low.
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
67%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/25
Career Outlook for degree at Carroll University
Cost of Degree: $37,230Expenses: $17,534Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAffiliated with the Presbyterian Church, Carroll University has been a leading liberal arts university in Wisconsin. Students will be given the opportunity to learn in a diverse community.
What we love about Carroll University:
Offering numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, students at Carroll University can take advantage of different learning outcomes and opportunities.
Carroll University is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a Pioneer Driven university.
Carroll University might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to attend a larger school.
Carroll University’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Physics and Engineering
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #4 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wisconsin
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Wisconsin 2025
- #3 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs 2025
- #4 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
- #6 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #8 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
- #10 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science 2025
- #11 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #17 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
- #22 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
66%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Wisconsin
Cost of Degree: $34,250Expenses: $20,000Starting Salary: $47,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryA private Lutheran university, Concordia University Wisconsin helps prepare students to live with a heart of service towards God and people. They have a long history of applying a Christ-centered approach in education.
What we love about Concordia University Wisconsin:
Concordia University Wisconsin is part of the Concordia Wisconsin System. They offer a wide variety of professional career education.
Concordia University Wisconsin is ideal for students who:
Want to enroll in a college program aimed at preparing students for careers in the church.
Concordia University Wisconsin might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to attend a school with more dining options.
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
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
65%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/23
Career Outlook for degree at Carthage College
Cost of Degree: $36,500Expenses: $16,550Starting Salary: $50,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryA private liberal arts college, Carthage College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Students are motivated to pursue knowledge in all forms.
What we love about Carthage College:
Creativity is encouraged at Carthage College so students can contribute positively to the world. There will be personalized attention coming from experienced staff and instructors.
Carthage College is ideal for students who:
Want to be a part of a close-knit and small community.
Carthage College might not be the best fit for students who:
Want a college geared towards the STEM fields.
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/24
Career Outlook for degree at St. Norbert College
Cost of Degree: $44,432Expenses: $14,876Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySt. Norbert College is a top-ranked Catholic university situated in De Pere, Wisconsin. This school does a great job of developing your character and skills.
What we love about St. Norbert College:
St. Norbert College tries to ensure every learner is able to achieve a lifetime of success. There are ways for students to save on education while being given opportunities to develop as a person fully.
St. Norbert College is ideal for students who:
Want to skip student loan debt.
St. Norbert College might not be the best fit for students who:
May want to attend a school that is less rigorous and challenging with their courses.
- #5 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Edgewood College
Cost of Degree: $34,850Expenses: $16,302Starting Salary: $47,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryA Dominican college, Edgewood College offers a friendly and welcoming campus to all kinds of students. Although they apply Catholic practices and teachings, they welcome learners from all faiths and backgrounds.
What we love about Edgewood College:
Edgewood College features academic programs that will prepare students for a dynamic and changing world.
Edgewood College is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school with engaging educational experiences.
Edgewood College might not be the best fit for students who:
May want to attend a school that has more social activities.
- #10 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #11 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
53%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Alverno College
Cost of Degree: $32,794Expenses: $21,267Starting Salary: $40,900Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAlverno College offers a Franciscan college education to all of its learners. They are an all-inclusive liberal arts college that applies transformative learning and career readiness to all its courses.
What we love about Alverno College:
At Alverno College, students will be trailblazers. The school instills an atmosphere where students are helpful and supportive of one another.
Alverno College is ideal for students who:
Want to be a part of a vibrant and inclusive community.
Alverno College might not be the best fit for students who:
May want to attend a school that comes with better administration processes.
- #6 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2025 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024 #10 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
At Cardinal Stritch University, the institution equips students with the Cardinal Stritch University legacy, which is to develop graduates who will be responsive to communities’ needs for leaders.
What we love about Cardinal Stritch University:
Cardinal Stritch University students will develop their critical thinking and leadership skills to become lifelong learners.
Cardinal Stritch University is ideal for students who:
Want to develop their leadership skills.
Cardinal Stritch University might not be the best fit for students who:
May want to attend a school with more convenient admission processes.
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
$31K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
61%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/24
Career Outlook for degree at Viterbo University
Cost of Degree: $32,350Expenses: $14,180Starting Salary: $47,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryViterbo University is a private Catholic university based in Wisconsin. They offer a great liberal arts education. Students will also be trained to serve the common good and active members of society.
What we love about Viterbo University:
Viterbo University seeks to influence all kinds of students to transform communities. They have diverse partnerships to make this mission happen.
Viterbo University is ideal for students who:
Want to grow in leadership and meet people from all walks of life.
Viterbo University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to attend a school that comes with more amenities.
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
52%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Lakeland University
Cost of Degree: $32,286Expenses: $17,316Starting Salary: $45,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAffiliated with the United Church of Christ, Lakeland University works on producing future leaders and thinkers. They accept transfer credits and make use of blended learning platforms.
What we love about Lakeland University:
At Lakeland University, you can choose to study at any one of its six locations around Wisconsin. Students can gain academic credits from their actual work experiences.
Lakeland University is ideal for students who:
Don’t want to accumulate unnecessary student debt.
Lakeland University might not be the best fit for students who:
May want to attend a school that comes with more diverse dining options.
- #5 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs 2025 #14 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mary University
Cost of Degree: $34,390Expenses: $18,396Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMount Mary University is a Roman Catholic university. This private school embraces a unique culture that supports students’ dreams.
What we love about Mount Mary University:
All of the academic programs being offered at Mount Mary University will result in students developing leadership skills and creativity.
Mount Mary University is ideal for students who:
Want to attend an all-women university.
Mount Mary University might not be the best fit for students who:
May want to attend a co-educational school.
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/24
Career Outlook for degree at Wisconsin Lutheran College
Cost of Degree: $35,080Expenses: $15,718Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWisconsin Lutheran College is a nationally ranked Christian university based in Wisconsin. There are many research opportunities and extracurricular activities available for students to enjoy.
What we love about Wisconsin Lutheran College:
Academic and spiritual growth are high priorities for all faculty and staff.
Wisconsin Lutheran College is ideal for students who:
Want to develop their Christian faith.
Wisconsin Lutheran College might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to attend a more diverse school.
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
54%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/22
Career Outlook for degree at Northland College
Cost of Degree: $42,491Expenses: $14,550Starting Salary: $35,500Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAn environmental liberal arts college, Northland College is based in Ashland, Wisconsin. All of their teachings are combined with sustainability and environmental aspects.
What we love about Northland College:
Students at Northland College will have access to numerous internships and unique courses.
Northland College is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school that focuses on the environment and sustainability practices.
Northland College might not be the best fit for students who:
Can’t enroll in courses that are not being offered every semester.
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Marian University
Cost of Degree: $33,000Expenses: $12,953Starting Salary: $46,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMarian University is a private university that offers traditional and online programs. It’s a co-educational school where all their staff and instructors are supportive of your dreams, no matter what they are.
What we love about Marian University:
At Marian University, students can make high-quality connections and relationships.
Marian University is ideal for students who:
Want to be surrounded by people who genuinely care.
Marian University might not be the best fit for students who:
May prefer to attend a bigger class size.
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
56%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/22
Career Outlook for degree at Maranatha Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $20,280Expenses: $17,406Starting Salary: $38,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOffering undergraduate and graduate programs, Maranatha Baptist University offers biblical and engaging education to all students. Most graduates are active in a Christian church.
What we love about Maranatha Baptist University:
Passionate Christian instructors incorporate academic courses with biblical worldviews and influences.
Maranatha Baptist University is ideal for students who:
Want to study in a flexible learning environment.
Maranatha Baptist University might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to attend a larger school.
In order to be included in this ranking of best Christian colleges and universities, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.
Back to TopStudent Submitted Questions on the Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin
Timothy asks, “What support systems are available for students struggling to balance their spiritual growth with academic pressures at Christian colleges in Wisconsin?”
Dr. James Barham’s answer: Many colleges will provide a variety of support options for students trying to maintain a strong faith while in school. In regards to academics, most colleges will provide tutoring services, academic success centers, and faculty advising. In terms of spiritual growth, many Christian colleges will have campus ministry teams, chapel services, mentorship programs, and Bible study groups.
Patience asks, “How do campus ministries at Wisconsin Christian colleges engage students in spiritual growth and community service activities?”
Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: The exact type of on-campus ministries offered will vary from school to school but many Christian colleges in Wisconsin have campus ministry programs, discipleship and evangelism programs, spiritual retreats, and community service opportunities. Most colleges try to make these programs fairly easy to participate in and offer various types of opportunities so that the unique student’s interests are met.
