Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Wisconsin offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.
10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin
- Lawrence University
- Beloit College
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
- University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
- University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
- Carroll University
- University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
- Lawrence University
- Beloit College
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Carthage College
- Carroll University
- Ripon College
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
- St. Norbert College
- University of Wisconsin–River Falls
- Lakeland University 100%
- University of Wisconsin–Superior 96%
- Wisconsin Lutheran College 94%
- University of Wisconsin–Green Bay 90%
- Alverno College 90%
- University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 89%
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point 89%
- University of Wisconsin–Stout 86%
- University of Wisconsin–Platteville 85%
- St. Norbert College 84%
- University of Wisconsin–Green Bay 23 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point 21 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Platteville 20 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 20 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 19 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 19 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 19 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Stout 18 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–River Falls 18 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Superior 17 to 1
- Beloit College $56,312
- Lawrence University $53,979
- Ripon College $49,600
- Milwaukee School of Engineering $46,506
- St. Norbert College $43,204
- Northland College $41,237
- Carroll University $36,190
- Carthage College $34,500
- Wisconsin Lutheran College $33,762
- Mount Mary University $33,390
- Carthage College $33,450
- Milwaukee School of Engineering $24,786
- Mount Mary University $18,848
- Carroll University $12,938
- St. Norbert College $12,640
- Lakeland University $12,535
- Marian University $11,509
- Wisconsin Lutheran College $10,080
- Viterbo University $9,824
- Alverno College $9,744
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Mount Mary University
- Lakeland University
- Marian University
- Northland College
- Viterbo University
- University of Wisconsin–Superior
- University of Wisconsin–River Falls
- University of Wisconsin–Stout
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Northland College
- Marian University
- Lakeland University
- Mount Mary University
- University of Wisconsin–Superior
- University of Wisconsin–Platteville
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside
- Viterbo University
- Milwaukee School of Engineering 63%
- Beloit College 66%
- Northland College 68%
- Mount Mary University 69%
- Viterbo University 72%
- Marian University 72%
- Lawrence University 72%
- Carroll University 72%
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside 73%
- University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 74%
- Lawrence University 8 to 1
- Alverno College 8 to 1
- Mount Mary University 9 to 1
- Northland College 10 to 1
- Beloit College 10 to 1
- St. Norbert College 11 to 1
- Maranatha Baptist University 11 to 1
- Viterbo University 12 to 1
- Marian University 12 to 1
- Wisconsin Lutheran College 12 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside $6,298
- University of Wisconsin–Green Bay $6,298
- University of Wisconsin–Platteville $6,418
- University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $6,422
- University of Wisconsin–River Falls $6,428
- University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $6,519
- University of Wisconsin–Superior $6,535
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $6,698
- University of Wisconsin–Stout $7,014
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $7,361
- Maranatha Baptist University $7,120
- University of Wisconsin–Stout $7,444
- University of Wisconsin–Superior $7,640
- University of Wisconsin–River Falls $7,793
- University of Wisconsin–Platteville $7,831
- University of Wisconsin–Green Bay $7,996
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside $8,028
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $8,066
- University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $8,108
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $8,188
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?
- 6 Research Universities
- 26 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 7 Graduate Schools
- 13 Public Colleges & Universities
- 19 Private Colleges & Universities
- 15 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 20 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 14 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 17 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Wisconsin’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 26 liberal arts colleges in Wisconsin. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Wisconsin, schools must fully accredited institutions.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2023
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best 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 Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025
Other Rankings
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 Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin #4 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
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
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
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
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best 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:
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
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
Other Rankings
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
- #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
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #7 Best 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
- #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
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #9 Best Private 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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #8 Best Private 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
- #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
- #9 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #10 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
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
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #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
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
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
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
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
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
61%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/24
Career Outlook for degree at Viterbo University
Cost of Degree: $32,350Expenses: $14,180Starting Salary: $47,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Viterbo University known for?
Viterbo University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
54%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/22
Career Outlook for degree at Northland College
Cost of Degree: $42,491Expenses: $14,550Starting Salary: $35,500Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northland College known for?
Northland College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Marian University
Cost of Degree: $33,000Expenses: $12,953Starting Salary: $46,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Marian University known for?
Marian University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
52%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Lakeland University
Cost of Degree: $32,286Expenses: $17,316Starting Salary: $45,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lakeland University known for?
Lakeland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- History
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Education
- Computer Science
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs 2025 #14 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mary University
Cost of Degree: $34,390Expenses: $18,396Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mount Mary University known for?
Mount Mary University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
56%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/22
Career Outlook for degree at Maranatha Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $20,280Expenses: $17,406Starting Salary: $38,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Maranatha Baptist University known for?
Maranatha Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/24
Career Outlook for degree at Wisconsin Lutheran College
Cost of Degree: $35,080Expenses: $15,718Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wisconsin Lutheran College known for?
Wisconsin Lutheran College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Wisconsin’s Best Liberal Arts 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.
- Beloit College
- Ripon College
- Lawrence University
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Mount Mary University
- St. Norbert College
- Northland College
- 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
- 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
Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.