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Best Colleges in Wisconsin

Get equipped with the resources that will help you easily navigate your learning journey. Discover schools that match your goals and aspirations.

Best Accredited Colleges

#1 University of Wisconsin-Madison
location Madison, WI
tuition $14169
acceptance_rate 87%
UW-Madison is Wisconsin's largest postsecondary institution, enrolling more than 45,000 students on its 938-acre campus and online. The university ranks among the best online colleges in Wisconsin, with diverse online offerings. These include more than 60 fully online programs and degrees in fields like education, science, and engineering. Students can choose from a variety of online bachelor's, master's, and professional degrees. Many programs deliver all coursework asynchronously. Comprehensive technology, career, and academic support services are available for online students. Distance learners can apply to online programs in the fall, spring, and summer. The university offers a set, per-credit tuition rate for online coursework, regardless of residency. UW-Madison Online also offers enrollment coaches and academic advisors to assist students.
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#2 University of Wisconsin-River Falls
location River Falls, WI
tuition $15326
acceptance_rate 57%
One of 13 schools in the University of Wisconsin System, UWRF operates on a 303-acre campus near Minneapolis-St. Paul and enrolls nearly 6,000 students. UWRF offers more than 70 programs across four academic colleges, including online degrees and certificates. UWRF offers five bachelor's degree completion programs and three certificates through online and hybrid learning. Online majors include applied computing, health and wellness management, and sustainable management. Teachers and professionals can also pursue various continuing education opportunities online at UWRF. Fully online students can choose from full-time and part-time enrollment options. UWRF's bachelor's degree completion programs target students who already hold an associate degree.
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#3 Carroll University
location Waukesha, WI
tuition $23492
acceptance_rate 66%
Wisconsin's first four-year higher education institution -- known today as Carroll University -- was established in 1846. More than 3,000 students attend class each year at Carroll's facilities in Waukesha, including a center for graduate studies. The university also owns a 64-acre field research station in Genesee. Carroll offers more than 95 study areas for undergraduates to explore, including majors in animal behavior, communication, freshwater sciences, music therapy, and information technology. The most popular choices include biology, business, exercise science, and nursing. Twenty-six bachelor's programs offer an accelerated three-year pathway to graduation. For graduate students, Carroll offers a doctor of physical therapy and several master's degrees in business administration, education, nursing, and health sciences fields. Admission requirements for first-time undergraduates include high school transcripts and standardized test scores. Carroll accepts applications on a rolling basis.
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#4 Marquette University
location Milwaukee, WI
tuition $32377
acceptance_rate 80%
Marquette University is a Jesuit research university located in Milwaukee. The school became the world's first coeducational Catholic university when its first class of women students were admitted in 1909. Today, the university welcomes more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate learners each year. Marquette serves as a popular destination for pre-professionals; it is home to the only dental school and one of only two law schools in the state of Wisconsin. Other available undergraduate areas of study include theology and religion, biophysics, military history, engineering, and real estate. Marquette also offers more than 70 master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates. Five of these can be completed entirely online, and two dozen offer accelerated, dual-degree completion options for qualified undergraduates. Materials required for admission include official high school transcripts, an essay, a school counselor recommendation, and a list of extracurricular activities. The university does not require students to submit ACT and SAT scores.
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#5 University of Wisconsin-Parkside
location Kenosha, WI
tuition $10409
acceptance_rate 38%
Established in 1968, UW-Parkside emphasizes customizable degrees, small classes, and personalized attention from instructors. UW-Parkside enrolls nearly 4,500 students in dozens of degree, certificate, and pre-professional and special training programs. Through UW-Parkside's online programs, students can choose from majors in fields like business, arts and sciences, healthcare, and information technology. The university also offers two competency-based, self-paced online programs through the UW Flexible Option. Distance learners can access tutoring, academic advising, and disability services. Instructors may choose to administer courses synchronously or asynchronously through the Canvas learning management system. More than half of all UW-Parkside students take at least one course online.
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#6 Saint Norbert College
location De Pere, WI
tuition $25980
acceptance_rate 74%
Saint Norbert College is a Catholic liberal arts school located in De Pere. As the only Norbertine college in the world, St. Norbert follows the tradition of radical hospitality, welcoming nearly 2,200 students of all backgrounds and personal beliefs. St. Norbert offers a four-year graduation guarantee and a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Undergraduates can access more than 40 academic and pre-professional programs. Represented areas of study include accounting, global business, German education, music performance, and psychology. St. Norbert also offers graduate education leading to three master's degrees: liberal arts, business administration, and theological studies. The school encourages students to get involved in extra- and co-curricular activities, including clubs, organizations, the honors program, study abroad programs, and faculty-led research opportunities. Required submission materials include high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a letter of recommendation.
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#7 University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
location Green Bay, WI
tuition $12323
acceptance_rate 52%
UW-Green Bay encompasses four physical campuses and an online division, offering a variety of graduate and undergraduate programs entirely or partially online. High school students also can pursue individual online courses for college credit. UW-Green Bay ranks among the fastest-growing and best online colleges in Wisconsin. The university offers online associate and bachelor's degrees in fields like business, organizational leadership, nursing, and public administration. Students also can pursue a variety of graduate programs, including an online MS in cybersecurity and an executive impact MBA with a hybrid delivery option. UW-Green Bay delivers most online coursework asynchronously, although hybrid programs may include some synchronous sessions. Online students pay a special, per-credit tuition rate based on their course load (regardless of their state of residence). Rates may differ for programs delivered through UW-Green Bay's Marinette, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan campuses.
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#8 Maranatha Baptist University
location Watertown, WI
tuition $18152
acceptance_rate 50%
Located in Watertown, Maranatha Baptist University offers a private liberal arts education to about 1,100 students each year. Undergraduates join one of 10 campus societies, which encourage relationship development and community engagement through intramural sports, ministry, and other society-sponsored activities. MBU's academic catalog encompasses 39 bachelor's degrees and nine master's degrees. Alongside traditional liberal arts programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, health, and education fields, MBU offers extensive degree options in biblical studies and church ministry. Undergraduate majors include biblical counseling, biblical languages, medical missions, and pastoral studies. MBU's campus also serves as home to a seminary and offers graduate education opportunities like a master of divinity and a doctor of ministry. MBU bases admission on academic transcripts, ACT scores, character references, and a salvation testimony. Prospective students may also need to fill out church attendance forms and agree to a student conduct statement.
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#9 Ripon College
location Ripon, WI
tuition $20151
acceptance_rate 68%
Ripon College is a private liberal arts college located in the historic city of the same name. Just over 800 undergraduates attend each year, the majority of whom live on campus. Ripon offers engagement opportunities through NCAA athletics, Greek life, and more than 60 student clubs. Ripon's innovative Catalyst curriculum includes five required seminar courses. Catalyst students develop independent and collaborative skills, working with faculty to propose solutions to large, open-ended questions. The Catalyst curriculum culminates in an applied innovation concentration. Students can further customize their bachelor's degree by choosing from 31 majors, 42 minors, and pre-professional tracks. Available disciplines include communication, educational studies, foreign languages, mathematics, and physical science. Incoming first-year students must supply high school transcripts. ACT or SAT test scores, personal statements, and interviews are optional. Ripon waives the application fee for all students who apply before the priority scholarship application deadline.
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#10 Edgewood College
location Madison, WI
tuition $25042
acceptance_rate 61%
Edgewood College is a Catholic school located on a 55-acre suburban campus in Madison. In the Dominican tradition, each member of EC's faculty, staff, and student body commits to a lifelong search for truth and the pursuit of a just, compassionate world. Approximately 2,200 students attend EC each year, pursuing on-site and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Four main schools offer degrees related to the arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing. A fifth school -- the School of Integrative Studies (SoIS) -- offers more than a dozen programs designed to create intellectually engaged and ethical problem solvers. Notable SoIS options include an ethnic studies major, a global studies minor, and a master of arts in social innovation and sustainability leadership. Undergraduate admission requirements include high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Additional entrance requirements may apply for applicants interested in nursing or education. Students from all spiritual backgrounds may apply.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best colleges in Wisconsin?

Some of the best colleges in Wisconsin include the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Lawrence University.

2. How do I apply to colleges in Wisconsin?

To apply to colleges in Wisconsin, you typically need to complete an online application form, submit your high school transcripts, provide standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), write an essay, and obtain letters of recommendation.

3. What is the cost of tuition at Wisconsin colleges?

Tuition costs vary depending on the college and program of study. On average, in-state tuition at public colleges in Wisconsin is around $9,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition can range from $20,000 to $40,000 per year. Private colleges tend to have higher tuition costs.

4. Are there scholarships available for Wisconsin colleges?

Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for students attending colleges in Wisconsin. These scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or specific to certain fields of study. It is recommended to research and apply for scholarships early to increase your chances of receiving financial aid.

5. What majors and programs are offered at Wisconsin colleges?

Wisconsin colleges offer a wide range of majors and programs, including but not limited to business, engineering, computer science, nursing, education, arts and humanities, and social sciences. Each college has its own unique offerings, so it is important to research individual institutions to find the programs that align with your interests.

6. Can I transfer credits from a community college to a four-year college in Wisconsin?

Yes, many colleges in Wisconsin accept transfer credits from community colleges. However, the transferability of credits depends on the specific college and program. It is advisable to consult with the admissions office or academic advisor of the college you plan to transfer to for more information.

7. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Wisconsin colleges?

The student-to-faculty ratio varies among colleges in Wisconsin. Generally, smaller private colleges tend to have lower student-to-faculty ratios, providing more personalized attention and smaller class sizes. Public universities may have larger class sizes but still offer opportunities for individualized instruction through smaller discussion sections or office hours.

8. Are there opportunities for internships and co-op programs at Wisconsin colleges?

Yes, many Wisconsin colleges have partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships and co-op programs. These experiences allow students to gain practical skills and real-world experience in their chosen field of study.

9. What is campus life like at Wisconsin colleges?

Campus life at Wisconsin colleges varies depending on the institution. Most colleges offer a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities to cater to diverse interests. Additionally, colleges often host events, guest speakers, and cultural activities to enhance the overall college experience.

10. What support services are available for students at Wisconsin colleges?

Wisconsin colleges provide various support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These services may include academic advising, tutoring centers, career counseling, mental health resources, and wellness programs. It is important to take advantage of these resources to make the most of your college experience.