Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2023

Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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. 75%
  2. Marquette University
    3. 51%
  3. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
    4. 48%
  4. Lawrence University
    5. 43%
  5. Beloit College
    6. 38%
  6. Milwaukee School of Engineering
    7. 32%
  7. Ripon College
    8. 29%
  8. Carthage College
    9. 29%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
    10. 28%
  10. Concordia University Wisconsin
    11. 27%
  1. Edgewood College
    2. 95%
  2. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
    3. 91%
  3. Alverno College
    4. 91%
  4. University of Wisconsin–Stout
    5. 91%
  5. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
    6. 90%
  6. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
    7. 90%
  7. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
    8. 89%
  8. Cardinal Stritch University
    9. 89%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
    10. 88%
  10. Marquette University
    11. 86%
  1. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
    2. 23 to 1
  2. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
    3. 22 to 1
  3. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
    4. 21 to 1
  4. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
    5. 21 to 1
  5. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
    6. 21 to 1
  6. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
    7. 20 to 1
  7. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
    8. 20 to 1
  8. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
    9. 19 to 1
  9. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
    10. 18 to 1
  10. University of Wisconsin–Stout
    11. 18 to 1
  1. Beloit College
    2. $54,680
  2. Lawrence University
    3. $52,401
  3. Ripon College
    4. $48,100
  4. Marquette University
    5. $45,766
  5. Milwaukee School of Engineering
    6. $45,099
  6. St. Norbert College
    7. $41,887
  7. Carroll University
    8. $35,140
  8. Cardinal Stritch University
    9. $34,762
  9. Carthage College
    10. $33,000
  10. Edgewood College
    11. $32,600
  1. Carthage College
    2. $33,000
  2. Milwaukee School of Engineering
    3. $24,057
  3. Marquette University
    4. $21,960
  4. Edgewood College
    5. $18,936
  5. Carroll University
    6. $12,713
  6. Concordia University Wisconsin
    7. $11,628
  7. Cardinal Stritch University
    8. $11,440
  8. St. Norbert College
    9. $11,100
  9. University of Wisconsin–Madison
    10. $10,728
  10. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
    11. $10,701
  1. University of Wisconsin–Stout
    2. 19%
  2. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
    3. 19%
  3. University of Wisconsin–Superior
    4. 20%
  4. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
    5. 21%
  5. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
    6. 21%
  6. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
    7. 22%
  7. Alverno College
    8. 22%
  8. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
    9. 23%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
    10. 23%
  10. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
    11. 24%
  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison
    2. 60%
  2. Beloit College
    3. 67%
  3. Milwaukee School of Engineering
    4. 67%
  4. Concordia University Wisconsin
    5. 69%
  5. Carroll University
    6. 70%
  6. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
    7. 74%
  7. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
    8. 75%
  8. Lawrence University
    9. 75%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Superior
    10. 76%
  10. Carthage College
    11. 76%
  1. Lawrence University
    2. 8 to 1
  2. Cardinal Stritch University
    3. 9 to 1
  3. Beloit College
    4. 10 to 1
  4. Alverno College
    5. 10 to 1
  5. Concordia University Wisconsin
    6. 11 to 1
  6. Edgewood College
    7. 12 to 1
  7. Marquette University
    8. 13 to 1
  8. Carthage College
    9. 13 to 1
  9. St. Norbert College
    10. 13 to 1
  10. Carroll University
    11. 14 to 1
  1. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
    2. $6,298
  2. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
    3. $6,298
  3. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
    4. $6,418
  4. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
    5. $6,422
  5. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
    6. $6,428
  6. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
    7. $6,519
  7. University of Wisconsin–Superior
    8. $6,535
  8. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
    9. $6,698
  9. University of Wisconsin–Stout
    10. $7,014
  10. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
    11. $7,361
  1. University of Wisconsin–Stout
    2. $7,298
  2. University of Wisconsin–Superior
    3. $7,640
  3. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
    4. $7,640
  4. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
    5. $7,831
  5. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
    6. $7,949
  6. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
    7. $7,996
  7. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
    8. $8,027
  8. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
    9. $8,028
  9. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
    10. $8,066
  10. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
    11. $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 2022

  14. #12

    Carroll University

    Waukesha , WI
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2023 #4 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2023 #5 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2023 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1141/23

    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
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  16. #14

    Concordia University Wisconsin

    Mequon , WI
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2023 #5 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    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
    • 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
  19. #16

    Cardinal Stritch University

    Milwaukee , WI
    #5 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2023 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2023 #5 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2023 #7 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1037/20

    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
  26. #22

    Ripon College

    Ripon , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/21

    What is Ripon College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  27. #23

    University of Wisconsin–Stout

    Menomonie , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    7K

    What is University of Wisconsin–Stout known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  28. #24

    University of Wisconsin–River Falls

    River Falls , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    5K

    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

  29. #25

    University of Wisconsin–Superior

    Superior , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    2K

    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

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
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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