Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024

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Small colleges in Wisconsin are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

10 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024

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  1. Lawrence University
  2. Beloit College
  3. Milwaukee School of Engineering
  4. Carroll University
  5. Concordia University Wisconsin
  6. St. Norbert College
  7. Cardinal Stritch University
  8. Carthage College
  9. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  10. Alverno College
  1. Lawrence University
  2. Beloit College
  3. Milwaukee School of Engineering
  4. Carthage College
  5. Carroll University
  6. Concordia University Wisconsin
  7. Ripon College
  8. Edgewood College
  9. St. Norbert College
  10. Alverno College
  1. Lakeland University 100%
  2. Edgewood College 99%
  3. University of Wisconsin–Superior 96%
  4. Wisconsin Lutheran College 94%
  5. Cardinal Stritch University 93%
  6. Alverno College 90%
  7. St. Norbert College 84%
  8. Carthage College 82%
  9. Ripon College 81%
  10. Maranatha Baptist University 75%
  1. University of Wisconsin–Superior 17 to 1
  2. University of Wisconsin–Parkside 17 to 1
  3. Lakeland University 16 to 1
  4. Carroll University 14 to 1
  5. Ripon College 14 to 1
  6. Milwaukee School of Engineering 13 to 1
  7. Carthage College 13 to 1
  8. Viterbo University 12 to 1
  9. Edgewood College 12 to 1
  10. Marian University 12 to 1
  1. Beloit College $56,312
  2. Lawrence University $53,979
  3. Ripon College $49,600
  4. Milwaukee School of Engineering $46,506
  5. St. Norbert College $43,204
  6. Northland College $41,237
  7. Carroll University $36,190
  8. Cardinal Stritch University $35,444
  9. Carthage College $34,500
  10. Wisconsin Lutheran College $33,762
  1. Carthage College $33,450
  2. Milwaukee School of Engineering $24,786
  3. Mount Mary University $18,848
  4. Edgewood College $18,296
  5. Carroll University $12,938
  6. St. Norbert College $12,640
  7. Lakeland University $12,535
  8. Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
  9. Cardinal Stritch University $11,728
  10. Marian University $11,509
  1. Wisconsin Lutheran College
  2. Maranatha Baptist University
  3. Mount Mary University
  4. Lakeland University
  5. Marian University
  6. Northland College
  7. Viterbo University
  8. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  9. Ripon College
  10. Edgewood College
  1. Maranatha Baptist University
  2. Wisconsin Lutheran College
  3. Northland College
  4. Marian University
  5. Lakeland University
  6. Mount Mary University
  7. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  8. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  9. Viterbo University
  10. Cardinal Stritch University
  1. Milwaukee School of Engineering 63%
  2. Beloit College 66%
  3. Northland College 68%
  4. Mount Mary University 69%
  5. Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
  6. Viterbo University 72%
  7. Marian University 72%
  8. Lawrence University 72%
  9. Carroll University 72%
  10. University of Wisconsin–Parkside 73%
  1. Cardinal Stritch University 7 to 1
  2. Lawrence University 8 to 1
  3. Alverno College 8 to 1
  4. Mount Mary University 9 to 1
  5. Northland College 10 to 1
  6. Beloit College 10 to 1
  7. St. Norbert College 11 to 1
  8. Maranatha Baptist University 11 to 1
  9. Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
  10. Viterbo University 12 to 1
  1. University of Wisconsin–Parkside $6,298
  2. University of Wisconsin–Superior $6,535
  3. Maranatha Baptist University $18,810
  4. Marian University $30,000
  5. Viterbo University $31,150
  6. Lakeland University $31,786
  7. Alverno College $31,858
  8. Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
  9. Mount Mary University $33,390
  10. Edgewood College $33,550
  1. Maranatha Baptist University $7,120
  2. University of Wisconsin–Superior $7,640
  3. University of Wisconsin–Parkside $8,028
  4. Alverno College $9,744
  5. Viterbo University $9,824
  6. Wisconsin Lutheran College $10,080
  7. Marian University $11,509
  8. Cardinal Stritch University $11,728
  9. Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
  10. Lakeland University $12,535

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

Wisconsin's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Wisconsin is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 20 small colleges in Wisconsin. The list below of the best small colleges in Wisconsin. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

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Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2023

  1. #1

    Lawrence University

    Appleton , WI

    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: $53,979
    Expenses: $13,845
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Milwaukee School of Engineering

    Cost of Degree: $46,506
    Expenses: $15,432
    Starting Salary: $71,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Milwaukee School of Engineering known for?

    Milwaukee School of Engineering’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  3. #4

    Carroll University

    Waukesha , WI

    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: $36,190
    Expenses: $15,394
    Starting Salary: $47,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Carroll University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Applied Physics and Engineering
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Wisconsin

    Cost of Degree: $33,062
    Expenses: $19,260
    Starting Salary: $47,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  5. #6

    St. Norbert College

    De Pere , WI

    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: $43,204
    Expenses: $14,380
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Norbert College known for?

    St. Norbert College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Cardinal Stritch University

    Cost of Degree: $35,444
    Expenses: $14,792
    Starting Salary: $55,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  7. #8

    Carthage College

    Kenosha , WI

    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: $34,500
    Expenses: $16,248
    Starting Salary: $50,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carthage College known for?

    Carthage College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Parkside

    Cost of Degree: $7,466
    Expenses: $12,714
    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

  9. #10

    Alverno College

    Milwaukee , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alverno College

    Cost of Degree: $31,858
    Expenses: $15,838
    Starting Salary: $40,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Alverno College known for?

    Alverno College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #11

    Edgewood College

    Madison , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Edgewood College

    Cost of Degree: $33,550
    Expenses: $15,832
    Starting Salary: $47,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Edgewood College known for?

    Edgewood College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  11. #12

    Ripon College

    Ripon , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ripon College

    Cost of Degree: $49,600
    Expenses: $12,140
    Starting Salary: $51,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Superior

    Cost of Degree: $8,167
    Expenses: $11,623
    Starting Salary: $39,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

  13. #14

    Viterbo University

    La Crosse , WI

    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: $31,150
    Expenses: $13,760
    Starting Salary: $47,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Viterbo University known for?

    Viterbo University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #15

    Northland College

    Ashland , WI

    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: $41,237
    Expenses: $13,138
    Starting Salary: $35,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northland College known for?

    Northland College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  15. #16

    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: $30,000
    Expenses: $12,190
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Marian University known for?

    Marian University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  16. #17

    Lakeland University

    Plymouth , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lakeland University

    Cost of Degree: $31,786
    Expenses: $15,836
    Starting Salary: $45,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lakeland University known for?

    Lakeland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #18

    Mount Mary University

    Milwaukee , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mary University

    Cost of Degree: $33,450
    Expenses: $17,486
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mount Mary University known for?

    Mount Mary University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  18. 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: $18,810
    Expenses: $15,352
    Starting Salary: $38,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Maranatha Baptist University known for?

    Maranatha Baptist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  19. 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: $33,762
    Expenses: $14,752
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wisconsin Lutheran College known for?

    Wisconsin Lutheran College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Wisconsin’s Best Small College 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.

  1. Beloit College
  2. Ripon College
  3. Lawrence University
  4. Milwaukee School of Engineering
  5. Mount Mary University
  6. St. Norbert College
  7. Edgewood College
  8. Northland College
  9. Cardinal Stritch University
  10. Carroll University
  11. Maranatha Baptist University
  12. Marian University
  13. Alverno College
  14. Carthage College
  15. Concordia University Wisconsin
  16. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  17. Lakeland University
  18. Viterbo University
  19. Wisconsin Lutheran College
  20. Holy Family College

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Nebraska and Oklahoma.

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