2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Wisconsin

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Wisconsin-Madison	39083	45.17	1,350 – 1,480	14216	61275	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 39,083 Acceptance Rate 45.2% SAT Score 1,350 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $14,216 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $61,275
2	Lawrence University	1417	63.94	1,190 – 1,410	27393	40653	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,417 Acceptance Rate 63.9% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $27,393 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,653
3	Marquette University	8045	81.34	1,230 – 1,390	32031	65241	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 8,045 Acceptance Rate 81.3% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $32,031 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,241
4	Saint Norbert College	1970	85.74	1,080 – 1,310	27236	49775	#4 2026 Best Colleges 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. 75% graduate in four years, 78% in six. Undergraduates 1,970 Acceptance Rate 85.7% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $27,236 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,775
5	Beloit College	1004	63.04	1,210 – 1,390	24941	41660	#5 2026 Best Colleges 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 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and a six-year graduation rate of 73%, Beloit’s most popular major is Psychology, General. Their colors are orange, black, and white, and their mascot is a polar bear. Undergraduates 1,004 Acceptance Rate 63.0% SAT Score 1,210 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $24,941 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,660
6	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	9513	81.22	1,110 – 1,290	13125	49626	#6 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, WI Based in La Crosse, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse accepted 81% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in $25 to apply. Approximately 23% of students attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more Undergraduates 9,513 Acceptance Rate 81.2% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $13,125 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,626
7	Milwaukee School of Engineering	2705	62.39	1,200 – 1,390	26122	75114	#7 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, WI Found in Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering’s acceptance rate is 62% 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 83%....Read more Undergraduates 2,705 Acceptance Rate 62.4% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $26,122 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $75,114
8	Carroll University	2581	66.84	1,070 – 1,280	25171	54456	#8 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Carroll University Waukesha, WI Located in Waukesha, Carroll University’s acceptance rate is 67%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 2,581 Acceptance Rate 66.8% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $25,171 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,456
9	Bellin College	612	100	1,010 – 1,180	27998	72118	#9 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Bellin College Green Bay, WI Located in Green Bay, Bellin College accepts 100% of applicants. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 100% of students attending Bellin College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 612 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $27,998 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $72,118
10	Carthage College	2675	87.1	1,000 – 1,220	24962	46116	#10 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Carthage College Kenosha, WI Found in Kenosha, Carthage College accepts 87% of applicants and requires $35 for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. About 98% 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......Read more Undergraduates 2,675 Acceptance Rate 87.1% SAT Score 1,000 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $24,962 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,116
11	Ripon College	734	83.92	1,040 – 1,280	22557	42334	#11 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Ripon College Ripon, WI Found in Ripon, Ripon College accepted 84% 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 Undergraduates 734 Acceptance Rate 83.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $22,557 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,334
12	Concordia University-Wisconsin	2401	78.19	1,110 – 1,310	28060	49761	#12 2026 Best Colleges 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 100% 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 Undergraduates 2,401 Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $28,060 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,761
13	Wisconsin Lutheran College	957	78.16	1,130 – 1,340	22809	49095	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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 100% of students attending Wisconsin Lutheran College currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 957 Acceptance Rate 78.2% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $22,809 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,095
14	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	10090	93.68	970 – 1,180	13670	47909	#14 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, WI The University of Wisconsin, Whitewater offers 88 programs and majors, but many choose to study Business/Commerce, General. During the last admission cycle, the school received 9,320 applications and accepted 8,700. 110 acres of the 400 acre-campus makes up the Nature Preserve with woodlands, prairie, and wetlands. Undergraduates 10,090 Acceptance Rate 93.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,670 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,909
15	University of Wisconsin-River Falls	4721	77.82	1,010 – 1,210	15242	46524	#15 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 4,721 Acceptance Rate 77.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $15,242 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,524
16	Maranatha Baptist University	759	70.87	1,040 – 1,300	26001	40403	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, WI Found in Watertown, Maranatha Baptist University accepts 71% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 67% of students at Maranatha Baptist University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 759 Acceptance Rate 70.9% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,300 Avg. Net Price $26,001 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,403
17	University of Wisconsin-Stout	6124	87.47	1,040 – 1,280	15574	50251	#17 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Found in Menomonie, the University of Wisconsin-Stout accepts 87% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 29% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 6,124 Acceptance Rate 87.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $15,574 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,251
18	Viterbo University	1287	72.43	1,110 – 1,250	23901	56804	#18 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,287 Acceptance Rate 72.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $23,901 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $56,804
19	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	7557	90.37	1,040 – 1,240	14347	43371	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI Found in Stevens Point, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point accepts 90% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 83% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 7,557 Acceptance Rate 90.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $14,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,371
20	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	6270	87.26	1,040 – 1,240	15966	54825	#20 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, WI Located in Platteville, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville accepted 87% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 88% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending......Read more Undergraduates 6,270 Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $15,966 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,825
21	Edgewood College	1214	94.52	1,040 – 1,210	26692	53843	#21 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Edgewood College Madison, WI Located in Madison, Edgewood College accepted 95% 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 Undergraduates 1,214 Acceptance Rate 94.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $26,692 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,843
22	Northland College	485	78.87	1,050 – 1,250	24020	35819	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Northland College Ashland, WI Based in Ashland, Northland College accepted 79% 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 Undergraduates 485 Acceptance Rate 78.9% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $24,020 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,819
23	Mount Mary University	749	66.34	930 – 1,080	19409	40421	#23 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Mount Mary University Milwaukee, WI Located in Milwaukee, Mount Mary University accepts 66% 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 Undergraduates 749 Acceptance Rate 66.3% SAT Score 930 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $19,409 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,421
24	University of Wisconsin-Superior	2027	77.95	970 – 1,180	13126	41868	#24 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, WI Found in Superior, the University of Wisconsin-Superior accepts 78% of applicants and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 48% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 2,027 Acceptance Rate 78.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $13,126 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $41,868
25	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	11874	83.77	930 – 1,240	12942	50140	#25 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI Found in Oshkosh, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s acceptance rate is 84% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 27% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. 72% of students continued their studies at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh after completing their first year....Read more Undergraduates 11,874 Acceptance Rate 83.8% SAT Score 930 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $12,942 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,140
26	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay	10656	72.89	970 – 1,180	10289	46546	#26 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, WI Found in Green Bay, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay accepts 73% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. About 33% of students attending the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will receive institutional grant aid. 65% of students continued studying at the University......Read more Undergraduates 10,656 Acceptance Rate 72.9% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $10,289 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,546
27	Marian University	1074	66.77	930 – 1,140	23552	49839	#27 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Marian University Fond Du Lac, WI Located in Fond Du Lac, Marian University accepted 67% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 94% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 1,074 Acceptance Rate 66.8% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $23,552 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,839
28	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	3207	97.51	950 – 1,220	8778	42154	#28 2026 Best Colleges 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 35% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year retention rate is 68% and around 18% of students will graduate in......Read more Undergraduates 3,207 Acceptance Rate 97.5% SAT Score 950 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $8,778 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,154
29	Alverno College	673	84.38	890 – 1,110	17884	51755	#29 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Alverno College Milwaukee, WI Based in Milwaukee, Alverno College accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending Alverno College currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 61%....Read more Undergraduates 673 Acceptance Rate 84.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $17,884 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,755
30	Lakeland University	2318	91.4	890 – 1,110	22593	49546	#30 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Lakeland University Plymouth, WI Based in Plymouth, Lakeland University accepted 91% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 100% of students attending Lakeland University will receive grant aid from the school. 67% of students continued their studies at Lakeland University after......Read more Undergraduates 2,318 Acceptance Rate 91.4% SAT Score 890 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $22,593 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,546
31	Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design	885	62.8	1,020 – 1,270	28024	29841	#31 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee, WI Based in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design accepted 63% 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 Undergraduates 885 Acceptance Rate 62.8% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $28,024 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,841
32	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	8765	87.99	1,110 – 1,310	15323	50011	#32 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI Undergraduates 8,765 Acceptance Rate 88.0% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $15,323 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,011
33	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	18428	95.29	970 – 1,210	16499	45851	#33 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI Found in Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee accepts 95% of applicants and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $56 for graduate applications. Approximately 62% of students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 18,428 Acceptance Rate 95.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $16,499 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,851
34	Herzing University-Brookfield	379	90.79	--	19425	35295	#34 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Herzing University-Brookfield Brookfield, WI Undergraduates 379 Acceptance Rate 90.8% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $19,425 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
35	Herzing University-Kenosha	543	89.39	--	16286	35295	#35 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Herzing University-Kenosha Kenosha, WI Undergraduates 543 Acceptance Rate 89.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,286 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295
36	Herzing University-Madison	2181	94.15	--	20679	35295	#36 2026 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Herzing University-Madison Madison, WI Undergraduates 2,181 Acceptance Rate 94.2% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,679 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295