Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025

Badge for BEST IN WISCONSIN PRIVATE COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: May 6, 2021
Updated: Oct 17, 2024

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Wisconsin.

Key Takeaways

Wisconsin’s top private colleges offer close-knit campus environments with numerous student organizations, leadership development programs, and opportunities for community service, fostering personal growth and active participation in campus life.
Many private colleges in Wisconsin provide specialized programs and extensive research opportunities in fields like environmental studies, international relations, and the sciences, giving students hands-on experiences that enhance their academic careers.
Private colleges in Wisconsin emphasize a liberal arts education with small class sizes, allowing students to receive personalized attention from professors and engage in interdisciplinary learning across multiple fields.

Table of Contents

10 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin in 2025

Marquette University
Lawrence University
Beloit College
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Carroll University
Concordia University Wisconsin
Ripon College
+5
Carthage College
+1
St. Norbert College
–2
Edgewood College
+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 ten schools in our ranking of the best private colleges in Wisconsin saw a few key changes in ranking positions. Ripon College gained the most ranking positions as the university developed the Creative Enterprise Center, which offers students opportunities to engage in entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development through hands-on projects and mentorship. The college has also upgraded its sustainability initiatives, including new green campus infrastructure and expanded programs in environmental science.

Additionally, Ripon has enhanced its mental health and wellness services, providing more accessible counseling, peer support, and wellness programs aimed at promoting a healthy student life. These updates highlight Ripon College’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and student well-being.

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 19 private universities in Wisconsin. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Wisconsin, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.