2027 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	39193	40.81	1,360 – 1,480	14235	61275	#1 2027 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 39,193 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
2	Marquette University	8206	78.02	1,230 – 1,380	34322	65241	#2 2027 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 15,600 out of 20,000 applications. 12% of these students decided to attend....Read more Undergraduates 8,206 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
3	Lawrence University	1322	66.63	1,190 – 1,410	27161	40653	#3 2027 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 1,322 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
4	Saint Norbert College	1970	85.74	1,080 – 1,310	27880	49775	#4 2027 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. 66% graduate in four years, 72% in six. Undergraduates 1,970 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
5	Bellin College	656	97.18	1,010 – 1,180	37954	72118	#5 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 656 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
6	Beloit College	997	70.39	1,200 – 1,400	24455	41660	#6 2027 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 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. Undergraduates 997 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
7	Milwaukee School of Engineering	2836	67.11	1,190 – 1,380	25669	75114	#7 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,836 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	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	9656	79.97	1,120 – 1,290	14712	49626	#8 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 9,656 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
9	Carroll University	2581	66.84	1,070 – 1,280	27031	54456	#9 2027 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 94% 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 $27,031 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,456
10	Concordia University-Wisconsin	2401	78.19	1,110 – 1,310	31916	49761	#10 2027 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 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 Undergraduates 2,401 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
11	Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design	838	60.54	1,020 – 1,270	27579	29841	#11 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 838 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-Eau Claire	8329	38.5	1,110 – 1,310	15151	50011	#12 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 8,329 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
13	Wisconsin Lutheran College	957	78.16	1,130 – 1,340	24095	49095	#13 2027 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 98% 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 $24,095 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,095
14	Ripon College	665	81.86	1,140 – 1,310	23772	42334	#14 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 665 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
15	Viterbo University	1178	97.56	1,080 – 1,240	21933	56804	#15 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,178 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
16	Maranatha Baptist University	698	89.08	1,080 – 1,280	28415	40403	#16 2027 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 698 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
17	University of Wisconsin-Platteville	6045	89.38	1,080 – 1,310	16266	54825	#17 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 6,045 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
18	Edgewood University	1236	74.98	1,040 – 1,210	27038	53843	#18 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,236 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
19	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	10743	95.98	970 – 1,180	12709	47909	#19 2027 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 10,743 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
20	University of Wisconsin-Stout	6227	91.71	1,080 – 1,290	15673	50251	#20 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 6,227 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
21	University of Wisconsin-River Falls	5063	87.56	930 – 1,210	14769	46524	#21 2027 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 5,063 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
22	Carthage College	2914	84.45	1,040 – 1,210	27066	46116	#22 2027 Best Colleges in Wisconsin Carthage College Kenosha, WI Undergraduates 2,914 Acceptance Rate 84.5% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $27,066 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,116
23	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	7753	92.45	1,040 – 1,240	14883	43371	#23 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 7,753 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
24	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	18667	97.11	970 – 1,210	16263	45851	#24 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 18,667 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
25	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh	11994	86.51	970 – 1,210	12500	50140	#25 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 11,994 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
26	Mount Mary University	616	83.1	930 – 1,210	20390	40421	#26 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 616 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
27	University of Wisconsin-Superior	1991	79.64	1,050 – 1,230	13215	41868	#27 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,991 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
28	Marian University	1026	75	930 – 1,110	22697	49839	#28 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,026 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	10995	74.76	970 – 1,210	11429	46546	#29 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 10,995 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	525	82.23	890 – 1,110	24425	51755	#30 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 525 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	University of Wisconsin-Parkside	3207	97.51	950 – 1,220	10234	42154	#31 2027 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 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 Undergraduates 3,207 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
32	Lakeland University	2411	86.52	930 – 1,100	24253	49546	#32 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,411 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
33	Herzing University-Madison	2521	94.3	--	22422	35295	#33 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,521 Acceptance Rate 94.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $22,422 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,295