Situated in the US Midwest, Wisconsin borders Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa, as well as two Great Lakes. When it comes to pursuing higher education in the United States, Wisconsin is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the country.
Wisconsin offers a diverse range of institutions that cater to a variety of academic interests and career goals, from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities.
All of the publicly funded four-year, degree-granting universities in Wisconsin are a part of the University of Wisconsin system; one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country, enrolling more than 170,000 students each year.
In this blog post, we've selected thirteen of the top colleges and universities in Wisconsin, highlighting their unique features, academic programs, and student life experiences.
Table of Contents
1. University of Wisconsin–Madison
4. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
6. Milwaukee School of Engineering
7. Concordia University Wisconsin
11. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
12. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
13. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
How Kings Can Help You Study in Wisconsin
1.University of Wisconsin - Madison
Located on the southern shore of Lake Mendota in the city of Madison, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is known as one of America's 'Public Ivy' universities.
Image source: University of Wisconsin-Madison
- The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin system, and is one of the 10 largest research institutions in the country, allocating more than $1 billion annually to groundbreaking inquiry, spanning the humanities to the hard sciences.
- The University’s ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of the US News and World Report’s Best Colleges is #10, National Universities and #38, Top Public Schools, .
- The student-faculty ratio at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is 18:1, and students can choose from over 600 undergraduate and graduate majors and more than 9,000 courses.
- It is particularly recognized for its engineering programs, ranking #13 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie) within US News and World Report’s 2022-23 Best Colleges edition.
- The Wisconsin Badgers compete in more than 20 NCAA Division I sports and are part of the Big Ten Conference.
- Students can get involved in nearly 900 on-campus organizations. There is also an active Greek life and social scene on campus, evident in Wisconsin’s reputation as one of the most social schools in the country.
- Notable Wisconsin alumni include former Vice President Dick Cheney and architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Location
Madison, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
In-state tuition and fees for the University of Wisconsin--Madison are $10,796 and out-of-state tuition is $39,427.
Through Kings GO: Madison program, students graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, after completing the first two years of their degree at our Wisconsin-based partner university, UW Oshkosh.
2. Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee, that offers a comprehensive range of majors in seven undergraduate colleges.
Image source: Marquette University
- Marquette University is currently ranked #83 in the National Universities category of the US News and World Report rankings.
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,660 (fall 2021), and the student-faculty ratio is 13:1.
- Lake Michigan is a mile from campus, and students can travel on Milwaukee County Transit System buses for free with a pass.
- Marquette has more than 25 academic centers and institutes on campus, including the Thermofluid Science and Energy Research Center and National Sports Law Institute.
- The Les Aspin Center for Government, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., enables students to study and intern in the nation’s capital for a semester.
- The most popular majors at Marquette University include: Business, Management, Marketing; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; Social Sciences; Health Professions; Psychology; Computer and Information Sciences; and Education.
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for Marquette University are $46,670.
3. Lawrence University
Lawrence University is a liberal arts school with a conservatory of music; both are dedicated exclusively to undergraduate education (the university does not offer graduate degrees).
Image source: Lawrence University
- Lawrence University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, #63. It was also ranked #38 for Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie) and #35 for Best Value Schools.
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,483 (fall 2021).
- It has one of the smallest student-faculty ratios in the country (8:1), giving students unparalleled opportunities to collaborate closely with professors.
- At the university, there are more than 75 student clubs and organizations, as well as Division III sports teams that compete in the NCAA's Midwest Conference.
- The university has a main campus in Appleton; a center in London, England; and a 441-acre estate on Lake Michigan, which serves as a destination for retreats, seminars, concerts, and theater performances.
Location
Appleton, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for Lawrence University are $53,979.
4.University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
A member campus of the Madison-based state university system, the University of Wisconsin—La Crosse is a public institution that was founded in 1909.
Image source: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
- The University of Wisconsin—La Crosse, known for short as UW—L, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,375 (fall 2021), and its ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #250.
- The university offers almost 90 undergraduate majors.
- The student-faculty ratio at University of Wisconsin--La Crosse is 19:1.
- Popular majors include Biology, Psychology, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
- Students have more than 180 clubs and organizations to join, as well as Division III sports teams, the UW—L Eagles, which compete in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Location
La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fee
In-state tuition and fees for the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse are $9,355; out-of-state tuition and fees are $18,175.
5. St Norbert College
St. Norbert College is a private institution that was founded in 1898.
Image source: St Norbert College
- St. Norbert College's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, #111.
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,941 (fall 2021).
- The student-faculty ratio at St. Norbert College is 13:1, and the school has 51.3% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
- The most popular majors at St. Norbert College include: Business, Management, Marketing; Education; Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Communication, Journalism; Psychology; Physical Sciences; English Language and Literature/Letters; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; and Visual and Performing Arts.
Location
De Pere, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for Norbert College are $43,204.
6. Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee School of Engineering, known as MSOE, is a private institution that was founded in 1903. It is located in downtown Milwaukee next to both the historic East Town and the Theater District and just a few blocks from Lake Michigan.
Image source: Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Milwaukee School of Engineering has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,564 (fall 2021), and its ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities Midwest, #6.
- MSOE’s undergraduate bachelor’s programs are divided into six fields: architectural engineering and building construction, business, computer and software engineering and management information systems, engineering, engineering technology, and nursing and health.
- The student-faculty ratio at Milwaukee School of Engineering is 13:1.
- The most popular majors at Milwaukee School of Engineering include: Engineering; Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for Milwaukee School of Engineering are $46,506.
7. Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community that was founded in 1881.
Image source: Concordia University Wisconsin
- Concordia University Wisconsin's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #317.
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,908 (fall 2021).
- The student-faculty ratio at Concordia University Wisconsin is 12:1.
- The most popular majors at Concordia University Wisconsin include: Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Education; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services; Public Administration and Social Service Professions; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology; Theology and Religious Vocations; Health Professions Residency/Fellowship Programs; and Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
Location
Mequon, Wisconsin
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for Concordia University Wisconsin are $32,770.
8.Viterbo University
Viterbo University is a private institution in La Crosse - a city nestled between scenic bluffs and the Mississippi River. Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo is a Catholic, Franciscan University in the liberal arts tradition.
Image source: Viterbo University
- Viterbo University's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities Midwest, #49.
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,660 (fall 2021).
- The student-faculty ratio at Viterbo University is 11:1, and the school has 70.1% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
- Viterbo University offers more than 40 academic programs (traditional and online) that prepare students for outstanding careers. Most programs feature internships, study abroad, service, and field research opportunities that enhance the classroom experience.
- The most popular majors at Viterbo University include: Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management, Marketing; Education; Visual and Performing Arts; Public Administration and Social Service Professions; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; and Philosophy and Religious Studies
Location
La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for Viterbo University are $31,090.
9. Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private institution that was founded in 1973. Its location on the edge of Milwaukee provides students the best of both worlds; a small campus atmosphere, but quick access to Milwaukee’s cultural and recreational activities.
Image source: Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Its ranking in the US News and World Report’s 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Colleges Midwest, #16.
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 992 (fall 2021).
- At WLC, students thrive in small classes; the student to faculty ratio is 12:1. Experiential learning outside of the classroom is encouraged and students regularly travel to Europe, China, the Caribbean, and Central America.
- The most popular majors at Wisconsin Lutheran College include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Education; Health Professions and Related Programs; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Visual and Performing Arts; Psychology; Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology; Public Administration and Social Service Professions; and Social Sciences.
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for Wisconsin Lutheran College are $33,762.
10. Beloit College
Wisconsin's oldest continually operated college, Beloit is located 90 miles northwest of Chicago and about an hour south of Milwaukee on a 40-acre, New England-style campus.
Image source: Beloit College
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,011 (fall 2021), and its ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, #81.
- On campus, students have many opportunities to get involved in activities, with more than 60 student-run clubs and organizations and six fraternities and sororities.
- Beloit College competes in the Division III Midwest Conference and has 19 intercollegiate varsity teams. Intramural, club and varsity sports are very popular at Beloit, with about 70% of students taking part in athletics.
Location
Beloit, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for Beloit College are $56,312.
11. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
University of Wisconsin—Whitewater is a public institution that was founded in 1868. The campus is located in the southeastern part of the state, about 50 miles west of Milwaukee.
Image source: University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
- Its ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities Midwest, #45.
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 9,765 (fall 2021).
- UWW organizes academics into six main colleges, including its graduate school. Undergraduates can select their program of study from more than 50 majors and almost 120 minors.
- The most popular options at University of Wisconsin—Whitewater - accounting, marketing, finance, elementary education, and business - are consistent with the school's reputation as a top business school and its history as the oldest teacher's college in Wisconsin.
- Students at UW-Whitewater can join more than 170 campus organizations, more than 15 fraternities and sororities, and student government.
- The UW-Whitewater Warhawks teams are members of the NCAA Division III Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and compete in more than 20 sports.
Location
Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
In-state tuition and fees for the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater are $8,938; out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,810.
12. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Part of the University of Wisconsin system, the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee is a public university that was founded in 1956. It is located on the north side of the city in a tree-lined neighborhood five minutes from Lake Michigan, and 10 minutes north of a bustling downtown with thousands of internships and job connections.
Image source: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
- Its ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #331-440.
- It is a large institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,600 (fall 2021), and a student to teacher ratio of 17:1.
- It offers nearly 100 bachelor's degree programs, and popular majors include Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, and Communications.
- Its 15 schools and colleges include Wisconsin’s only schools of architecture, freshwater sciences and public health.
- Outside the classroom, UWM students get involved by exploring about 300 campus clubs and intramural sports teams.
- Facilities on the 104-acre campus include cinemas, bowling, art galleries and an athletics facility that is free for students.
- On campus, student athletes can try out for the 15 UWM Panthers varsity sports teams, which compete in the NCAA Division I Horizon League.
- Notable alumni include Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Jim Rygiel, a visual effects supervisor who has won three Academy Awards for his work on the Lord of the Rings films.
Location
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
In-state tuition and fees for the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee are $9,650; out-of-state tuition and fees are $21,514.
13. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
UW Oshkosh is part of the robust University of Wisconsin System. As a member of the System, UW Oshkosh provides students with state-wide resources and ensures top academic quality and accountability.
Image source: Kings Education
- Its ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #331-440.
- It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,068 (fall 2020).
- The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is comprised of three campuses:
Oshkosh: Full undergraduate and graduate programs
Fond Du Lac: 2-year Associate of Arts and Science(AAS) undergraduate degree
Fox Cities: 2-year Associate of Arts and Science (AAS) undergraduate degree - UWO is located in northeastern Wisconsin’s Fox Valley region, which is highly populated and home to many industry leaders with national and international reach. This close proximity provides students with access to high-impact internships and job opportunities.
- Students also benefit from countless recreation options, a thriving arts scene, and some of the biggest and most exciting events in the state. In 2019, Oshkosh was ranked 'Best College Town' by schools.com.
- The College of Business’ AACSB accreditation makes it the only nationally accredited business school in NE Wisconsin; an honor held by only 5% of the world’s business schools.
Location
Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees for the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh are $7,733 in-state.
Other universities in Wisconsin
In addition to the universities and colleges explored above, it’s worth noting that the following are also located in the state.
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin-Parkside (Kenosha)
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- University of Wisconsin-Stout (Menomonie)
- University of Wisconsin-Superior
- Herzing University
- Carroll University (Waukesha)
- Mount Mary University (Milwaukee)
- Carthage College (Kenosha)
- Alverno College (Milwaukee)
- Edgewood College (Madison)
- Ripon College (Ripon)
- Northland College (Ashland)
- Cardinal Stritch University
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the #1 college in Wisconsin?
The most highly ranked university within the US News and World Report’s ‘National Universities’ category in the state of Wisconsin is currently the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Q2. What is the average cost of tuition at a college in Wisconsin?
The average tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at colleges in Wisconsin for the academic year 2022-2023 are $6,384 for in-state and $20,873 for out-of-state.
Q3. What is the most prestigious college in Wisconsin?
If basing prestige on national university rankings, University of Wisconsin-Madison would be considered the most prestigious. However, universities each have their own specialisations, and Lawrence University, for example, would probably be considered most prestigious by anyone looking to major in the field of performing and visual arts.
Q4. Which college has the best engineering program in Wisconsin?
The University of Wisconsin-Madison and Milwaukee School of Engineering are currently ranked most highly (13th and 10th respectively) by US News and World Report within the Undergraduate Engineering program category.
How Kings Can Help You Study in Wisconsin
At Kings, we have designed our GO (Guaranteed Outcome) programs specifically to offer streamlined paths to the very best universities in the USA.
Students begin their university life at one of our partner schools, then with on-campus guidance and support from experts, apply as a transfer student in their second or third year to a Top 50 or Top 100 school, such as the University of Wisconsin - Madison. It’s from one of these prestigious institutions that they graduate.
Our GO: Madison program enables students to graduate specifically from Top 50 university UW-Madison.
- Students enroll as a Freshman at one of three UW–Oshkosh campuses (Fox Cities, Fond du Lac or Oshkosh)
- They take degree classes with American students from day one. There’s no 'Year 0'.
- We’ll help develop their student profile to become an 'Madison-ready' student.
- Kings expert University Advisors on campus will support them all the way. They make the transfer process straightforward.
- They’ll transfer after completing their two-year associate degree to the University of Wisconsin - Madison for Year 3 (Junior) entry (upon meeting requirements on the CLA), from where they will graduate.
We also offer a GO: Wisconsin program, which enables students to complete their whole 4 year degree at UW-Oshkosh.
If you would like to receive more detailed information about our programs and locations, please get in touch with us at us.admissions@kingseducation.com.
Related Stories
