Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024

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

10 Best Colleges in Wisconsin

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  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison
  2. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  3. Marquette University
  4. Lawrence University
  5. Beloit College
  6. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
  7. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  8. Milwaukee School of Engineering
  9. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  10. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  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. Carthage College
  8. Carroll University
  9. Concordia University Wisconsin
  10. Ripon College
  1. Edgewood College 95%
  2. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay 91%
  3. Alverno College 91%
  4. University of Wisconsin–Stout 91%
  5. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point 90%
  6. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 90%
  7. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 89%
  8. Cardinal Stritch University 89%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Platteville 88%
  10. Marquette University 86%
  1. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 23 to 1
  2. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay 22 to 1
  3. University of Wisconsin–River Falls 21 to 1
  4. University of Wisconsin–Platteville 21 to 1
  5. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 21 to 1
  6. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 20 to 1
  7. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point 20 to 1
  8. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 19 to 1
  9. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 18 to 1
  10. University of Wisconsin–Stout 18 to 1
  1. Beloit College $54,680
  2. Lawrence University $52,401
  3. Ripon College $48,100
  4. Marquette University $45,766
  5. Milwaukee School of Engineering $45,099
  6. St. Norbert College $41,887
  7. Carroll University $35,140
  8. Cardinal Stritch University $34,762
  9. Carthage College $33,000
  10. Edgewood College $32,600
  1. Carthage College $33,000
  2. Milwaukee School of Engineering $24,057
  3. Marquette University $21,960
  4. Edgewood College $18,936
  5. Carroll University $12,713
  6. Concordia University Wisconsin $11,628
  7. Cardinal Stritch University $11,440
  8. St. Norbert College $11,100
  9. University of Wisconsin–Madison $10,728
  10. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $10,701
  1. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  2. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  3. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  4. Ripon College
  5. Edgewood College
  6. Alverno College
  7. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  8. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
  9. Carthage College
  10. Cardinal Stritch University
  1. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  2. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
  3. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  4. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  5. Cardinal Stritch University
  6. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  7. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  8. Alverno College
  9. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  10. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison 60%
  2. Beloit College 67%
  3. Milwaukee School of Engineering 67%
  4. Concordia University Wisconsin 69%
  5. Carroll University 70%
  6. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 74%
  7. University of Wisconsin–Parkside 75%
  8. Lawrence University 75%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Superior 76%
  10. Carthage College 76%
  1. Lawrence University 8 to 1
  2. Cardinal Stritch University 9 to 1
  3. Beloit College 10 to 1
  4. Alverno College 10 to 1
  5. Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
  6. Edgewood College 12 to 1
  7. Marquette University 13 to 1
  8. Carthage College 13 to 1
  9. St. Norbert College 13 to 1
  10. Carroll University 14 to 1
  1. University of Wisconsin–Parkside $6,298
  2. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay $6,298
  3. University of Wisconsin–Platteville $6,418
  4. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $6,422
  5. University of Wisconsin–River Falls $6,428
  6. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $6,519
  7. University of Wisconsin–Superior $6,535
  8. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $6,698
  9. University of Wisconsin–Stout $7,014
  10. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $7,361
  1. University of Wisconsin–Stout $7,298
  2. University of Wisconsin–Superior $7,640
  3. University of Wisconsin–River Falls $7,640
  4. University of Wisconsin–Platteville $7,831
  5. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $7,949
  6. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay $7,996
  7. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $8,027
  8. University of Wisconsin–Parkside $8,028
  9. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $8,066
  10. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $8,270

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?

Wisconsin’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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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.

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Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Cost of Degree: $10,796
    Expenses: $17,198
    Starting Salary: $68,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #4

    Lawrence University

    Appleton , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Lawrence University

    Cost of Degree: $53,979
    Expenses: $13,845
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

    Cost of Degree: $8,376
    Expenses: $11,294
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

  4. Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Milwaukee School of Engineering

    Cost of Degree: $46,506
    Expenses: $15,432
    Starting Salary: $71,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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:

  5. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse

    Cost of Degree: $9,232
    Expenses: $9,058
    Starting Salary: $52,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 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

  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

    Cost of Degree: $7,864
    Expenses: $11,660
    Starting Salary: $45,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Green Bay

    Cost of Degree: $7,873
    Expenses: $12,364
    Starting Salary: $44,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

  8. #12

    Carroll University

    Waukesha , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1141/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Carroll University

    Cost of Degree: $36,190
    Expenses: $15,394
    Starting Salary: $47,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Carroll University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Physics and Engineering
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  9. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

    Cost of Degree: $7,795
    Expenses: $12,694
    Starting Salary: $45,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Wisconsin

    Cost of Degree: $33,062
    Expenses: $19,260
    Starting Salary: $47,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  11. #15

    St. Norbert College

    De Pere , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/25

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Norbert College

    Cost of Degree: $43,204
    Expenses: $14,380
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1037/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Cardinal Stritch University

    Cost of Degree: $35,444
    Expenses: $14,792
    Starting Salary: $55,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
    • 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
  13. #17

    Carthage College

    Kenosha , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Carthage College

    Cost of Degree: $34,500
    Expenses: $16,248
    Starting Salary: $50,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  14. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Platteville

    Cost of Degree: $7,862
    Expenses: $12,931
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

  15. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Parkside

    Cost of Degree: $7,466
    Expenses: $12,714
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

  16. #20

    Alverno College

    Milwaukee , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alverno College

    Cost of Degree: $31,858
    Expenses: $15,838
    Starting Salary: $40,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

  17. #21

    Edgewood College

    Madison , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Edgewood College

    Cost of Degree: $33,550
    Expenses: $15,832
    Starting Salary: $47,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Edgewood College known for?

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

  18. #22

    Ripon College

    Ripon , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Ripon College

    Cost of Degree: $49,600
    Expenses: $12,140
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Stout

    Cost of Degree: $9,663
    Expenses: $12,300
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

  20. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–River Falls

    Cost of Degree: $8,135
    Expenses: $11,934
    Starting Salary: $44,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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

  21. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Superior

    Cost of Degree: $8,167
    Expenses: $11,623
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

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Wisconsin’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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