2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Wisconsin-Madison	96	45.2	1,360 – 1,480	14235	61275	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI The University of Wisconsin, Madison was the first public university in the state – it opened when Wisconsin received statehood in 1848. Their motto is “Numen Lumen” or “Divine Light.” With 40,000 faculty and staff, the university is also the largest employer in Wisconsin....Read more First Year Retention Rate 96 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 45.2% SAT Score 1,360 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $14,235 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,275
2	Bellin College	95	97.18	1,010 – 1,180	37954	72118	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Bellin College Green Bay, WI Located in Green Bay, Bellin College accepts 97% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 98% of students attending Bellin College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 95 % 4.4% Acceptance Rate 97.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $37,954 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $72,118
3	Marquette University	91	81.34	1,230 – 1,390	34322	65241	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Marquette University Milwaukee, WI Founded in 1881, by 1909 Marquette University was the first coeducational Catholic university in the world. During the last admissions cycle, the school accepted 15,200 out of 19,000 applications. 14% of these students decided to attend....Read more First Year Retention Rate 91 % Acceptance Rate 81.3% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $34,322 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,241
4	Maranatha Baptist University	88	71.9	1,020 – 1,300	28415	40403	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, WI Found in Watertown, Maranatha Baptist University accepts 72% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 90% of students at Maranatha Baptist University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % 15.8% Acceptance Rate 71.9% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $28,415 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,403
5	Lawrence University	87	63.94	1,190 – 1,410	27161	40653	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Lawrence University Appleton, WI Lawrence University, founded in 1847 as one of the nation’s first coeducational institutions, offers a rigorous liberal arts and sciences education alongside its world-renowned Conservatory of Music....Read more First Year Retention Rate 87 % Acceptance Rate 63.9% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $27,161 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,653
6	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	87	75.5	1,110 – 1,280	14712	49626	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, WI Based in La Crosse, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse accepted 76% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. Approximately 37% of students attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 87 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 75.5% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $14,712 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,626
7	Milwaukee School of Engineering	84	58.93	1,180 – 1,380	25669	75114	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI Found in Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering’s acceptance rate is 59% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 100% of students attending Milwaukee School of Engineering will receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 84%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 58.9% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $25,669 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $75,114
8	Saint Norbert College	84	85.74	1,080 – 1,310	27880	49775	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Saint Norbert College De Pere, WI Roman Catholic and Norbertine, St. Norbert College’s motto is “Docere Verbo et Exemplo,” which translates to “To teach by word and example.” It awards 100% of students with institutional grants and has an 84% first year retention rate. 69% graduate in four years, 72% in six. First Year Retention Rate 84 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $27,880 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,775
9	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	82	82.34	1,110 – 1,280	15151	50011	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI Based in Eau Claire, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s acceptance rate is 82%. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 49% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. They are given $2,149 on average. The first year retention rate is 82%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % Acceptance Rate 82.3% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $15,151 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,011
10	Beloit College	81	63.04	1,200 – 1,410	24455	41660	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Beloit College Beloit, WI Beloit College’s campus is located next to the Rock River, just north of the Illinois and Wisconsin border. With an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a six-year graduation rate of 71%, Beloit’s most popular major is Biology/Biological Sciences, General....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % 5.8% Acceptance Rate 63.0% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $24,455 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,660
11	Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design	80	60.54	1,020 – 1,270	27579	29841	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee, WI Based in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design accepted 61% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 4.8% Acceptance Rate 60.5% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $27,579 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,841
12	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	79	89.38	1,080 – 1,310	16266	54825	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI Located in Platteville, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 72% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending......Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 89.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $16,266 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,825
13	University of Wisconsin-Stout	79	87.67	1,040 – 1,280	15673	50251	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Found in Menomonie, the University of Wisconsin-Stout accepts 88% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 36% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 6.8% Acceptance Rate 87.7% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $15,673 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,251
14	Carroll University	78	66.84	1,070 – 1,280	27031	54456	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Carroll University Waukesha, WI Located in Waukesha, Carroll University’s acceptance rate is 67%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 94% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 66.8% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $27,031 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,456
15	Concordia University-Wisconsin	78	78.2	1,110 – 1,310	31916	49761	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, WI Based in Mequon, Concordia University-Wisconsin accepts 78% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 98% of students at Concordia University-Wisconsin currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 78% of students decide to stay at Concordia......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $31,916 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,761
16	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	78	85.72	930 – 1,180	12709	47909	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, WI The University of Wisconsin, Whitewater offers 85 programs and majors, but many choose to study Business/Commerce, General. During the last admission cycle, the school received 10,200 applications and accepted 8,700. 110 acres of the 400 acre-campus makes up the Nature Preserve with woodlands, prairie, and wetlands. First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score 930 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $12,709 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,909
17	University of Wisconsin-River Falls	76	81.72	1,010 – 1,240	14769	46524	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, WI University of Wisconsin, River Falls, opened as the River Falls State Normal School in 1874. In 1971, it joined the state university system. The oldest building on campus, South Hall, dates back to 1898 and is named on the National Register of Historic Places. First Year Retention Rate 76 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 81.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $14,769 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,524
18	Viterbo University	76	72.43	1,110 – 1,240	21933	56804	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Viterbo University La Crosse, WI Based in La Crosse, Viterbo University accepted 72% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Viterbo University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 8.6% Acceptance Rate 72.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $21,933 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,804
19	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	74	91.8	1,040 – 1,240	14883	43371	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI Found in Stevens Point, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point accepts 92% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 75% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 91.8% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $14,883 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,371
20	Carthage College	73	87.06	1,040 – 1,210	27066	46116	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Carthage College Kenosha, WI Found in Kenosha, Carthage College accepts 87% of applicants and requires $35 for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students attending Carthage College currently receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 73% and its four year graduation rate is 58%. The common majors among......Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 11.0% Acceptance Rate 87.1% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $27,066 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,116
21	Edgewood College	73	75.73	1,040 – 1,210	27038	53843	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Edgewood College Madison, WI Located in Madison, Edgewood College accepted 76% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students at Edgewood College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 75.7% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $27,038 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,843
22	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	73	90.68	970 – 1,210	16263	45851	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI Found in Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee accepts 91% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. Approximately 82% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 90.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,263 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,851
23	Wisconsin Lutheran College	73	78.16	1,130 – 1,340	24095	49095	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, WI Found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Lutheran College’s acceptance rate is 78% and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. About 98% of students attending Wisconsin Lutheran College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 8.8% Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $24,095 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,095
24	Ripon College	72	79.84	1,040 – 1,280	23772	42334	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Ripon College Ripon, WI Found in Ripon, Ripon College accepted 80% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires $30 for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students attending Ripon College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 5.3% Acceptance Rate 79.8% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $23,772 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,334
25	University of Wisconsin-Superior	72	93.01	970 – 1,180	13215	41868	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, WI Found in Superior, the University of Wisconsin-Superior accepts 93% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 51% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 93.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,215 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,868
26	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	69	86.5	970 – 1,210	12500	50140	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI Found in Oshkosh, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s acceptance rate is 86% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 29% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. 69% of students continued their studies at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 4.2% Acceptance Rate 86.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $12,500 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,140
27	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	69	75.39	930 – 1,210	10234	42154	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, WI Located in Kenosha, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s acceptance rate is 75% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 24% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year retention rate is 69% and around 21% of students will graduate in......Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % 2.8% Acceptance Rate 75.4% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $10,234 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,154
28	Marian University	67	74.98	930 – 1,110	22697	49839	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Marian University Fond Du Lac, WI Located in Fond Du Lac, Marian University accepted 75% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 8.1% Acceptance Rate 75.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $22,697 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,839
29	Mount Mary University	67	62.33	970 – 1,080	20390	40421	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Mount Mary University Milwaukee, WI Located in Milwaukee, Mount Mary University accepts 62% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $45 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 1.5% Acceptance Rate 62.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $20,390 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,421
30	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay	66	88.59	970 – 1,180	11429	46546	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, WI Found in Green Bay, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay accepts 89% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. About 34% of students attending the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will receive institutional grant aid. 66% of students continued studying at the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 66 % 5.7% Acceptance Rate 88.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $11,429 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,546
31	Lakeland University	63	86.28	930 – 1,100	24253	49546	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Lakeland University Plymouth, WI Based in Plymouth, Lakeland University accepted 86% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $35 to apply. About 100% of students attending Lakeland University will receive grant aid from the school. 63% of students continued their studies at Lakeland University after......Read more First Year Retention Rate 63 % 6.0% Acceptance Rate 86.3% SAT Score 930 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $24,253 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,546
32	Alverno College	61	85.74	890 – 1,110	24425	51755	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Alverno College Milwaukee, WI Based in Milwaukee, Alverno College accepted 86% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students attending Alverno College currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 61%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % 22.8% Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $24,425 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,755
33	Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa	43	0	--	14179	27873	#33 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa Wauwatosa, WI First Year Retention Rate 43 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,179 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,873
34	Herzing University-Madison	40	94.3	--	22422	35295	#34 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Herzing University-Madison Madison, WI Found in Madison, Herzing University-Madison accepted 94% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 57% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 40%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 40 % 16.7% Acceptance Rate 94.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,422 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
35	Northland College	31	74.97	970 – 1,200	23253	35819	#35 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Northland College Ashland, WI Based in Ashland, Northland College accepted 75% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of students attending Northland College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 31 % 56.3% Acceptance Rate 75.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $23,253 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,819