Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024

Badge for BEST IN WISCONSIN PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Wisconsin provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

10 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin

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  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison
  2. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  3. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
  4. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  5. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  6. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  7. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  8. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  9. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
  10. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison
  2. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  3. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  4. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
  5. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  6. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  7. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  8. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  9. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  10. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  1. University of Wisconsin–Superior 96%
  2. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay 90%
  3. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 89%
  4. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point 89%
  5. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 86%
  6. University of Wisconsin–Stout 86%
  7. University of Wisconsin–Platteville 85%
  8. University of Wisconsin–River Falls 84%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 82%
  10. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 77%
  1. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay 23 to 1
  2. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point 21 to 1
  3. University of Wisconsin–Platteville 20 to 1
  4. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 20 to 1
  5. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 19 to 1
  6. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 19 to 1
  7. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 19 to 1
  8. University of Wisconsin–Madison 18 to 1
  9. University of Wisconsin–Stout 18 to 1
  10. University of Wisconsin–River Falls 18 to 1
  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison $9,273
  2. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $8,091
  3. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse $7,585
  4. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $7,361
  5. University of Wisconsin–Stout $7,014
  6. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $6,698
  7. University of Wisconsin–Superior $6,535
  8. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $6,519
  9. University of Wisconsin–River Falls $6,428
  10. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $6,422
  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison $10,728
  2. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $10,701
  3. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse $8,651
  4. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $8,436
  5. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $8,188
  6. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $8,108
  7. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $8,066
  8. University of Wisconsin–Parkside $8,028
  9. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay $7,996
  10. University of Wisconsin–Platteville $7,831
  1. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  2. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  3. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  4. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  5. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
  6. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  7. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  8. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  9. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  10. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  1. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  2. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
  3. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  4. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  5. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  6. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  7. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  8. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  9. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  10. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison 49%
  2. University of Wisconsin–Parkside 73%
  3. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 74%
  4. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 77%
  5. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 82%
  6. University of Wisconsin–River Falls 84%
  7. University of Wisconsin–Platteville 85%
  8. University of Wisconsin–Stout 86%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 86%
  10. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point 89%
  1. University of Wisconsin–Superior 17 to 1
  2. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 17 to 1
  3. University of Wisconsin–Parkside 17 to 1
  4. University of Wisconsin–Madison 18 to 1
  5. University of Wisconsin–Stout 18 to 1
  6. University of Wisconsin–River Falls 18 to 1
  7. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 19 to 1
  8. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 19 to 1
  9. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 19 to 1
  10. University of Wisconsin–Platteville 20 to 1
  1. University of Wisconsin–Parkside $6,298
  2. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay $6,298
  3. University of Wisconsin–Platteville $6,418
  4. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $6,422
  5. University of Wisconsin–River Falls $6,428
  6. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $6,519
  7. University of Wisconsin–Superior $6,535
  8. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $6,698
  9. University of Wisconsin–Stout $7,014
  10. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $7,361
  1. University of Wisconsin–Stout $7,444
  2. University of Wisconsin–Superior $7,640
  3. University of Wisconsin–River Falls $7,793
  4. University of Wisconsin–Platteville $7,831
  5. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay $7,996
  6. University of Wisconsin–Parkside $8,028
  7. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $8,066
  8. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $8,108
  9. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $8,188
  10. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $8,436

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

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.

Wisconsin's Best Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 13 public universities in Wisconsin. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Wisconsin, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2023

  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
    What is University of Wisconsin–Madison known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

    Stevens Point , WI
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts 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: $8,834
    Expenses: $12,072
    Starting Salary: $43,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Wisconsin–La Crosse

    La Crosse , WI
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse

    Cost of Degree: $9,651
    Expenses: $10,116
    Starting Salary: $52,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–La Crosse known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

    Whitewater , WI
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts 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: $8,250
    Expenses: $11,310
    Starting Salary: $45,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Whitewater known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Wisconsin–Green Bay

    Green Bay , WI
    #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #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: $8,342
    Expenses: $13,118
    Starting Salary: $44,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Green Bay known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

    Oshkosh , WI
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts 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: $8,212
    Expenses: $12,940
    Starting Salary: $45,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Wisconsin–Platteville

    Platteville , WI
    #10 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Platteville

    Cost of Degree: $8,315
    Expenses: $13,754
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Platteville known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    University of Wisconsin–Parkside

    Kenosha , WI
    #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: $7,855
    Expenses: $14,040
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Parkside known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Wisconsin–Stout

    Menomonie , WI
    #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Stout

    Cost of Degree: $10,142
    Expenses: $12,986
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Stout known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Wisconsin–River Falls

    River Falls , WI
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–River Falls

    Cost of Degree: $8,606
    Expenses: $11,798
    Starting Salary: $44,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of Wisconsin–Superior

    Superior , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Superior

    Cost of Degree: $8,487
    Expenses: $13,873
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Wisconsin–Superior known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Wisconsin’s Best Public College 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 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. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  3. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  4. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  5. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
  6. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  7. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  8. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  9. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  10. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  11. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  12. University of Wisconsin–Platteville

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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