Best Colleges in Wisconsin
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Best Accredited Colleges
#1 University of Wisconsin-Madison 
Madison, WI 
$15910 
87%
Madison, WI $15910 87% Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin Madison is the flagship campus of the extensive UW System. The oldest and largest public university in the state, UW covers 936 acres and welcomes more than 40,000 students each year. Highly respected as a Public Ivy university, UW engages in extensive research activities, with nearly 100 scientific centers and programs dedicated to agriculture, arts, education, engineering, and other major fields. Students can choose from a large catalog of more than 200 undergraduate majors and certificates, in addition to more than 250 master's, doctoral, and professional programs. Outside of class, students can take advantage of NCAA athletics, Greek life, three museums, nearly 900 student organizations, and arts and culture events. Required first-year application materials include official test scores, two essays, and a letter of recommendation. UW looks for students with academic success along with demonstrated qualities of leadership, community involvement, and achievement.
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#2 University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, WI $14064 53%
River Falls, WI $14064 53% Situated on 226 acres near the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, the University of Wisconsin River Falls enrolls more than 6,000 students each year. Programs at this liberal arts institution hold accreditation from many major organizations, including the National Association of Schools of Music and the Council of Social Work Education. The university boasts more than 70 available areas of undergraduate study, like agricultural business, animal science, conservation and environmental planning, literature, mathematics, and stage and screen arts. UWRF also offers 22 graduate degrees, certificates, and licenses, including Montessori teacher education programs. Outside of the classroom, students can engage in an active residential community, filled with opportunities for global travel, socialization, sports and athletics, and campus activities. UWRF welcomes about 1,250 new first-year students to campus each year. To apply, prospective learners must submit transcripts and test scores. Individuals pursuing music majors must also complete an audition.
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#3 Carroll University Waukesha, WI $23492 66%
Waukesha, WI $23492 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 Milwaukee, WI $32377 80%
Milwaukee, WI $32377 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 Kenosha, WI $9542 34%
Kenosha, WI $9542 34% The University of Wisconsin Parkside sits on 700 acres in Kenosha. Roughly 4,300 students enjoy a vibrant residential campus with more than 70 clubs and organizations, NCAA athletics teams, arts and culture events, and several dining options. UW-Parkside boasts four colleges: arts and humanities; business, economics, and computing; natural and health sciences; and social sciences and professional studies. Undergraduates can choose from 35 certificates, 14 pre-professional programs, seven associate degrees, and nearly 100 majors and minors for bachelor's degree customization. The graduate school features 12 master's degrees, many of which offer flexible online formats. Prospective students must supply official high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. UW-Parkside accepts applications on a rolling basis.
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#6 Saint Norbert College De Pere, WI $25980 74%
De Pere, WI $25980 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 Green Bay, WI $12482 51%
Green Bay, WI $12482 51% The University of Wisconsin Green Bay hosts a main campus and three regional campuses in Marinette, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan. Altogether, these locations enroll approximately 8,400 students each year. Situated along one of the world's largest freshwater ecosystems, UW-Green Bay offers notable field study opportunities for biology students -- the school's most popular major. Other top undergraduate majors include business administration, computer science, and democracy and justice studies. A variety of undergraduate certificates as well as associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees feature fully online formats. Online options include a flexible associate of arts and sciences, an RN-to-BSN track, and a master of science in sustainable management. First-year admission requirements include an essay, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. UW-Green Bay accepts applications on a rolling basis.
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#8 Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, WI $18152 50%
Watertown, WI $18152 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 Ripon, WI $20151 68%
Ripon, WI $20151 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 Madison, WI $25042 61%
Madison, WI $25042 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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#11 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, WI $13045 71%
La Crosse, WI $13045 71% The University of Wisconsin La Crosse boasts an annual enrollment of more than 10,000 students, a 128-acre residential campus, and one of the largest operating budgets in the UW System. Involvement opportunities include NCAA athletics, recreational sports, cultural events, student organizations, and campus activities scheduled throughout the week. Organized into three colleges and two schools, UW-La Crosse offers 101 undergraduate programs, 28 graduate programs, and two doctoral programs in physical therapy and student affairs administration/leadership. Students can major in areas like biochemistry, communication, sports science, international business, and public health. Students who prefer or require the flexibility of online learning can pursue individual courses or one of 14 complete programs through distance learning. To be considered for admission, incoming first-year students must provide test scores, transcripts, and two essays. UW-La Crosse looks for students with strong academic achievement, demonstrated leadership ability, extracurricular involvement, and other special talents.
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#12 Viterbo University La Crosse, WI $20457 55%
La Crosse, WI $20457 55% Viterbo University is a Roman Catholic liberal arts institution located in La Crosse. The university is one of 24 members in the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities. The school attracts a coeducational student body of approximately 2,600 learners each year and offers small class sizes, NAIA athletics, on-site housing, and more than 80 organizations. Viterbo offers more than 40 academic programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Represented disciplines include nursing, health and human behavior, business, education, humanities, performing arts, and STEM. Viterbo emphasizes the importance of hands-on education and provides meaningful internship, research, service learning, and study abroad opportunities. Online options include three bachelor's completion programs and four master's degrees. Viterbo charges no application fee. Prospective first-year students must provide high school transcripts and test scores. The university also encourages applicants to submit letters of recommendation and personal statements. Additional entrance requirements apply for nursing, music, and theatre students.
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#13 Northland College Ashland, WI $20547 64%
Ashland, WI $20547 64% Each year, Northland College offers approximately 600 full-time undergraduates a liberal arts education with a progressive focus on the environment and sustainability. The school's 220-acre residential campus in Ashland offers NCAA athletics, various clubs and organizations, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Many of Northland's academic programs focus directly on the environment, including majors like climate science, ecological restoration, forestry, and water science. Other programs include Native American studies, psychology, education, and writing. Students can access top internships, hands-on engagement opportunities, and unique Northland offerings like "pens and paddles" -- an experiential English course combining literary study and wilderness fieldwork. Undergraduates can also engage in graduate-level research related to freshwater issues, biology, rural communities, geosciences, and other fields. Northland accepts applications on a rolling basis. Prospective first-year students must supply high school transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores.
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#14 University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI $14971 54%
Menomonie, WI $14971 54% The University of Wisconsin Stout is located in Menomonie. It serves as a public, polytechnic school dedicated to developing career-ready graduates through a combination of liberal arts education and applied learning. Academic offerings at UW-Stout include art, design, and graphics; business and management; education; human and social sciences; information technology and communication; and STEM. Students can select from 50 undergraduate degrees and more than 20 graduate degrees. Fields include plastics engineering, game design and development, dietetics, and counseling. More than 50 certificates and degrees also feature online learning methods. Prospective students must submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. UW-Stout encourages early applications to increase scholarship eligibility.
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#15 Mount Mary University Milwaukee, WI $18793 39%
Milwaukee, WI $18793 39% Founded in 1913, Mount Mary University was Wisconsin's first four-year Catholic college for women. Today, this Milwaukee institution enrolls approximately 1,400 students each year. While Mount Mary's 30 undergraduate tracks remain open exclusively to women, the school's nine graduate programs are coeducational. Mount Mary welcomes students of all faiths and beliefs. Its 80-acre campus offers on-site housing, dining, clubs and organizations, and NCAA athletics. Mount Mary serves as home to several notable degree programs, including a professional doctorate of art therapy -- the first program of its kind in the U.S. Other available fields of study include creative writing, food science, interior design, and public relations. Prospective first-time students can apply by submitting the Common Application or by visiting Mount Mary's online portal. The school requires students to submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Undergraduates interested in the RN-to-BSN completion program must complete a separate application process.
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#16 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI $14398 67%
Eau Claire, WI $14398 67% The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire's campus is located on 333 acres near the banks of the Chippewa River. The school serves as home to 28 major buildings and a vibrant student community numbering more than 10,000 individuals. Off campus, the university also owns nearly 500 acres of forest and marshland, which are utilized for class use and environmental research. Four colleges offer more than 80 undergraduate programs in areas like business, arts, sciences, education, human services, nursing, and health sciences. Graduate students can pursue 12 different options, including several master's degrees, a doctor of nursing practice, and an education specialist degree in school psychology. Several certificates, degrees, and individual courses use an asynchronous online format. UWEC's admissions office considers academic performance and experience outside the classroom. Prospective students must submit high school transcripts; test scores are considered but not required.
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#17 Beloit College Beloit, WI $26976 86%
Beloit, WI $26976 86% Beloit College is the oldest continually operated college in Wisconsin. It was founded In 1846, two years before Wisconsin achieved statehood. This private liberal arts institution enrolls approximately 1,400 students each year. The 65-acre campus offers student housing, Greek life, varsity athletics, and accredited art and anthropology museums. The school's undergraduate catalog encompasses dozens of majors and minors, including comparative literature, critical identity studies, geology, physics, and theatre. The college also encourages hands-on practice, internships, and field work. Everyone begins their first semester with the Spark program, where they are paired with a faculty member advisor who assists each student in designing their course of study and finding community experiences that connect well with coursework. Undergraduate admission requires high school transcripts, a secondary school report, and a teacher recommendation. Optional components include test scores, additional recommendations, and art portfolios.
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#18 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, WI $12422 62%
Whitewater, WI $12422 62% Founded in 1868, the University of Wisconsin Whitewater officially joined the UW System in 1971. The university serves a diverse student body of about 13,000 individuals. The campus hosts frequent events, Greek life, an independent newspaper, a student-run radio station, and NCAA athletics. UWW organizes academics into six main colleges, including its graduate school. Undergraduates can select their program of study from more than 50 majors and 119 minors. The most popular options at UWW -- accounting, marketing, finance, elementary education, and business -- align with the school's reputation as a top business school and its history as the oldest teacher's college in Wisconsin. Graduate academic options include 16 certificates, 15 master's degrees, and one doctoral degree. UWW evaluates applicants based on various academic and nonacademic factors, including leadership, community service, and creativity. Prospective first-year students who plan to attend classes on campus must provide high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores.
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#19 University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI $12935 65%
Stevens Point, WI $12935 65% The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public university with three campuses located in Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wausau. The main UWSP campus attracts more than 7,000 students each year and offers residence halls; Greek life; extracurricular activities; NCAA athletics; and student-run television, newspaper, and radio projects. UWSP grants associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The undergraduate catalog offers more than 40 majors and 70 minors. Students interested in earning a bachelor's and master's simultaneously can pursue one of the college's five-year, dual-degree programs. These are available in dietetics, business administration, natural resources, and sustainable food and nutrition. USWP also offers extensive online options, including four undergraduate programs and 10 graduate programs. Prospective undergraduates can apply online by filling out the Common Application or the UW System Application. Required components include high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. Aspiring music, dance, and theatre arts majors must complete an audition and/or interview.
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#20 College of Menominee Nation Keshena, WI $6452 15%
Keshena, WI $6452 15% With campuses in Keshena and Green Bay, the College of Menominee Nation is a tribal institution serving a diverse student body of American Indian and non-Indian students. The 52-acre, nonresidential main campus on the Menominee Indian reservation provides academic and recreational spaces for student and community use. CMN works to meet the academic and professional needs of all learners by offering continuing education courses, trade and technical diplomas, career- and transfer-ready associate degrees, and bachelor's programs. Available areas of study include pre-engineering technology, substance abuse counseling, digital media, education, and public administration. Outside the classroom, students can get involved in a variety of clubs and organizations. As an open-enrollment institution, CMN charges no application fee and guarantees admission to all prospective students who possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. ACT scores or alternative placement testing may be required in some cases.
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#21 University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI $13092 52%
Oshkosh, WI $13092 52% The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh originally opened in 1871 as Wisconsin's third normal school, dedicated solely to teacher training. A century later, after the addition of a liberal arts curriculum, UW-Oshkosh joined the UW System. Today, about 14,000 students attend its campuses in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, and Fox Cities each year. UW-Oshkosh offers NCAA athletics, Greek life, diverse clubs, and student-run media organizations. Undergraduates can select from nearly nearly 200 majors, minors, and concentrations. The graduate school serves as home to 15 master's and two doctoral programs. Available areas of study include the second-largest nursing program in the state, along with disciplines like criminal justice, education, kinesiology, and management. Sixteen programs feature online or hybrid formats. General first-year admission requirements include high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.
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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.