Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN WISCONSIN
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Wisconsin. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2024

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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. Maranatha Baptist University $18,810
  2. University of Wisconsin–Madison $9,273
  3. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $8,091
  4. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse $7,585
  5. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $7,361
  6. University of Wisconsin–Stout $7,014
  7. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $6,698
  8. University of Wisconsin–Superior $6,535
  9. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $6,519
  10. University of Wisconsin–River Falls $6,428
  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. Maranatha Baptist University
  2. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  3. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  4. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  5. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  6. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
  7. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  8. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  9. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  10. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  1. Maranatha Baptist University
  2. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  3. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
  4. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  5. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  6. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  7. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  8. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  9. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  10. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  1. University of Wisconsin–Madison 49%
  2. University of Wisconsin–Parkside 73%
  3. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 74%
  4. Maranatha Baptist University 75%
  5. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 77%
  6. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 82%
  7. University of Wisconsin–River Falls 84%
  8. University of Wisconsin–Platteville 85%
  9. University of Wisconsin–Stout 86%
  10. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 86%
  1. Maranatha Baptist University 11 to 1
  2. University of Wisconsin–Superior 17 to 1
  3. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 17 to 1
  4. University of Wisconsin–Parkside 17 to 1
  5. University of Wisconsin–Madison 18 to 1
  6. University of Wisconsin–Stout 18 to 1
  7. University of Wisconsin–River Falls 18 to 1
  8. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse 19 to 1
  9. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 19 to 1
  10. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 19 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. Maranatha Baptist University $7,120
  2. University of Wisconsin–Stout $7,444
  3. University of Wisconsin–Superior $7,640
  4. University of Wisconsin–River Falls $7,793
  5. University of Wisconsin–Platteville $7,831
  6. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay $7,996
  7. University of Wisconsin–Parkside $8,028
  8. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point $8,066
  9. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $8,108
  10. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $8,188

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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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There are 14 colleges and universities in Wisconsin with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Wisconsin is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Madison , WI
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    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: $10,796
    Expenses: $17,198
    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
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #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: $8,376
    Expenses: $11,294
    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
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse

    Cost of Degree: $9,232
    Expenses: $9,058
    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
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #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: $7,864
    Expenses: $11,660
    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
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #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: $7,873
    Expenses: $12,364
    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
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #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: $7,795
    Expenses: $12,694
    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
    #4 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Platteville

    Cost of Degree: $7,862
    Expenses: $12,931
    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
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin 2024 #10 Best Public 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: $7,466
    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

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Wisconsin–Stout

    Menomonie , WI

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Stout

    Cost of Degree: $9,663
    Expenses: $12,300
    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
    #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: $8,135
    Expenses: $11,934
    Starting Salary: $44,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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: $8,167
    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

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Maranatha Baptist University

    Watertown , WI

    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:

    Compare school
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Wisconsin’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive
  1. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
  2. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
  3. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
  4. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
  5. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay
  6. University of Wisconsin–River Falls
  7. University of Wisconsin–Superior
  8. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
  9. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
  10. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
  11. University of Wisconsin–Stout
  12. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  13. University of Wisconsin–Madison
  14. Maranatha Baptist University
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