Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 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.
10 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin
- Marquette University
- Lawrence University
- Beloit College
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Carroll University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- St. Norbert College
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Carthage College
- Alverno College
- Marquette University
- Lawrence University
- Beloit College
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Carthage College
- Carroll University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Ripon College
- Edgewood College
- St. Norbert College
- Lakeland University 100%
- Edgewood College 99%
- Wisconsin Lutheran College 94%
- Cardinal Stritch University 93%
- Alverno College 90%
- Marquette University 87%
- St. Norbert College 84%
- Carthage College 82%
- Ripon College 81%
- Maranatha Baptist University 75%
- Lakeland University 16 to 1
- Carroll University 14 to 1
- Ripon College 14 to 1
- Marquette University 13 to 1
- Milwaukee School of Engineering 13 to 1
- Carthage College 13 to 1
- Edgewood College 12 to 1
- Viterbo University 12 to 1
- Marian University 12 to 1
- Wisconsin Lutheran College 12 to 1
- Beloit College $56,312
- Lawrence University $53,979
- Ripon College $49,600
- Marquette University $46,670
- Milwaukee School of Engineering $46,506
- St. Norbert College $43,204
- Northland College $41,237
- Carroll University $36,190
- Cardinal Stritch University $35,444
- Carthage College $34,500
- Carthage College $33,450
- Milwaukee School of Engineering $24,786
- Marquette University $22,410
- Mount Mary University $18,848
- Edgewood College $18,296
- Carroll University $12,938
- St. Norbert College $12,640
- Lakeland University $12,535
- Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
- Cardinal Stritch University $11,728
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Mount Mary University
- Lakeland University
- Marian University
- Northland College
- Viterbo University
- Ripon College
- Edgewood College
- Alverno College
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Northland College
- Marian University
- Lakeland University
- Mount Mary University
- Viterbo University
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Alverno College
- St. Norbert College
- Milwaukee School of Engineering 63%
- Beloit College 66%
- Northland College 68%
- Mount Mary University 69%
- Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
- Viterbo University 72%
- Marian University 72%
- Lawrence University 72%
- Carroll University 72%
- Maranatha Baptist University 75%
- Cardinal Stritch University 7 to 1
- Lawrence University 8 to 1
- Alverno College 8 to 1
- Mount Mary University 9 to 1
- Beloit College 10 to 1
- Northland College 10 to 1
- Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
- St. Norbert College 11 to 1
- Maranatha Baptist University 11 to 1
- Edgewood College 12 to 1
- Maranatha Baptist University $18,810
- Marian University $30,000
- Viterbo University $31,150
- Lakeland University $31,786
- Alverno College $31,858
- Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
- Mount Mary University $33,390
- Edgewood College $33,550
- Wisconsin Lutheran College $33,762
- Carthage College $34,500
- Maranatha Baptist University $7,120
- Alverno College $9,744
- Viterbo University $9,824
- Wisconsin Lutheran College $10,080
- Marian University $11,509
- Cardinal Stritch University $11,728
- Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
- Lakeland University $12,535
- St. Norbert College $12,640
- Carroll University $12,938
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
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
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.
Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin
- #14 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
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: $46,670Expenses: $17,892Starting Salary: $70,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #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: $53,979Expenses: $13,845Starting Salary: $48,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 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 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
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: $56,312Expenses: $12,790Starting 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 Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
71%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Milwaukee School of Engineering
Cost of Degree: $46,506Expenses: $15,432Starting 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:
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
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: $36,190Expenses: $15,394Starting Salary: $47,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #4 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wisconsin
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Wisconsin 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
- #5 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs
- #6 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
- #8 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #11 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
- #11 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #24 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
66%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Wisconsin
Cost of Degree: $33,062Expenses: $19,260Starting 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
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: $43,204Expenses: $14,380Starting 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 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Wisconsin 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
- #10 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Cardinal Stritch University
Cost of Degree: $35,444Expenses: $14,792Starting Salary: $55,400Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
$35K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
65%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1090/23
Career Outlook for degree at Carthage College
Cost of Degree: $34,500Expenses: $16,248Starting Salary: $50,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- #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: $31,858Expenses: $15,838Starting Salary: $40,900Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2024
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Edgewood College
Cost of Degree: $33,550Expenses: $15,832Starting Salary: $47,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Edgewood College known for?
Edgewood College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
56%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Ripon College
Cost of Degree: $49,600Expenses: $12,140Starting 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
$31K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
61%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/24
Career Outlook for degree at Viterbo University
Cost of Degree: $31,150Expenses: $13,760Starting 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: $41,237Expenses: $13,138Starting Salary: $35,500Cost Recoup Time: 20 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: $30,000Expenses: $12,190Starting Salary: $46,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 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: $31,786Expenses: $15,836Starting 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 #4 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs #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: $33,450Expenses: $17,486Starting 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: $18,810Expenses: $15,352Starting Salary: $38,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 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: $33,762Expenses: $14,752Starting 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 Private Colleges in Your Area 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.
- Marquette University
- Beloit College
- Ripon College
- Lawrence University
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Mount Mary University
- St. Norbert College
- Edgewood College
- Northland College
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Carroll University
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Marian University
- Alverno College
- Carthage College
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Lakeland University
- Viterbo University
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Holy Family College
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.