Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2026

Badge for BEST IN WISCONSIN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Wisconsin. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Wisconsin’s top colleges offer a wide range of programs, from liberal arts to STEM fields, allowing students to explore varied interests while receiving a high-quality education tailored to their career goals.
  • Many Wisconsin colleges emphasize undergraduate research opportunities, giving students access to cutting-edge projects and technologies, particularly in areas like engineering, healthcare, and environmental studies.
  • The colleges in our ranking often feature active student organizations, sports, and arts programs, creating a dynamic and supportive community that enhances the overall college experience beyond academics.

10 Best Colleges in Wisconsin in 2026

  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison
  2. Marquette University
  3. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  4. Lawrence University
  5. Beloit College
  6. Milwaukee School of Engineering
  7. Carroll University
  8. Concordia University Wisconsin
  9. Ripon College
    +3
  10. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
    +1

This ranking is designed to help students and families quickly identify Wisconsin colleges that balance academic quality, program options, and real-world value for bachelor’s degrees in 2026. We prioritized accredited institutions offering substantial undergraduate curricula and considered factors that matter to applicants—program strength, campus resources, affordability, and alignment with common career paths—so you can focus on schools that match your academic interests and practical needs.

We’ve identified 32 colleges and universities in Wisconsin that meet our criteria. This list of the top 25 colleges in Wisconsin below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Wisconsin.

Best Colleges in Wisconsin

  1. #1

    University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Madison , WI
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #7 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1450/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Cost of Degree: $11,205
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $80,330
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Madison known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Madison’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Marquette University

    Milwaukee , WI
    #16 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #1 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Marquette University

    Cost of Degree: $48,700
    Expenses: $19,730
    Starting Salary: $83,810
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Marquette University known for?

    Marquette University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

    Milwaukee , WI
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #3 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    26K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

    Cost of Degree: $10,020
    Expenses: $15,380
    Starting Salary: $59,268
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Lawrence University

    Appleton , WI
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Lawrence University

    Cost of Degree: $55,461
    Expenses: $14,388
    Starting Salary: $59,025
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lawrence University known for?

    Lawrence University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Beloit College

    Beloit , WI
    #7 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Beloit College

    Cost of Degree: $58,554
    Expenses: $13,405
    Starting Salary: $59,443
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Beloit College known for?

    Beloit College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Milwaukee School of Engineering

    Milwaukee , WI
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Milwaukee School of Engineering

    Cost of Degree: $48,421
    Expenses: $15,694
    Starting Salary: $92,761
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Milwaukee School of Engineering known for?

    Milwaukee School of Engineering’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Carroll University

    Waukesha , WI
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Carroll University

    Cost of Degree: $37,230
    Expenses: $17,534
    Starting Salary: $64,501
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carroll University known for?

    Carroll University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Carroll University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Physics and Engineering
    • Completion Time: 5 years
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Concordia University Wisconsin

    Mequon , WI
    #25 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Wisconsin

    Cost of Degree: $34,250
    Expenses: $20,000
    Starting Salary: $61,992
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concordia University Wisconsin known for?

    Concordia University Wisconsin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Concordia University Wisconsin’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
    • Nurse Educator
    • Healthcare Informatics
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Analytics and Change Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Management of Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Radiologic Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Theological Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Ripon College

    Ripon , WI
    #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Ripon College

    Cost of Degree: $50,700
    Expenses: $12,840
    Starting Salary: $55,453
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Ripon College known for?

    Ripon College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire

    Eau Claire , WI
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire

    Cost of Degree: $9,277
    Expenses: $12,966
    Starting Salary: $62,438
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

    Stevens Point , WI
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #5 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

    Cost of Degree: $8,834
    Expenses: $12,072
    Starting Salary: $54,432
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

    Whitewater , WI
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #5 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

    Cost of Degree: $8,250
    Expenses: $11,310
    Starting Salary: $59,084
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Whitewater known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Carthage College

    Kenosha , WI
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Carthage College

    Cost of Degree: $36,500
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $59,594
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carthage College known for?

    Carthage College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    St. Norbert College

    De Pere , WI
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1161/24

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Norbert College

    Cost of Degree: $44,432
    Expenses: $14,876
    Starting Salary: $62,317
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Norbert College known for?

    St. Norbert College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    University of Wisconsin–River Falls

    River Falls , WI
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–River Falls

    Cost of Degree: $8,606
    Expenses: $11,798
    Starting Salary: $56,914
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–River Falls known for?

    University of Wisconsin–River Falls’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

    Oshkosh , WI
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #7 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

    Cost of Degree: $8,212
    Expenses: $12,940
    Starting Salary: $59,275
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of Wisconsin–Green Bay

    Green Bay , WI
    #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2026 #9 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Green Bay

    Cost of Degree: $8,342
    Expenses: $13,118
    Starting Salary: $56,401
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Green Bay known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Green Bay’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    University of Wisconsin–Stout

    Menomonie , WI
    #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Stout

    Cost of Degree: $10,142
    Expenses: $12,986
    Starting Salary: $62,537
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Stout known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Stout’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Alverno College

    Milwaukee , WI
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #9 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #8 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alverno College

    Cost of Degree: $32,794
    Expenses: $21,267
    Starting Salary: $59,707
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Alverno College known for?

    Alverno College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Wisconsin–Platteville

    Platteville , WI
    #8 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2026 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #10 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Platteville

    Cost of Degree: $8,315
    Expenses: $13,754
    Starting Salary: $66,166
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Platteville known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Platteville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of Wisconsin–La Crosse

    La Crosse , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse

    Cost of Degree: $9,651
    Expenses: $10,116
    Starting Salary: $65,850
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–La Crosse known for?

    University of Wisconsin–La Crosse’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    University of Wisconsin–Parkside

    Kenosha , WI
    #10 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Parkside

    Cost of Degree: $7,855
    Expenses: $14,040
    Starting Salary: $57,115
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Parkside known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Parkside’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Cardinal Stritch University

    Milwaukee , WI
    #5 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2026 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2026 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    What 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
    • Format: Fully 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
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 16 months
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Public Health
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Biology
    • Social Inequality
    • Social Change and Social Institutions
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Health
    Degree Concentrations
    • Quantitative Chemistry
    • Human Biology
    • Social Change and Social Institutions
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 2 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    University of Wisconsin–Superior

    Superior , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Superior

    Cost of Degree: $8,487
    Expenses: $13,873
    Starting Salary: $51,871
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Superior known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Superior’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Edgewood College

    Madison , WI
    #6 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2026 #6 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Edgewood College

    Cost of Degree: $34,850
    Expenses: $16,302
    Starting Salary: $64,869
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Edgewood College known for?

    Edgewood College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
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Wisconsin’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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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.

  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison
  2. Marquette University
  3. Beloit College
  4. Ripon College
  5. Lawrence University
  6. Milwaukee School of Engineering
  7. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  8. Mount Mary University
  9. St. Norbert College
  10. Edgewood College
  11. Northland College
  12. Cardinal Stritch University
  13. Carroll University
  14. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  15. Maranatha Baptist University
  16. Marian University
  17. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  18. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
  19. Alverno College
  20. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  21. Carthage College
  22. Concordia University Wisconsin
  23. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  24. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  25. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  26. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  27. Lakeland University
  28. Viterbo University
  29. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  30. Wisconsin Lutheran College
  31. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
  32. Holy Family College
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