Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
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 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.
In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Wisconsin saw a substantial amount of movement. Concordia University Wisconsin gained the most ranking positions as the university expanded its healthcare-related programs, including new degrees in digital health and telemedicine, aligning with growing demand in these fields.
Additionally, Concordia has enhanced its campus facilities, with upgraded science labs and a new student wellness center designed to support both academic and personal well-being. The university has also increased the availability of hybrid and online learning options, giving students greater flexibility in how they pursue their education, particularly for those balancing work or family commitments.
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
- #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #7 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
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: $11,205Expenses: $17,700Starting 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
- #14 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 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 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
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
48%
Student body
28K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Cost of Degree: $10,020Expenses: $15,380Starting Salary: $48,200Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
78%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1335/29
Career Outlook for degree at Lawrence University
Cost of Degree: $55,461Expenses: $14,388Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lawrence University known for?
Lawrence University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Physics
- Economics
- Psychology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
71%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1275/28
Career Outlook for degree at Beloit College
Cost of Degree: $58,554Expenses: $13,405Starting Salary: $47,700Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Beloit College known for?
Beloit College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Literature
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- History
- Communications
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
71%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Milwaukee School of Engineering
Cost of Degree: $48,421Expenses: $15,694Starting Salary: $71,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Milwaukee School of Engineering known for?
Milwaukee School of Engineering’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
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 salaryWhat 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
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 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 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
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
56%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Cost of Degree: $8,834Expenses: $12,072Starting Salary: $43,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
62%
Student body
13K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Cost of Degree: $8,250Expenses: $11,310Starting Salary: $45,800Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Whitewater known for?
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Business
- Literature
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
65%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Cost of Degree: $9,277Expenses: $12,966Starting Salary: $50,300Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire known for?
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Literature
- Physics
- Engineering
- Business
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
56%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ripon College
Cost of Degree: $50,700Expenses: $12,840Starting Salary: $51,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ripon College known for?
Ripon College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
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 salaryWhat is Carthage College known for?
Carthage College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Business
- Medical
- Sociology
- Communications
- Religious Studies
- History
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
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 salaryWhat is St. Norbert College known for?
St. Norbert College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Business
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #9 Best Small 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 salaryWhat is Edgewood College known for?
Edgewood College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
59%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–River Falls
Cost of Degree: $8,606Expenses: $11,798Starting Salary: $44,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–River Falls known for?
University of Wisconsin–River Falls’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Biology
- Social Work
- Economics
- Literature
- Earth Sciences
- Engineering
- Communications
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin #19 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
58%
Student body
16K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
Cost of Degree: $8,212Expenses: $12,940Starting Salary: $45,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh known for?
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Literature
- Philosophy
- History
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
52%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
Cost of Degree: $8,342Expenses: $13,118Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Green Bay known for?
University of Wisconsin–Green Bay’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- History
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business
- Communications
- Political Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
52%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Stout
Cost of Degree: $10,142Expenses: $12,986Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Stout known for?
University of Wisconsin–Stout’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Education
- Communications
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #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 salaryWhat is Alverno College known for?
Alverno College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2025 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
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
- 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
$9K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
70%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
Cost of Degree: $9,651Expenses: $10,116Starting Salary: $52,500Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–La Crosse known for?
University of Wisconsin–La Crosse’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Medical
- Communications
- History
- Literature
- Sociology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
40%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Parkside
Cost of Degree: $7,855Expenses: $14,040Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Parkside known for?
University of Wisconsin–Parkside’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- History
- Literature
- Biology
- Social Work
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
61%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Platteville
Cost of Degree: $8,315Expenses: $13,754Starting Salary: $51,200Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Platteville known for?
University of Wisconsin–Platteville’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Literature
- History
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
40%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Superior
Cost of Degree: $8,487Expenses: $13,873Starting Salary: $39,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Wisconsin–Superior known for?
University of Wisconsin–Superior’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Business
- Psychology
- Communications
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Wisconsin’s Best Colleges in 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.
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Marquette University
- Beloit College
- Ripon College
- Lawrence University
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- Mount Mary University
- St. Norbert College
- Edgewood College
- Northland College
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Carroll University
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Marian University
- University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
- Alverno College
- University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
- Carthage College
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
- University of Wisconsin–Stout
- University of Wisconsin–Superior
- University of Wisconsin–River Falls
- Lakeland University
- Viterbo University
- University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- University of Wisconsin–Platteville
- Holy Family College