Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
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
- Lawrence University
- Beloit College
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Carroll University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- St. Norbert College
- Cardinal Stritch University
- Carthage College
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside
- Alverno College
- Lawrence University
- Beloit College
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Carthage College
- Carroll University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Ripon College
- Edgewood College
- St. Norbert College
- Alverno College
- Lakeland University 100%
- Edgewood College 99%
- University of Wisconsin–Superior 96%
- Wisconsin Lutheran College 94%
- Cardinal Stritch University 93%
- Alverno College 90%
- St. Norbert College 84%
- Carthage College 82%
- Ripon College 81%
- Maranatha Baptist University 75%
- University of Wisconsin–Superior 17 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside 17 to 1
- Lakeland University 16 to 1
- Carroll University 14 to 1
- Ripon College 14 to 1
- Milwaukee School of Engineering 13 to 1
- Carthage College 13 to 1
- Viterbo University 12 to 1
- Edgewood College 12 to 1
- Marian University 12 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
- Cardinal Stritch University $35,444
- Carthage College $34,500
- Wisconsin Lutheran College $33,762
- Carthage College $33,450
- Milwaukee School of Engineering $24,786
- 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
- Marian University $11,509
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Mount Mary University
- Lakeland University
- Marian University
- Northland College
- Viterbo University
- University of Wisconsin–Superior
- Ripon College
- Edgewood College
- Maranatha Baptist University
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Northland College
- Marian University
- Lakeland University
- Mount Mary University
- University of Wisconsin–Superior
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside
- Viterbo University
- Cardinal Stritch University
- 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%
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside 73%
- Cardinal Stritch University 7 to 1
- 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
- Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
- Viterbo University 12 to 1
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside $6,298
- University of Wisconsin–Superior $6,535
- 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
- Maranatha Baptist University $7,120
- University of Wisconsin–Superior $7,640
- University of Wisconsin–Parkside $8,028
- 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
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
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.
Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2023
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #2 Best Private 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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 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
- #4 Best Private 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 #5 Best Private 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 Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wisconsin
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Wisconsin 2025
- #3 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs 2025
- #4 Best Online Associate in Human Resources
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
- #6 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #8 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
- #8 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
- #10 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science 2025
- #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
- #6 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #7 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
Other Rankings
- #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
- #10 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #10 Most Affordable 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: $7,466Expenses: $12,714Starting 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 Private 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 Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025 #5 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges 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
$8K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
40%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Superior
Cost of Degree: $8,167Expenses: $11,623Starting Salary: $39,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 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: $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 #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: $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 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.
- 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
- University of Wisconsin–Superior
- Lakeland University
- Viterbo University
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- 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.