2023 Best Colleges in Wisconsin

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  3,373 reviews

Junior: University of Wisconsin - Madison is a big school with over 40,000 students, but the campus provides a lot a ways for students to find their niche. In particular, the political science and gender and women's studies programs - as I am sure with others - provide ample opportunities for students to get involved in research, internships, and professional development outside of the classroom. The vast majority of professors I have encountered are genuinely invested ins student success, especially once you get o higher level small discussion courses. While a large school also means large 100 and 200 level course lecture halls most professors in the social sciences are open to meet regularly with students. The university also has a longstanding history of student activism work, that dates back to the Vietnam War, this student activism have paved the way for a wealth of student resources on campus, and an active and engaged student body.... Read 3,373 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $13,484

• SAT range 1320-1500

• Appleton, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  709 reviews

Alum: Lawrence was a fantastic experience for me. It has the full liberal arts experience, with great integration and collaboration among different departments (especially the conservatory which offers its own bachelor's degree in music) as well as student organizations and community interactions. Professors are approachable and love interacting with students (all undergrads) and offer tons of flexibility for students to choose or create independent study courses. The campus is beautiful. Students are motivated, engaged, creative, and passionate. I graduated in 2012 and the things I learned at Lawrence - technical skills in linguistics and Arabic and music, social skills and networking, ways to think outside the box and take initiative - have served me very well over the past near-decade!... Read 709 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $24,804

• SAT range 1230-1460

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  2,101 reviews

Freshman: Caring people, lovely campus, and courses that grasp your interest! The core classes are perfectly geared to students that are reaching their potential as they bring out your best tendencies and serve their purpose without being as overbearing as typical 'gen-eds.' Another advantage of Marquette is the fact that the campus is located within the city of Milwaukee which is experiencing an unprecedented urban renaissance! The city atmosphere provides countless employment, cultural, and internship opportunities. The basketball program is also great to follow! The games are mental and the rallying atmosphere around the team brings campus together!... Read 2,101 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $33,566

• SAT range 1180-1360

• La Crosse, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,761 reviews

Freshman: UW La Crosse is a beautiful campus with a feeling of home. The professors are all understanding, and the general student life is accepting. As an athlete for La Crosse the athletics program is fantastic, with the new fieldhouse being built the resources for student athletes are plentiful and of great quality. The professors are very kind about missing class for competition and the coaches make sure that you can complete schoolwork while being a part if the program. The dorms and the on-campus dining options are both amazing. While the dining can be unpredictable, they can also be dependable with fruit, pizza, breadsticks, salad, cereal, bagels, soup, sandwiches, oatmeal, ice cream, yogurt, bread, and drinks. If you put effort towards your eating, you can find quality meals with the on-campus food. There are also coffee places within campus and fun dining options in the union, the dining plans provide more than enough food for the week. The bluffs provide great scenery on the campus!... Read 1,761 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $12,904

• SAT range —

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  486 reviews

Freshman: I will be a Freshman this coming fall when I went to review the school earlier this year I felt very welcomed by the staff the tour was very on point and any question I had about the school they had the answer. They had made me feel like I will part of something bigger than I imagined. I look forward to attending and developing my knowledge and working toward my career as a Mechanical Engineer and I feel that MSOE has the best to offer.... Read 486 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $26,665

• SAT range 1160-1420

• Mequon, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  865 reviews

Freshman: My freshman year at Concordia University has been an amazing one and I am so glad that I chose to attend. Throughout the entire year I felt engaged on campus with all of the various on-campus activities, clubs, and athletics I could be involved in. I met so many amazing people and have made many connections that will last a lifetime. The small class sizes allowed me to connect with my professors and I feel that they all know me not only by name but also on a personal level. I was never afraid to reach out to them if I needed help or assistance with anything. The bluff and lake view is one of my favorite things about campus and it improves my day just by being able to walk outside. I cannot wait for the rest of my years here at Concordia and all the memories I will make along the way!... Read 865 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $25,830

• SAT range 898-1156

• La Crosse, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  409 reviews

Freshman: Viterbo University is the most welcoming college I have visited! Everyone who I have been involved with made sure to be very thorough and understanding when explaining everything. I have visited twice so far and one of which was meeting the dance team. The dance team was very kind, bubbly, and made me feel as I was already apart of their team. Along with everyone being so welcoming, the campus is very beautiful! It is also a pretty small campus which makes it easy to get around. I made my final decision on a college about 3 weeks ago in which I chose to attend Viterbo University in the fall of 2023 to major in nursing and be apart of the dance team. The nursing program of Viterbo University is also known to be one of the best in Wisconsin. They are very involved with their students and have a very high passing rate with the NCLEX exam! Overall, Viterbo is amazing!... Read 409 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $20,512

• SAT range 920-1290

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  475 reviews

Junior: Overall 5/5, Pros: It's a small campus in Tosa. It's a safe and intimate setting; most classes only have 30 people or less. Labs only have about 15 or fewer people. The campus is small, but not crowded. (across campus in less than 10 min) I love that the professors are available nearly 24/7, along with TAs (Tutors). This campus also encourages you to build professional relationships not only with your professors but also with peers. Activities are posted daily throughout campus. Housing is 6/5! Freshman and Sophomore housing are usually 2 people for 1 bathroom. (PLENTY of room for housing.) Cons: Due to the placement in Wauwatosa, you can't do much without a car. Having a car is HIGHLY encouraged. Milwaukee is exciting! Take advantage of the culture nearby. The food is also a 4/5, there isn't much diversity, and it doesn't cater well to those with food allergies/ diseases (like Crohn's). The Party scene is nonexistent on campus, but Marquette, UWM, and MSOE are close by.... Read 475 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $21,761

• SAT range 1010-1170

• Beloit, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  592 reviews

Junior: Beloit College is an excellent school with a really beautiful campus! I love walking around campus admiring the beauty, not just student life but nature itself. Living here is an experience in involvement and academic exploration. As for student life, I am also part of the Track and Field Team at Beloit College. The amazing support from Coach Bliese and Coach Ellie, the support from leadership captains and the overall sense of inclusion on the Track and Field Team as we push through practices and meets is such an amazing feeling. I recommend this school to everyone, and it's a great choice for those looking for an amazing education.... Read 592 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $18,294

• SAT range 1200-1390

• De Pere, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  742 reviews

Junior: St. Norbert College is a wonderful place for students to not only receive an excellent education, but also to develop lasting relationships with professors, staff, and fellow students. There are numerous opportunities to get involved on campus whether it be joining a student org, creating your own, or finding a campus job where you can get compensated for doing something you love! I have worked as a student caller for the SNC Phonathon, a library student worker, and have worked for the Emmaus Center on campus. I have been able to apply for grants to engage with the community and have been compensated for discussing things such as vocation and community service with friends. No matter what your passion, there is always a way to meet others who share your passion and experience it to the fullest. I couldn’t have imagined a better experience. Go Green Knights!... Read 742 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $27,107

• SAT range 1100-1280

• Whitewater, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  1,400 reviews

Freshman: I am currently finishing up my first year here at UW Whitewater, and overall, it has been a great experience. All of my professors are amazing teachers, there are so many great on campus activities/clubs to get involved in, lots of events to attend. Everyone has a lot of school spirit which is something that is enjoyable to be apart of. Everyone was really welcoming, and you feel a sense of belonging. Going to their on campus events is really important, it really helps you find and create new bonds with people, makes it a lot easier. I really enjoy this school, and can't wait to spend another three years here!... Read 1,400 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $12,754

• SAT range 890-1110

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  3,279 reviews

Graduate Student: Most of my undergraduate degree was completed online at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee due to the COVID-19 virus. I enjoyed how quickly and efficiently we were able to transfer to an online format. Professors and other staff were always helpful in navigating the challenges that come along with an online format. I found that both my in-person and online classes were easy to follow, challenging without being impossible, and taught valuable critical thinking sills.... Read 3,279 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $17,083

• SAT range —

• Ashland, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  276 reviews

Sophomore: I love Northland! It is very much a niche school (haha), not everyone fits in here. The classes are great and the professors really know what they're talking about. The smallness of the campus and town is really nice, it creates a really close-knit community.... Read 276 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $22,994

• SAT range 1010-1160

• Menomonie, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,016 reviews

Sophomore: My experience was great! Access to textbooks, reliable computers and internet across the campus, and the ability to build personal relationships with my professors were factors to my success there and after graduation. I enjoyed my experience so much I am returning for a second degree and eventually my masters.... Read 1,016 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $16,063

• SAT range —

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  447 reviews

Alum: MMU was one of the first campuses I toured. I loved it. Sadly, I was persuaded to attend a different university. I found my way back to MMU a few years later and completed my degree. I’ve never had so many awesome educators. Professors want you to succeed. You actually get guidance to graduation day and the skill set to thrive in the workplace. I hope my daughters attend here! My only complaints: I wish they had an economics major and a wider choice of business graduate degrees.... Read 447 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $24,065

• SAT range 910-1180

• Superior, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  284 reviews

Sophomore: The University is really good and people here are very nice. There is a lot of international students and diversity. The only problem is the weather. Also, the city is really small and there is not student life activities. There is no party life, since there is only 1 good club at the city. However, the academic part is pretty good. Classes are small, so your professors usually know who you are and is easy to make connections with them. Since the classes are small, is also easy to make friends. There is also a lot of job campus opportunities. Every semester they open a website with a lot of job opportunities for students. So if you are planning to work while studying, this could be a great opportunity. If you are planning to live in the dorms, you should know that they are better than most college dorms. The bathrooms and dorms are pretty clean, and staff who works at Residence Hall are very helpful.... Read 284 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $12,120

• SAT range —

• River Falls, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  688 reviews

Alum: I had an absolutely amazing experience at UWRF! From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed and supported. The professors were incredibly knowledgeable and always available to help me with any questions or concerns I had. The coursework was occasionally difficult, but I never felt overwhelmed thanks to the resources available to me, such as tutoring and academic advising. In addition to the academics, UWRF had a ton of extracurricular activities to get involved in. I joined a club and made some great friends through that experience. The campus itself was beautiful, with green spaces to relax and study, as well as modern facilities like a state-of-the-art gym and recreation center. Overall, I am so grateful for the time I spent at UWRF. It was an amazing time that helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I feel well-prepared to take on the next chapter in my life. I would highly recommend UWRF to anyone considering higher education.... Read 688 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $14,318

• SAT range —

• Eau Claire, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,502 reviews

Other: I am starting my first class this fall at UWEC as an adult/non traditional student. I currently don't have any experience with classes, but everyone in administration and enrollment has been very helpful and kind in answering my questions. I'm looking forward to taking classes at UWEC.... Read 1,502 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $15,713

• SAT range —

• Kenosha, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  543 reviews

Senior: As a commuter biomed student who never really got into the social scene at parkside, I can’t complain much. I started online which wasn’t bad overall. My first year psych teacher was subpar and I had to drop biology because the teacher was non accommodating. Throughout my 3 years, about 90% of my teachers put noticeable effort into assuring they accommodated your schedule and spent time outside of class answering questions. Some were tough graders, but others made up for it for being excellent teachers with great personalities, engaging with students one-on-one, and frequently asked the class for feedback to improve their course/teaching style. As for the food, it’s okay. I usually stay on campus for 8 hours on my busy days. I’m gluten sensitive and they have a few options I can have a day as well as a Starbucks. The dinners are good. There are a decent number of clubs but I could rarely find one that interested me and worked with my schedule. It’s a safe and affordable option.... Read 543 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $10,531

• SAT range —

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  987 reviews

Junior: Alverno College has a unique academic strategy that prepares you for "the outside world". The performance based grading allows for self improvement instead of student to student comparison. Diversity of students is represented as many first generation students attend here! Class sizes are small and professors accommodate to your learning needs. To strive at this college, one must be motivated, dedicated, and have a willingness to grow.... Read 987 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $18,243

• SAT range 770-1050

• Waukesha, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,240 reviews

Alum: I was a music major at Carroll and I was pretty happy with the opportunities I had to perform and grow as a musician. Especially considering the fact that the University is largely focused on the DPT and Nursing programs. That being said, the music facilities could use some upgrades. A few renovations have taken place since I graduated, but the building itself is very old and needs some work. One of the biggest frustrations was the amount of times the music building is used for science lectures or other activities, when they just completed building 2 beautiful science buildings within the past couple of years. The small class sizes made it possible to develop close relationships with many of my professors, which was especially helpful when it came time to seek employment post-graduation. Don’t be scared away by the price tag either, there are various scholarships available for incoming students!... Read 1,240 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $24,050

• SAT range 1070-1290

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  575 reviews

Freshman: Edgewood is a great school if you are looking to go somewhere where you can feel connected to you peers and professors. Class sizes are small enough where your professors know you by your first and last name and get to know you as a person rather than just a number in a large lecture hall. This is a main reason why I decided to go to Edgewood because most major universities are not like this. The community is very welcoming, and all the staff is right there to help you succeed. And of corse the campus is beautiful as it is right along the lake!... Read 575 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $27,679

• SAT range 950-1210

• Stevens Point, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,156 reviews

Sophomore: Stevens Point always feels like home! From students on campus, to faculty and staff, everyone is smiling and happy to make you comfortable. It is a very easy campus to navigate while also having a lot of different buildings and opportunities on campus. It is very easy to get involved and feel like you fit in with the various groups and clubs. Classes are very structured and professors are always willing to lend a helping hand. It is a wonderful college experience that I think everyone should have the opportunity to have.... Read 1,156 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $14,122

• SAT range —

• Platteville, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,096 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Wisconsin Platteville is a awesome close knit campus! I like so many things about it, from the friendly people to the beautiful scenery. One of my favorite things is the sense of community here. It's a small campus, which means it's easy to get to know people and make friends. I also love the opportunities that UW-Platteville offers for getting involved. There are so many clubs and organizations to choose from, and they cover a wide range of interests. I've joined a few already, and I'm looking forward to exploring more. Academically, UW-Platteville is a great fit for me as well. The classes are challenging, but the professors are supportive and approachable. They really want to help their students succeed, and it shows. Overall, I feel like UW-Platteville is the perfect place for me. I'm excited to see what the future holds here!... Read 1,096 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $14,840

• SAT range —

• Oshkosh, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,428 reviews

Junior: UW-Oshkosh is a great campus! The campus is easy to walk and navigate through but not as big to where you would need to ride a bus to get to certain buildings. The clubs and involvement are inclusive and easy to join. With great college resources, including flexible accommodations, and easygoing professors, it’s definitely a great place to start the next journey of your future!... Read 1,428 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $12,975

• SAT range —