Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2025

Badge for BEST IN WISCONSIN GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Many of Wisconsin’s best graduate schools have established close relationships with local and national companies, offering students internships, networking opportunities, and career placement services that help them transition seamlessly into high-demand industries.
  • Leading grad schools in Wisconsin emphasize innovative thinking and sustainability, incorporating green technologies and environmental stewardship into programs like business, agriculture, and urban planning, reflecting the state’s growing focus on sustainability in various sectors.
  • Institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Madison offer top-tier research opportunities in fields such as engineering, healthcare, and environmental science, providing students with access to cutting-edge labs and interdisciplinary research projects.

Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin in 2025

  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison
  2. Marquette University
  3. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  4. Concordia University Wisconsin
  5. Edgewood College
  6. Cardinal Stritch University
    +1
  7. Marian University
    –1

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 schools in our ranking of the best graduate schools in Wisconsin saw substantial ranking changes. Cardinal Stritch University moved up one ranking position as the university expanded their business and leadership programs, offering new specializations in areas like entrepreneurship, organizational leadership, and sustainable business practices. The university has also enhanced its online learning platform, providing more flexible hybrid and fully online degree options to accommodate working professionals and distance learners.

Additionally, Cardinal Stritch has upgraded its student wellness services, with expanded mental health resources, career counseling, and leadership development programs, reflecting a commitment to holistic student support and career readiness. These updates highlight the university’s focus on leadership, flexibility, and student well-being.

There are 7 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Wisconsin. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Wisconsin is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin

  1. #1

    University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Madison , WI
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $11,205
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $68,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Wisconsin–Madison is one of the most successful research institutions in the world and offers superb graduate education. Its remarkable research efforts have prepared generations of graduates across a wide range of disciplines.

    What we love about the University of Wisconsin–Madison:

    The university offers 180+ master’s and 140 doctoral programs, providing students with a wide range of options to choose from.

    The University of Wisconsin–Madison is ideal for students who:

    Long to be part of a school that embraces diversity and inclusivity.

    The University of Wisconsin–Madison might not be the best fit for students who:

    Might find the university’s out-of-state tuition to be expensive.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Marquette University

    Milwaukee , WI
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $48,700
    Expenses: $19,730
    Starting Salary: $70,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Marquette University is a Catholic Jesuit university committed to cultivating knowledge, diverse skill sets, and sense of community among its students. It offers 85 undergraduate majors, 75 master’s and doctoral programs, and 24 graduate certificate programs. It is ranked 6th in the country for job placement.

    What we love about Marquette University:

    The university is one of the top private universities for internships.

    Marquette University is ideal for students who:

    Value a school with a student-faculty ratio of 13:1 or less to ensure one-on-one interactions with professors.

    Marquette University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Seek a university offering large-scale research opportunities to get more hands- on experience.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

    Milwaukee , WI
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    28K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

    Cost of Degree: $10,020
    Expenses: $15,380
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is one of the top research universities in Wisconsin and the rest of the nation. It is home to the largest collaboration of health sciences, nursing, and public health programs in the state.

    What we love about the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee:

    The school is a top-tier urban research university offering over 150 master’s, doctoral, professional, and certificate programs.

    The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is ideal for students who:

    Love a large campus in a rural setting.

    The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee might not be the best fit for students who:

    Need on-campus housing since this university offers limited accommodations to its students.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Concordia University Wisconsin

    Mequon , WI
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Wisconsin

    Cost of Degree: $34,250
    Expenses: $20,000
    Starting Salary: $47,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran academic institution committed to ensuring students develop their minds, bodies, and spirits to serve Christ and the world. For over 140 years, this school has dedicated its time and resources to enriching the lives of Christian leaders.

    What we love about Concordia University Wisconsin:

    This university has been voted the safest campus in Wisconsin.

    Concordia University Wisconsin is ideal for students who:

    Want to the grad school with the number one MBA program in the state of Wisconsin.

    Concordia University Wisconsin might not be the best fit for students who:

    Wish to study at an institution that prioritizes research opportunities.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Edgewood College

    Madison , WI
    #5 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best Christian Colleges 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: $34,850
    Expenses: $16,302
    Starting Salary: $47,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Edgewood College is a Catholic school in the Dominican tradition that emphasizes listening, informed reflection, and prayer. At this college, students complete their degrees and enjoy engaging and challenging experiences that help prepare them to make a difference in the world.

    What we love about Edgewood College:

    It provides students with opportunities to study in Australia, Italy, New Zealand, and the U.K., among others.

    Edgewood College is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a school that offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience in their fields of study.

    Edgewood College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would like more dining options.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Marian University

    Fond Du Lac , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Marian University

    Cost of Degree: $33,000
    Expenses: $12,953
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Marian University was founded in 1936 and started as a co-educational Catholic university committed to inspiring students to achieve their personal and professional goals through values- based education.

    What we love about Marian University:

    It is a Catholic liberal arts community that embraces compassion and justice in order to change lives through leadership and professional service in the community.

    Marian University is ideal for students who:

    Thrive in a school with a rich Catholic heritage.

    Marian University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Want a school with a livelier social scene.

    Compare school
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Wisconsin’s Best Grad School for 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

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. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  4. Edgewood College
  5. Cardinal Stritch University
  6. Marian University
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