2027 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin

About

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.

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University	100	100	--	7368	18027	#1 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Hayward, WI Found in Hayward, Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 58% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 100 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $7,368 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $18,027
2	University of Wisconsin-Madison	96.3	40.81	1,360 – 1,480	14235	61275	#2 2027 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 % 0.2% Acceptance Rate 40.8% SAT Score 1,360 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $14,235 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,275
3	Bellin College	95	97.18	1,010 – 1,180	37954	72118	#3 2027 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 % 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
4	Marquette University	93	78.02	1,230 – 1,380	34322	65241	#4 2027 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 15,600 out of 20,000 applications. 12% of these students decided to attend....Read more First Year Retention Rate 93 % 2.2% Acceptance Rate 78.0% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $34,322 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,241
5	Lawrence University	88	66.63	1,190 – 1,410	27161	40653	#5 2027 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 88 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 66.6% 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	86.2	79.97	1,120 – 1,290	14712	49626	#6 2027 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 80% 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 86 % 0.6% Acceptance Rate 80.0% SAT Score 1,120 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $14,712 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,626
7	Milwaukee School of Engineering	85.89	67.11	1,190 – 1,380	25669	75114	#7 2027 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 67% 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 85%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 86 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 67.1% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $25,669 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $75,114
8	Saint Norbert College	83.67	85.74	1,080 – 1,310	27880	49775	#8 2027 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 83% first year retention rate. 66% graduate in four years, 72% in six. First Year Retention Rate 84 % 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	Maranatha Baptist University	82.46	89.08	1,080 – 1,280	28415	40403	#9 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, WI Opened in 1968 as Maranatha Baptist Bible College, the school became a university in 2013. Students can earn up to Doctor's degrees and choose from 33 programs. Maranatha Baptist has an acceptance rate of 89%, and 48% of those accepted enroll at the school. First Year Retention Rate 82 % 6.3% Acceptance Rate 89.1% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $28,415 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,403
10	Beloit College	81.25	70.39	1,200 – 1,400	24455	41660	#10 2027 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 74%, Beloit’s most popular major is Psychology, General. Their colors are orange, black, and white, and their mascot is a polar bear. First Year Retention Rate 81 % 0.3% Acceptance Rate 70.4% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,400 Avg. Net Price $24,455 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,660
11	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	80.9	38.5	1,110 – 1,310	15151	50011	#11 2027 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 38%. 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 80%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % Acceptance Rate 38.5% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $15,151 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,011
12	Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design	80	60.54	1,020 – 1,270	27579	29841	#12 2027 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 % 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
13	Carroll University	79	66.84	1,070 – 1,280	27031	54456	#13 2027 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 79 % 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
14	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	79	89.38	1,080 – 1,310	16266	54825	#14 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI Platteville is one of the 13 main campuses that make up the public University of Wisconsin system. It received its current moniker in 1971 but the institution dates back to the 1866 Platteville Normal School. The Pioneers compete in the NCAA Division III with football Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 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
15	Concordia University-Wisconsin	78	78.19	1,110 – 1,310	31916	49761	#15 2027 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	Ripon College	77	81.86	1,140 – 1,310	23772	42334	#16 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Ripon College Ripon, WI Found in Ripon, Ripon College accepted 82% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown 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 77 % 6.9% Acceptance Rate 81.9% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $23,772 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,334
17	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	77	95.98	970 – 1,180	12709	47909	#17 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, WI The University of Wisconsin, Whitewater offers 89 programs and majors, but many choose to study Business/Commerce, General. During the last admission cycle, the school received 12,000 applications and accepted 12,000. 110 acres of the 400 acre-campus makes up the Nature Preserve with woodlands, prairie, and wetlands. First Year Retention Rate 77 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 96.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $12,709 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,909
18	University of Wisconsin-River Falls	76.4	87.56	930 – 1,210	14769	46524	#18 2027 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 % 0.5% Acceptance Rate 87.6% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $14,769 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,524
19	University of Wisconsin-Stout	75.37	91.71	1,080 – 1,290	15673	50251	#19 2027 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 92% 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 75 % 4.5% Acceptance Rate 91.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $15,673 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,251
20	Viterbo University	75	97.56	1,080 – 1,240	21933	56804	#20 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Viterbo University La Crosse, WI Based in La Crosse, Viterbo University accepted 98% 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 75 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 97.6% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $21,933 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,804
21	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	74.47	92.45	1,040 – 1,240	14883	43371	#21 2027 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 % 0.6% Acceptance Rate 92.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $14,883 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,371
22	University of Wisconsin-Superior	74.24	79.64	1,050 – 1,230	13215	41868	#22 2027 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 80% 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 74 % 3.4% Acceptance Rate 79.6% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $13,215 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,868
23	Edgewood University	73	74.98	1,040 – 1,210	27038	53843	#23 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Edgewood University Madison, WI Located in Madison, Edgewood University accepted 75% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 98% of students at Edgewood University will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % Acceptance Rate 75.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $27,038 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,843
24	Wisconsin Lutheran College	72.5	78.16	1,130 – 1,340	24095	49095	#24 2027 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 % 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
25	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	71.3	97.11	970 – 1,210	16263	45851	#25 2027 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 97% 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 71 % Acceptance Rate 97.1% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,263 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,851
26	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	69	86.51	970 – 1,210	12500	50140	#26 2027 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 87% 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 % 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	68.72	97.51	950 – 1,220	10234	42154	#27 2027 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 98% 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 68% and around 22% of students will graduate in......Read more First Year Retention Rate 69 % Acceptance Rate 97.5% SAT Score 950 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $10,234 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,154
28	Marian University	67	75	930 – 1,110	22697	49839	#28 2027 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 % 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	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay	65.29	74.76	970 – 1,210	11429	46546	#29 2027 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 75% of applicants. They charge $50 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. 65% of students continued studying at the University......Read more First Year Retention Rate 65 % 0.9% Acceptance Rate 74.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,429 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,546
30	Alverno College	64	82.23	890 – 1,110	24425	51755	#30 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Alverno College Milwaukee, WI Based in Milwaukee, Alverno College accepted 82% 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 64%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 64 % 4.9% Acceptance Rate 82.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $24,425 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,755
31	Lakeland University	63	86.52	930 – 1,100	24253	49546	#31 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Lakeland University Plymouth, WI Based in Plymouth, Lakeland University accepted 87% 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 % Acceptance Rate 86.5% SAT Score 930 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $24,253 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,546
32	Mount Mary University	62	83.1	930 – 1,210	20390	40421	#32 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Mount Mary University Milwaukee, WI Located in Milwaukee, Mount Mary University accepts 83% 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 62 % 7.5% Acceptance Rate 83.1% SAT Score 930 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $20,390 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,421
33	Herzing University-Kenosha	57	92	--	22065	35295	#33 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Herzing University-Kenosha Kenosha, WI Based in Kenosha, Herzing University-Kenosha accepted 92% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 30% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % Acceptance Rate 92.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,065 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
34	Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa	43	0	--	14179	27873	#34 2027 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
35	Herzing University-Brookfield	40	93.06	--	20378	35295	#35 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Wisconsin Herzing University-Brookfield Brookfield, WI Found in Brookfield, Herzing University-Brookfield’s acceptance rate is 93%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 57% of students at Herzing University-Brookfield currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 40 % Acceptance Rate 93.1% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,378 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
36	Herzing University-Madison	40	94.3	--	22422	35295	#36 2027 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 % Acceptance Rate 94.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,422 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295