2024 Best Test Optional Colleges in Wisconsin

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  3,413 reviews

Freshman: The student life here is amazing, and it's clear the university wants its students to feel comfortable on campus. TA's and professors have been mostly receptive to emails and eager to help out when needed. The location and surrounding resources are valuable and easy to take advantage of as a student. I wish professors were better equipped to use canvas or some other teaching website. Also, there should be a standardized attendance app or website that is used by all teachers rather than having to download two or three separate applications in a semester depending on which professors you have. Overall, a great experience!... Read 3,413 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $13,484

• SAT range 1320-1500

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  2,134 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 2,134 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $33,566

• SAT range 1180-1360

• La Crosse, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,797 reviews

Freshman: The organizations available on campus are spectacular. They're a great way to get involved and meet new people, and with a diverse variety of options, everyone is bound to find something they're interested in. There are multiple different dining options on campus that take meal swipes, block meals, and dining dollars. So if you find that one doesn't float your boat, there are many others to choose from. There is also a very vibrant social culture, the student body is a cast of lively characters who love to party any day of the week. So, beware of noise complaints! The professors are highly educated on what they teach and are always willing to help. They make their office hours very clear and strongly encourage students to come to them, even if it is just to chat. The campus is walkable and beautiful. There's many study spaces from picnic tables to cozy chairs by the Student Union fireplace to trees to hammock in. Overall, UW-La Crosse is a welcoming school that includes everyone.... Read 1,797 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $12,904

• SAT range —

• Appleton, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  713 reviews

Sophomore: The best part about being at Lawrence is the ratio of students to professors. It makes it much easier to get the help you need to succeed. The staff is wonderful and always willing to help you, they don't want to see you fail either. The food is pretty good, I've always been able to find something to eat, they won't let you starve. The dorms are actually pretty nice, each res hall has a quality that is unlike the others. The students are kind and helpful. The tutor program is also wonderful. Lawrence is doing well with building a space for apartments that are downtown, so that is exciting for upper class-men. That is coming Fall 2024. And the campus is downright BEAUTIFUL. Just be aware of the river bugs come spring.... Read 713 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $24,804

• SAT range 1230-1460

• Mequon, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  887 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 887 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $25,830

• SAT range 898-1156

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  482 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 482 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $21,761

• SAT range 1010-1170

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  492 reviews

Sophomore: It is a great school. Public Safety is on duty 24/7, making sure the campus is safe. They have an app that you can download as well, Guardio, that you can download to stay alert with what's going on on the campus. They also have emergency phones scattered around campus that go directly to Public Safety and/or the police department. Security is top notch there, and professors are super nice too. They really care about their students and want them to succeed and are very understanding about situations that may arise.... Read 492 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $26,665

• SAT range 1160-1420

• Superior, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  288 reviews

Junior: So far through my college journey, it has been a struggle figuring out this temporary lifestyle as a first generation student. However, the University of Wisconsin-Superior has been accommodating to it's furthest extent when providing resources. I have had a difficult time venturing my way through college as it feels I am on my own. One resource UWS provides is called the TRIO Student Support Services. I have always been slow to asking for help when I need it. TRIO Student Support Services has made that easier as I have a mentor I can check in with. When I notice myself getting into a slump, I know who I can turn to with no shame or fear. Someone that understands what I am going through and can help me in the best ways they can. Providing more services than the ones they offer to make sure I have what I need to succeed. This school has made a safe space for me where I hope to show my true potential.... Read 288 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $12,120

• SAT range —

• Ashland, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  278 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 278 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $22,994

• SAT range 1010-1160

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  3,321 reviews

Junior: My time at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee started with my freshman year in the height of the pandemic. As an incoming freshman, I was weary about being in a heavily populated college during a time of troubled health. However, UWM provided most classes online in formats that best suited student engagement and learning. This also allowed me to stay home for my first year and save some money! My sophomore year began on campus and the transition to rural living to being in a city was quite the change, however UWM provided numerous ways to bring students together and feel comfortable on campus and in the city. My time academically here has been wonderful, as I am able to be fully immersed in my passions. I'm allowed an abundance of creative freedom and following feedback, preparing me for the real world.... Read 3,321 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $17,083

• SAT range —

• Eau Claire, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,519 reviews

Junior: I have enjoyed my time here at UWEC and look forward to finishing out my college career here. I came here from California which was a large change from location, weather, time zone, family and friends, but it is beyond worth it. The atmosphere on the campus is light and fun and they do everything to engage you. There are many sports and clubs that cater to every one person on campus. The faculty and staff are all generous and understanding. The food on campus could be better, luckily though it is something that the school is actively working to improve! That being said, the school listens to their students and staff and do their best to make being on this campus better than any other.... Read 1,519 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $15,713

• SAT range —

• De Pere, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  759 reviews

Sophomore: So far, I love it here! As a senior in high school, St. Norbert wasn't a college that was originally on my list since its in my hometown and I was worried about being so close to home, but I made an impulse decision to sign up for a tour and see what happens and I fell in love. Being on campus with a completely different mindset as a prospective student changed my perspective and once the tour was over I didn't want to even look anywhere else. As someone who lives on campus despite being from the area, I can confidently say that once the school year starts you're so busy with classes, new experiences, and new friends that it feels like an entirely different world. I love St. Norbert because of its smaller size. Just in my first year, I've been able to form relationships with so many professors, make connections with different people in my field of study, and have personalized classroom experiences. I feel like making sure I receive the best possible education is truly a priority here.... Read 759 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $27,107

• SAT range 1100-1280

• Kenosha, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  548 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 548 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $10,531

• SAT range —

• Whitewater, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,422 reviews

Senior: The Professors there are actually really understanding and make the content easy to understand. I am a transfer student so this past year was my first year there. Comparing the studies and professors to the previous institution I attended, they have very professional and intelligent staff. The campus life is also very positive. There are many activities to do on campus such as bowling, movies, magic shows, and pool. There are many clubs and extra curricular options available so it is easy to have something to do! I would highly recommend this college.... Read 1,422 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $12,754

• SAT range 890-1110

• Beloit, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  597 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 597 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $18,294

• SAT range 1200-1390

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  993 reviews

Freshman: I AM CURRENTLY A FRESHMAN AT ALVERNO COLLEGE. I HAVE BEEN AT THE COLLEGE FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS NOW. I MUST SAY THE AMOUNT OF THE LOVE , SUPPORT, AND FRIENDLINESS I HAVE RECEIVED IS SOMETHING I HAVE NEVER SEEN IN MY LIFE. I LIKE THE CAMPUS, IT IS PRETTY SMALL AND CONNECTED SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WALK ALOT AND IT IS VERY GOOD BECAUSE IF THE WEATHER IS BAD YOU DON NOT HAVE TO MOVE OUT IN THE RAIN TO EITHER GO TO YOUR DESIRED LOCATION ON CAMPUS. THEY HAVE THIS BEAUTIFUL GREENHOUSE ON CAMPUS AND IT IS REALLY COOL. I WOULD NOT WANT ANYTHING TO CHANGE HONESTLY. IT IS SIMLPLY THE BEST COLLEGE I COULD EVER THINK OF ATTENDING BESIDES IT IS AN WOMEN'S COLLEGE. AND I BELIEVE THAT SO MANY YOUNG GIRLS AND WOMEN HAVE BEEN GREATLY INSPIRED BY THIS INSTITUTION.... Read 993 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $18,243

• SAT range 770-1050

• Menomonie, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,030 reviews

Senior: My overall experience at UW Stout has been positive. There’s a wide array of interesting classes offered. The major-related classes and electives are taught by passionate people in the field. The professors and staff are almost always kind, helpful, and flexible with students. The university is overall aptly funded, and provides a lot of resources to students in most majors. It's far from perfect, though. Some majors tend to get overlooked when it comes to support. While the art program at Stout is one of the largest draws to the university, the art facilities still often fall short. For example, many art and design programs require relevant work experience/internships, but the polytechnic doesn’t provide the same resources it provides other majors. Many programs get career fairs and direct connections to professionals in a way that design students don't receive. The art building also remains one of the oldest buildings on campus, yet little budget is put into maintenance.... Read 1,030 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $16,063

• SAT range —

• Kenosha, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  1,278 reviews

Senior: I loved my experience at Carthage, but as with many other things, it was much better before COVID hit. Things were more lively and there were more opportunities on campus, but I wouldn't go anywhere else. I met some of my best friends here and built strong connections with faculty. There were lots of issues with food on campus last year, but I had no such issues this year with living off campus!... Read 1,278 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $26,643

• SAT range 980-1200

• Oshkosh, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,440 reviews

Alum: I LOVED UW Oshkosh. From the size of campus to the school’s size to its incredibly affordable price, UWO is a fantastic choice for a college experience. The staff and professors were incredibly supportive and helpful. I worked on campus for 3.5 years, and it helped me advance my skills socially, academically, and professionally. The student amenities (rec center, Horizon Village, student support center, LGBTQ+ center, alumni welcome center) were incredible too. I was inspired constantly to thrive here. Also, there were an incredible amount of scholarships available, especially for out of state students. The only thing I would change is a more expansive College of Education building since it’s an incredibly large major and program like business and nursing. Overall, I would and do recommend this to any student looking for a medium-sized, affordable, and supportive public university.... Read 1,440 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $12,975

• SAT range —

• River Falls, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  701 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 701 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $14,318

• SAT range —

• Platteville, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,104 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 1,104 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $14,840

• SAT range —

• Waukesha, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,253 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 1,253 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $24,050

• SAT range 1070-1290

• Stevens Point, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,177 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 1,177 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $14,122

• SAT range —

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  451 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 451 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $24,065

• SAT range 910-1180

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  578 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 578 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $27,679

• SAT range 950-1210