Best Colleges in Wisconsin

Updated February 22, 2023

"College Choice has compiled a list of the best private and public universities in the state of Wisconsin. Keep reading to find out which university is the right choice for you!"

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

In your college search, you probably won’t find any other state with an idea named after it.

That’s right, an idea. Welcome to Wisconsin, the birthplace of the "Wisconsin Idea,” something you might already know without even realizing it has a name. The Wisconsin Idea basically holds that a university system ought to do more than just educate its students; it should also help the citizens of the state in practical ways like research, public policy, and developing technical skill. So, if you’ve ever got a flu shot, drank Gatorade, or used a seat belt (I hope so!), you have the Wisconsin Idea to thank—all of those things were invented at universities.

What better state to come to if you want to learn valuable skills and make a difference in the world?

What kind of College in Wisconsin should you attend?

Wisconsin has two large public college systems: the 26-campus University of Wisconsin System, as well as the 16-campus Wisconsin Technical College System. Those alone give you a broad array to choose from, but don’t pass over the many private schools the state has to offer. Even if you think they’re too expensive, you might be surprised by how much aid they hand out. You never know! And if that's not enough to entice you, check out our Top Online Colleges in Wisconsin for more.

Accredited Online College Programs

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How much money can you make with a degree from a College in Wisconsin?

The latest numbers are in. Wisconsin mimics the overall U.S. average in terms of median household income. The average Wisconsin household income is roughly $52k per year. However, things get more interesting when you earn an advanced degree in Wisconsin.

Payscale.com reports that individuals who earn a Bachelor of Science degree make on average $61k. That's nearly $10,000 more than the average household income of the state. If you decide to pursue your field to the next level, you'll find more good news for your bank account. Individuals in Wisconsin who hold a master's degree or higher make an average of $69k to $80k per year.

What are the Best Colleges in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is a great state to come to—or stay in, if you’re a native cheesehead. We’ve combed through all of Wisconsin’s great schools to arrive at this list of the very best, in order to help you in your search. We considered two main factors in our rankings: academic quality, so you know your education will be worth the time and effort, and return on investment, so you know it’ll be worth your money. In addition, our data team has factored in graduation rates, retention rates, and outside rankings to boil down the best of the best in Wisconsin. Happy searching!

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Location
Madison, WI

Tuition
$16131
View School Profile
OverviewThe University of Wisconsin at Madison is one of the best universities in Wisconsin, if not the very best. This is a public, land-grant, sea-grant, state university that is the flagship of the University of Wisconsin system. It was the first public university established in the state and is home to four National Historic Landmarks. It was established in 1848 and is located in Madison, Wisconsin. It holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis university is considered a Public Ivy and has the academic reputation to match it. The school confers over 136 undergraduate degrees, 148 graduate degrees, and 120 doctoral programs. The school also provides students with an instructional program that has been classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of teaching as “arts and science plus professions” with a high graduate coexistence. The school is best known for its professional degrees in:
- Environmental Studies
- Law
- Public Health
NotablesUW-Madison has an interesting aspect to its campus: the school claims more archaeological sites, with distinction than on any other university in the country. The school has located four effigy mounds around its campus. The sites are marked and fenced on the campus, ensure that they’re not disturbed by students or faculty.
Ripon College

Location
Ripon, WI

Tuition
$20559
View School Profile
OverviewRipon College is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian liberal arts college that is one of the top colleges in Wisconsin. This school has been named one of the top 25 liberal arts colleges by Washington Monthly and has another national ranking in the same category by U.S. News and World Report. This school was founded in 1851 and has historical affiliations with the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches.
OverviewRipon confers over 40 undergraduate programs; there are also four additional pre-professional programs that are available. The school also has an option for students to design their own major with the guidance of a faculty mentor. The school also allows students to take on undergraduate research or do their coursework online. Undergraduates can major in some of the following areas:
- Educational Studies
- Psychobiology
- Spanish
NotablesThis school requires that all students complete its Catalyst Curriculum, a five-course series that helps students develop the necessary critical thinking and reasoning skills needed to become professionals in this world. The program requires students take two seminars in the first year and second year, as well as an applied innovation seminar the junior year. Students must complete a team project as well in order to successfully complete the program.
Marquette University

Location
Milwaukee, WI

Tuition
$32900
View School Profile
OverviewMarquette University is a private, not-for-profit Catholic research university that was established by the Society of Jesus. The school maintains an affiliation with the Jesuit Order of the Roman Catholic Church. It is a member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities as well as the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. This school is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesMarquette University confers over 80 undergraduate degrees and 66 graduate and postgraduate degrees; there are an additional 18 graduate certificate programs also available, as well as first-professional programs in the fields of dentistry and law. Students may choose to take on dual degrees or earn a degree online from the school. Aside from the typical areas of study, some of the most unique degrees here include:
- Peace Studies
- Social Welfare and Justice
- Africana Studies
NotablesThis university is one of the most ranked in this list; it has been consistently nationally ranked in the top 100 best schools for undergraduate research by U.S. News and World Report. It has also received recognition for its commitment to providing military veterans with an exceptional education, for its research endeavors, and has even had the distinction of making the 2012 list of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.
Milwaukee School of Engineering

Location
Milwaukee, WI

Tuition
$22019

View School Profile

The Milwaukee School of Engineering, known as MSOE to students and faculty, is a private, not-for-profit university that is one of the smallest campuses in the state. It is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was established in 1903. This school is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.This university confers 17 undergraduate degrees, 13 of which are focused on engineering. The school also provides 11 master’s degrees in engineering. MSOE requires that all students adhere to a track system, a schedule of courses that need to be taken in sequential order so that a student graduates on time.MSOE offers students a wide range of research opportunities, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can do research at the Fluid Power Institute or the Rapid Prototyping Center, create models of molecular structures at the Center for Biomolecular Modeling, or become a part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates. The latter program assigns student researchers to faculty and professionals so that they can work alongside each other to learn how research works for their particular degree.
Wisconsin Lutheran College

Location
Milwaukee, WI

Tuition
$19202
View School Profile
OverviewWisconsin Lutheran College is a private, not-for-profit, liberal arts college that holds an affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The school was established in 1973 and is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis school confers undergraduate degrees in over 25 majors; there are five pre-professional programs at the undergraduate level as well. The school also houses a Master of Arts in Education. Adult students can also take online courses to earn a degree in Business Management and Leadership from the school’s portal. Some of the undergraduate degree areas include:
- Business Administration
- Elementary Education
- Marine Biology
NotablesStudy abroad opportunities are one of the best ways at Wisconsin Lutheran College to earn global experience while still at school. The university offers both affiliated programs and faculty-led opportunities, ensuring that every student gets a chance to visit one of the 30 countries available.
Carthage College

Location
Kenosha, WI

Tuition
$27385
View School Profile
OverviewCarthage College is one of the top colleges in the country, let alone the state. This is a private, not-for-profit, liberal arts college that is affiliated with the Evangelical Church in America. The school is known for having a world-class faculty, of which 90 percent hold a terminal degree in their field of study. The school is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis university offers over 40 undergraduate degrees as well as a master’s degree in education. Online courses and degrees are also available. The school has partnered with various masters degree-granting institutions to implement joint degrees in engineering, occupational therapy, and pharmacy. Carthage has been ranked by the Princeton Review as one of the best Midwestern colleges. Other undergraduate programs include:
- Graphic Design
- Environmental Science
- Public Relations
NotablesThere are three interesting traditions at Carthage, one that every student remembers when they attend the school. The first is the Old Main Bell, which is lit up like a Christmas tree every year during the first home team game of football. The Kissing Rock is a piece of granite that has marked the entrance to Evergreen Walk and has been the site of countless first kisses and marriage proposals. The Christmas Festival is a musical theatrical celebration that is put on by the school’s theater department and takes place the first week in December.
Northland College

Location
Ashland, WI

Tuition
$18858
View School Profile
OverviewNorthland College is one of the best colleges in Wisconsin for students interested in sustainability and the environment. It is a private, not-for-profit, liberal arts institution that has historical ties to the Congregational Church and remains affiliated with the United Church of Christ. This school is affiliated with the Eco League and is located in Ashland, Wisconsin. It is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesNorthland offers over 40 undergraduate degrees for students, including programs in outdoor education, sustainability, ecological restoration, and more. Pre-professional programs are also available, as are a selection of online courses. The most popular programs at this university include:
- Environmental Studies
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship
- Wildlife Ecology
NotablesThe school has been recognized by Sierra Magazine, the National Arbor Day Foundation, and the Sustainable Endowments Institute for its continued efforts to create a green campus and provide sustainable processes for its faculty and staff. The school has two wind turbines, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and a student-managed Renewable Energy Fund that provides money for green campus initiatives.
Edgewood College

Location
Madison, WI

Tuition
$22112
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OverviewEdgewood College is one of the best colleges for undergraduates seeking an incredible education from a world-class faculty. This is a private, not-for-profit liberal arts college that is taught in the Dominican Catholic tradition. It holds an affiliation with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters of the Roman Catholic Church. The school is located in Madison, Wisconsin, and is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis school offers students more than 60 majors at the undergraduate level as well as a dozen graduate programs. Edgewood also offers individualized undergraduate programs as well as online courses and programs for adult learners. The school also offers students the chance to participate in its Collaborative Program, which allows them to pursue one major both at the campus and at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Popular degree programs include:
- Art Therapy
- Cytotechnology
- Nursing
NotablesEdgewood has a strong reputation in the performing arts, where it continues to regale students with annual productions of everything from Broadway shows to comedy troupes. The school hosts its own student-run Theatre Assembly, a program that provides resources and opportunities for those who want to participate in theater productions.
Mount Mary University

Location
Milwaukee, WI

Tuition
$13665
View School Profile
OverviewMount Mary University is a private, not-for-profit, Catholic liberal arts institution that was founded in 1913 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. It is a women’s undergraduate institution and only accepts men at the graduate level. This school is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThe school confers more than 30 undergraduate degrees; there are eight graduate and doctoral degrees also available for students of both genders. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1, and class sizes rarely exceed 25 students. The programs available at the school focus on liberal arts, with the most popular majors being:
- Social Work
- Interior Design
- Fashion Merchandise Management
NotablesMount Mary believes that celebrating a student’s achievements is the best way to foster positive reinforcement and provide evidence of their own talent. That’s why the school offers a variety of annual events and shows to all of its students. A few examples include CREO, the school’s annual arts and entertainment show, and the Starving Artists’ Show, which has attracted crowds of 8,000 people each year.
Concordia University-Wisconsin

Location
Mequon, WI

Tuition
$23178
View School Profile
OverviewConcordia University of Wisconsin is a private, not-for-profit, liberal arts college that is located in Mequon, Wisconsin. This school is a member of the Concordia University System and is operated by the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The school was established in 1881 and is taught in the Lutheran tradition. The school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis school confers more than 75 undergraduate programs and over 15 graduate programs; doctoral and pre-professional programs are also available. The school currently offers first-professional degrees in pharmacy, physical therapy, and nursing practice. Concordia also offers students the chance to learn online, offering courses and programs through its online portal. Other undergraduate majors include:
- B.A. in Christian Thought
- B.A. in Illustration
- B.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
NotablesConcordia knows that a good student life is a Christian life; that’s why at this university you will see religion play a major role. Daily chapel is available for students both on campus and at home, as the services are broadcast to students and faculty through the school’s online portal. Students can also take the time to give back to their community by volunteering, doing community service, or taking on a missionary trip.
Lakeland College

Location
Plymouth, WI

Tuition
$20519
View School Profile
OverviewLakeland University is a private, not-for-profit liberal arts college that is located in Howards Grove, Wisconsin. It was established in 1862 and is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. This school has recently gone from being a college to a university, a change that was made permanent in 2016. This school holds regional accreditation from the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis school confers over 40 degrees at the undergraduate level traditionally; nontraditionally, the school confers nine degrees at the undergraduate level and one degree at the graduate level. Lakeland believes that education ought to be available for everyone, so they have many degrees available on weekends, during evenings, and even online. The most popular programs include:
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
NotablesThe school also has an incredible program that makes this one of the best colleges for STEM students: the LURE program, which stands for the Lakeland Undergraduate Research Experience. This is a 10-week summer research initiative that allows students to work closely with a faculty member on a project of their choice and create a research dossier on the subject. Students can even elect to present their findings at a state or national scientific conference. The school also pays students a stipend and waives tuition for one summer class, making it a great incentive for students who wish to build a research portfolio while still at school.
Cardinal Stritch University

Location
Milwaukee, WI

Tuition
$17949
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OverviewCardinal Stritch University is a private, not-for-profit, Roman Catholic university that was established in 1937. The school is affiliated with the Sister of St. Francis of Assisi and is the largest Franciscan university in the nation. The school is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesCardinal Stritch confers more than 70 degrees at all levels of education and in blended and online formats. The school also offers a variety of certificates and pre-professional programs to choose from, ensuring that every student will find a program that fits their needs the best. The most popular programs at this school include:
- Education
- Business
- Pre-professional Medicine and Pharmacy
NotablesThis university believes that students should all have the chance to earn paid work experience while in college. That’s why it has created the Career Ready Internship Program, an initiative that allows financial-need juniors and seniors to turn unpaid internships into paid opportunities while simultaneously earning college credit. This program is available to all qualified students, so it is best to speak to a department advisor about requirements before applying.
Beloit College

Location
Beloit, WI

Tuition
$24230
View School Profile
OverviewBeloit College is one of the best colleges in Wisconsin for students interested in a world-class education. This is a private, not-for-profit, liberal arts college that is located in Beloit, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1846 and continues to maintain an affiliation with the United Church of Christ. This school is a member of the Associated colleges of the Midwest and the Oberlin Group. This university holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesBeloit confers more than 50 degrees at the undergraduate level, including nursing, education, computer science, and more. The school has been providing an excellent liberal arts education and even has its own set curriculum that will guide students through their time at the school. Online courses are available; however, online programs are not currently offered. Some highlight majors inlude:
- Modern Languages and Literature
- Environmental Studies
- Economics
NotablesThis university believes that students learn best by actually participating in the subject being taught. That’s why the school’s faculty has developed a unique course structure, called the Labs Across the Curriculum. These courses help students act out or teach the subject in question with the use of simulation labs, actual work experience, or team projects. The lab project is growing and is highly praised by both faculty and students and is an incredible addition to an already exceptional college.
Viterbo University

Location
La Crosse, WI

Tuition
$17850
View School Profile
OverviewViterbo University is a private, not-for-profit, Roman Catholic and Franciscan liberal arts university that was established in 1890. It is affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The school is a member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities, and the Council of Independent Colleges. This school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis school confers more than 70 undergraduate programs, four master’s degrees, and one doctoral degree. Certifications, licensures, and endorsements are also available through the school. Students can also take some online courses, although the courses vary from term to term, so it is encouraged to inquire about the available programs prior to enrolling. Some of the top degree areas include:
- Biochemistry
- Marketing
- Sport Management and Leadership
NotablesViterbo teaches in the Franciscan tradition, and a large part of that comes from service learning. Each student is required to complete the “Serving the Common Good” course prior to graduation. This course gives students the hands-on experience they need in order to learn how their education and their community go hand-in-hand. Volunteer hours done through this course can be used on a student’s resume after they graduate and is a great way for students to begin their career.
Saint Norbert College

Location
De Pere, WI

Tuition
$22793
View School Profile
OverviewSaint Norbert College is a private, not-for-profit, Catholic liberal arts college that is located in De Pere, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1898 by a Norbertine priest and was named after Saint Norbert of Xanten. The school is a member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities and the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. It holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis school currently offers more than 40 undergraduate degrees, including a joint degree in Nursing in partnership with the Bellin College of Nursing. There are also three graduate degrees, including the Master of Theological Studies in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Master of Business Administration through the new business school, and the Master of Liberal Studies. The school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1 and has an average class size of 20 students. You’ll find degree programs such as:
- Communication and Media Studies
- Physics
- Art
NotablesThere are more than 80 registered student organizations, clubs, and groups on campus. More than 50 percent of all students take part in at least one group, making the school feel like more of a family than just a campus. The school also supports community services, and the majority of the student body takes part by enrolling in the “Into The Street” community service project every year.
Lawrence University

Location
Appleton, WI

Tuition
$27707
View School Profile
OverviewLawrence University is one of the best universities for musically-inclined students. This is a private, not-for-profit, liberal arts college and music conservatory that was established in 1847. It is a member of the Colleges That Change Live sand the Great Books Colleges. The school is affiliated with the Associated Colleges of the Midwest and is the second in the nation to be founded as coeducational. This school is located in Appleton, Wisconsin, and holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesLawrence confers 35 undergraduate degrees, including three in the conservatory of music alone. There is an additional option for a five-year dual degree program that gives students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students can also choose to design their own major with the assistance of a faculty member or take on pre-professional studies. Some of the most popular programs are in:
- Music Performance
- Environmental Studies
- Global Studies
NotablesThe Lawrence University Conservatory of Music was founded in 1874 and has been one of the main reasons that students choose to study at this university. The school offers degrees through the conservatory in Performance, Music Education, and Theory and Composition. Currently, 25 percent of all students earn their degrees through the conservatory of music.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Location
Whitewater, WI

Tuition
$11575
View School Profile
OverviewThe University of Wisconsin at Whitewater is a public, state university that is a member of the University of Wisconsin System. It was established in 1868 and is located in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The school is best known for its research programs, particularly those that deal with undergraduate research. This school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThe university currently offers over 70 undergraduate degrees and 13 graduate degrees, including licensure and certification programs. The school also offers 10 programs at the undergraduate and graduate level 100 percent online, including the school’s most popular program, the Master of Business Administration. Other popular programs are:
- Marine Biology
- Media Arts and Game Development
- Occupational Safety
- Sports Management
NotablesThe school takes research very seriously and believes that all students, regardless of whether they are undergraduates or graduates, should have the chance to participate in the growing research industry of their chosen field. The Undergraduate Research Program is one such avenue that allows undergraduates the chance to do just that: students receive a grant to work with a faculty member on a research project that they have designed themselves, which will result in a piece that may be published or can be used in a portfolio.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Location
La Crosse, WI

Tuition
$12745
View School Profile
OverviewThe University of Wisconsin at La Crosse, also known as UW-La Crosse, is one of the best universities for students interested in undergraduate research. This is a public, state research university that is a member of the University of Wisconsin System. It was established in 1909 and is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. This school is currently ranked as the top comprehensive school in the UW system by U.S. News and World Report.FeaturesThis university offers over 90 undergraduate programs and 25 graduate programs; online courses, degrees, certifications, and endorsements are also available at this school. UW-La Crosse has two designated UW System Centers of Excellence: microbiology and exercise and sports science. The school is also the home of the system’s only nuclear medicine technology program. Other popular areas are:
- Archaeological Studies
- Biology
- Computer Science
NotablesOne of the most popular and prestigious programs at UW-La Crosse is the engineering dual degree suite of partnerships that it currently houses. The school has teamed up with UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Platteville, and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to provide its students with the ability to get a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from one of these schools.
Carroll University

Location
Waukesha, WI

Tuition
$23438
View School Profile
OverviewCarroll University is a private, not-for-profit liberal arts college that is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It was established in 1846 and is located in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and is home to over 3,500 students annually. It is best known for having a cultural focus requirement for its general education curriculum. This university holds regional accreditation from the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis school offers more than 95 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels; there is also a doctorate available in physical therapy. The school also offers online courses and programs for students; however, the available courses change every term, so students are encouraged to speak with an admissions advisor prior to enrolling or applying. Top degree programs include:
- Information Technology
- Music Education
- Public Health
NotablesCarroll has a unique approach to its curriculum; the general core requirements, known as Pioneer Core, is actually a cross-cultural, interdisciplinary approach to education. It is a four-course series that focuses on culture and how education impacts it. Students take one course each year and are complemented with the distribution courses which allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of the lessons they have learned through the Pioneer Core.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Location
Eau Claire, WI

Tuition
$12439
View School Profile
OverviewThe University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, known as UW-Eau Claire, is a public, state liberal arts university that were established in 1916 and is a member institution of the University of Wisconsin System. It is currently categorized as a graduate comprehensive institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This university is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesUW-Eau Claire confers more than 80 undergraduate degrees and more than a dozen graduate programs, including one doctoral program; certificates, licensures, and endorsement can all be found here as well. The school has an emphasis on pre-professional programs and the STEM disciplines. Online courses and programs are also available for adult or working professional students. Popular majors among undergraduates include:
- Art and Design
- Business Finance
- Exercise Science
NotablesThis school ranks 14th in the country for a number of students that spend time studying abroad. It currently offers more than 50 placements worldwide for its students, including placements in the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. UW-Eau Claire reports that more than 25 percent of all graduating students have taken at least one study abroad experience prior to graduating.
Marian University

Location
Fond Du Lac, WI

Tuition
$19642
View School Profile
OverviewMarian University is a private, not-for-profit, liberal arts university that was founded in 1936 by the Congregation of Sisters of Saint Agnes. It continues to hold an affiliation with the order and the Roman Catholic Church; it is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association. This school is located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis university confers over 20 undergraduate degrees and a dozen graduate degrees. The school also offers licensure and certificate programs for professionals, such as teaching, nursing, and thanatology. The school also has a strong online portal, with over 25 degrees represented online for both traditional and adult students. The Army ROTC program is also available on campus for students who are interested in joining the military after graduation. Some highlight majors are:
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- Radiologic Technology
NotablesMarian is a partner in the TRiO programs and currently offers the TRiO – Upward Bound Math and Science Program. This is a program that helps first-generation and low-income high school students realize their dreams of attending college. The school works with Fond du Lac High school and Horace Mann High School to give 60 deserving kids a chance at making it to college. This program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Location
Milwaukee, WI

Tuition
$13940
View School Profile
OverviewThe University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, also known as UW-Milwaukee, is a public, state-supported research university that is a member of the University of Wisconsin System. This is the largest school in the metropolitan area and is one of only two public institutions in the state to grant doctoral degrees. This school is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and holds regional accreditation from the NCACS THLC.FeaturesUW-Milwaukee is classified as a “doctoral research university with the highest research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The school offers a total of 200 degrees at all levels of education, including 33 doctoral degrees. Minors, certifications, licensures, and endorsements are all available through the school as well. The school also has a burgeoning online portal that is set to expand its offerings in the near future. Some of the top programs are:
- Computer Engineering
- Accounting
- Conservation & Environmental Studies
NotablesThis university is one of the most ranked schools in the state. It has world rankings by the École des Mines de Paris, Shanghai Jia Tong University, and the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. It is most often ranked for its research expenditures, world-class faculty, and individual programs such as engineering and its MBA program. Additionally, the school enjoys national ranking by NRC Rankings, Washington Monthly, U.S. News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Location
Oshkosh, WI

Tuition
$12171
View School Profile
OverviewThe University of OshKosh is one of the best universities in Wisconsin for students interested in getting a world-class education from a large university. This is a public, state-supported school that was established in 1871 and is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It is a member of the University of Wisconsin System and is regionally accredited by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesUW-Oshkosh delivers 60 undergraduate degrees as well as over a dozen master degrees; there is also one doctoral program available at this school. There are over 100 minors, certifications, licensures, and endorsement programs available from this university as well. The most popular program at this school is Nursing, which is the second-larges program of its kind in the state. Other popular areas include:
- Criminal Justice
- Leadership and Organizational Studies
- Medical Technology
NotablesThis school offers global experiences for its students in a program called Study Away. It is here that students can take a summer, a semester, or an entire year to explore a new country and view their degree from an international perspective. UW-Oshkosh current ranks in the top 50 schools nationwide for a number of graduate students who study abroad, making this one of the best reasons to seriously consider this university for a great education.
University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Location
Kenosha, WI

Tuition
$9187
View School Profile
OverviewThe University of Wisconsin at Parkside, known as UW-Parkside, is a public university that was established in 1968 and is located in Somers, Wisconsin. It is a member institution of the University of Wisconsin System. The school holds regional accreditation by the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis school confers over 30 undergraduate degrees and three master’s degrees. UW-Parkside is best known for its programs in the STEM sciences, specifically in the field of molecular biology and sustainable management. Professional programs and certificates are also available, and students are welcome to take courses through the school’s online portal. You’ll find highlight degree programs such as:
- Geosciences
- Criminal Justice
- Sustainable Management
NotablesCommunity-based learning is an integral part of the education process at this school. Students can earn a CBL certificate alongside regular credits for their degree and can be used as part of a final professional portfolio or resume. The program, which consists of four courses, is designed to pair students with viable community opportunities that fit in with their field of study, allowing them to get real-world work experience and see first-hand the results of their hard work.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Location
Platteville, WI

Tuition
$13006
View School Profile
OverviewThe University of Wisconsin at Platteville also referred to as UW-Platteville, is a public state university that is a member of the University of Wisconsin System. It was established in 1866 and is located in Platteville, Wisconsin. This school holds regional accreditation from the NCACS THLC.FeaturesThis university confers more than 60 undergraduate degrees, 15 pre-professional programs, and over 10 graduate programs; UW-Platteville does not offer doctoral programs at this time. The school also has a robust online program, offering over a dozen degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for students interested in a degree from this university but who don’t live close enough to attend campus classes. Here are some top programs:
- Agribusiness
- Mechanical Engineering
- Elementary Education
NotablesThis school offers students more than 250 registered student organizations, all of which are available for all students. Religious groups, political organizations, professional associations, intramural sports teams and more are all represented on school grounds. Additionally, the school has a strong tradition of Greek life and also has an award-winning newspaper, The Exponent, that is run entirely by students.

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