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2020 Best Value Colleges in WisconsinAbout this List

Explore the colleges that are the best value for your money based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates, and student debt using data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews. The ranking compares the most affordable colleges with the best return on investment. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 43
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  1. Milwaukee School of Engineering

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 432 reviews
    #1 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: MSOE has so much to offer to any and all types of students. Being a student with austim was very worried and nervous attending a college with zero people I would know. Freshman week being only ones on the campus truly broke the ice. I was attending as much as possible to learn what the campus will be like for the next 4 years. All are very welcoming; Advisors are easy to communicte with to progress correctly. I knew on my first visit this would be my college! Is amazing to see a dream come true and how well I fit in this college. They are so helpful, working hard for all to succeed.
    Read 432 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Value
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,793 Net Price
    • 1150-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. University of Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 3,065 reviews
    #2 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: There are so many great things about UW-Madison. There is always something to do on and off campus. UW ensures that there is a place and event for everyone. The education and educators are top noche; I have never loved learning so much. The campus and facilities are amazing and well kept. In their School of Human Ecology, they had design students design their bathrooms, creating a mystical place to go when nature calls! My only complaint is their high tuition cost. As most people know, the cost of education increases every year and it has made it difficult for people to go to college without needing to worry about debt. As an out of state student, my I have to pay full tuition which adds on to the stress of getting an education. Although the university does their best to provide scholarships for people in need to financial aid, I feel as if they lack the scholarships for people who don't come from low income families, but are paying for their education independently.
    Read 3,065 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Value
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,910 Net Price
    • 1280-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Marquette University

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 1,958 reviews
    #3 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: My experience at Marquette University was very exciting. I spent the summer at Marquette doing a summer semester with EOP (Educational Opportunity Program), I stayed in the Commons(dorm) extremely neat and clean. The two classes I took was English and Theology, very good teachers and curriculums. Also, EOP was a great aid at getting me ahead start before the fall semester. I was taught good writing techniques that I will use in the future. The Marquette Campus was tremendously clean and nice, the flowers and grass around campus were absolutely beautiful. However, I will like to see a change in seeing more minority students around campus. On the other hand, I am very delighted I choose Marquette University as my first choice!
    Read 1,958 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,377 Net Price
    • 1130-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

    • 4 Year
    • La Crosse, WI
    • 1,424 reviews
    #4 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: The University of Wisconsin - La Crosse has a beautiful campus and offers a wide variety of courses, majors, and programs. The campus is the perfect size, enabling students to walk to and from classes in less than 10 minutes. There are unlimited resources encompassed in various halls, and even online, assisting students every step of the way. The dorms create the perfect environment for meeting new friends, and learning how to live in close quarters with others. After classes, the union is the place to go to grab a bite and do homework not in the traditional library setting. However, for those who prefer the library atmosphere, Murphy Library has both talking friendly areas (even with a coffee shop), as well as silent areas. There are copious amounts of activities and resources easily accessible for all students. If you have any questions, the uwlax.edu website will most likely have the answer!
    Read 1,424 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,045 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. St. Norbert College

    • 4 Year
    • De Pere, WI
    • 673 reviews
    #5 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Senior: I haven't started classes as of this review, but from the various times I've visited or participated at an event on campus, I can say that St. Norbert College is among the top colleges in the state of Wisconsin. The sense of community I felt amongst the students in my first visits was unavoidable, along with the beauty of the campus. The dorms aren't the greatest at first glance, although once students get to decorate their rooms, they look a lot nicer. All the buildings are within a quick walking distance from each other, and they are all kept well maintained, especially with the newly renovated science building and gym! One of my favorite parts about any campus, the cafeteria, is also a home run at SNC. The food is amazing, and I'm not ashamed to admit that it was one of the deciding factors for me when choosing colleges.
    Read 673 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,980 Net Price
    • 1110-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Lawrence University

    • 4 Year
    • Appleton, WI
    • 669 reviews
    #6 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: My experience at Lawrence so far has been pretty good. My biggest complaint would be that there isn't much to do in Appleton, so I spend most of my time on campus. However, the school does have events planned every single day. I think the biggest thing I love about Lawrence is how safe I feel here, and it's such a small school that I see the same faces walking around every day. The dorms are average, most professors are great, and the food is decent compared to other universities I've visited. The only other downside is that there is the "Lawrence busy" mentality, and there is a slight mood of competetion throughout the campus to constantly be grinding.
    Read 669 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,180 Net Price
    • 1220-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

    • 4 Year
    • Eau Claire, WI
    • 1,328 reviews
    #7 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Alum: My time at UWEC was the best of my life! There is not very much room in the dorms, and it is mostly freshman and sophomores who live on campus but it is a great place to meet new people and friends. There are plenty of off campus options that students can rent, close enough to walk to campus! Class and professors are great! I was in the marching band, that was a great experience. I highly recommend joining clubs. Lots of fun bars for the 21+ crowd, be careful for underage and house parties, I've heard the police have cracked down a lot more in recent years. The campus is beautiful and the town of Eau Claire has such a great atmosphere. Overall it is a great place to go to school for four years! I miss it!
    Read 1,328 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,398 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

    • 4 Year
    • Platteville, WI
    • 1,016 reviews
    #8 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Senior: Great school for those who love the small-town, smaller classroom vibe. I grew up on a farm and this was a great fit for me as it's located in the rolling hills of Southwestern Wisconsin. Along with this comes a very strong engineering program that is recognized by many larger companies. If you are into having a strong sports team presence, Platteville may not be right for you as it is D3 and sports aren't a strong focus. Although you can have plenty of fun with campus activities, the town livens up on weekends at the bars or at house parties!
    Read 1,016 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,363 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • Waukesha, WI
    • 1,146 reviews
    #9 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Carroll university is a smaller school, which is a turnoff for some people, but should really be seen as a perk! I used to think that saying a small school with close faculty contact used to be something that people would say almost as a consolation prize. But now, it is something that I would not trade for the world. Each of your professors are invested in your future and success, and are devoted to helping you learn what you need to learn, and provide you with the resources that you will need to succeed. Not to mention that man times they will be able to help you get connected professionally.
    However, Carroll is very slow about getting renovations done, and often they need to be nagged before a building gets renovated or something gets fixed.
    Read 1,146 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,492 Net Price
    • 980-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. Wisconsin Lutheran College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 430 reviews
    #10 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: Overall my experience as a student at Wisconsin Lutheran College has been incredible. It is clear that the professors on campus love what they do and care about the success of the students. They will ask about the students' lives outside of school to get to know them better and work to accommodate for issues that may arise in the students' lives in and outside of school. Many of the professors go above and beyond what is expected of them when a student needs special accommodations for a project or test ensuring that the student learns and grows in their class. This has been done by extending a deadline, allowing a student to take a test in the library instead of the classroom setting, or setting up an appointment with the student to go step-by-step through a project the student is struggling with. However, the professors also push students to excel and set high expectations for the assignments and classroom atmosphere.
    Read 430 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,365 Net Price
    • 1010-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Beloit College

    • 4 Year
    • Beloit, WI
    • 541 reviews
    #11 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Alum: Beloit College is an excellent liberal arts school with a lot of heart, character, and freedom to be as weird as you want to be! For someone looking for a big school centering around sports and parties, this isn't it. Beloit has those, but they're smaller and quirkier. The small student body allows for close and quick student connections, as well as small class sizes and regular one-on-one time with the faculty (who all go by their first names). The faculty are dedicated teachers and endlessly supportive. The network of former Beloiters is also strong and it's not uncommon for alumni to reach out to Beloit first when seeking job candidates.
    Read 541 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,976 Net Price
    • 1065-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of Wisconsin - Stout

    • 4 Year
    • Menomonie, WI
    • 958 reviews
    #12 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: The University of Wisconsin Stout was not my first choice of schools, but it ended up being the one that I fell in love with. The professors I have had so far have been incredibly caring for my well-being on top of caring about my school work. That was a huge help on my well-being knowing that I had multiple people checking up on my mental health while being so far from home. The facilities are above average and are being renovated for future student use in nearly all aspects-- dorms, dining hall, gym, you name it! The campus itself is extremely beautiful and full of history. Along with the history of the college, the city of Menomonie is a treasure to explore! The Mabel Tainter Center is by far my favorite building to have been given the privilege to tour. The city is truly a gem in my eyes, although I have not have a lot of time to explore it yet, I still have three years left to do so! I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year here at Stout!
    Read 958 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,971 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Edgewood College

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 519 reviews
    #13 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Edgewood College is a great place to be! The location is ideal, as you are in the center of Madison, Wisconsin. Great professors, extra curricular activities, and programs are offered here. Small classes sizes and one on one professors time is readily available!
    Read 519 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,042 Net Price
    • 1060-1220 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Ripon College

    • 4 Year
    • Ripon, WI
    • 515 reviews
    #14 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Ripon College is a really great school to attend if you're planning on continuing your education after high school. It's a really small school which allows you to build relationships with your professors and meet lots of new people. The professors really push you to work hard and think critically about many topics. The college places a large emphasis on including innovation, critical thinking, writing, and a few other really important skills in their curriculum since these skills are so sought after in the job market. The coaching staff is also really good with getting the most out of their players and care a lot about the academics of the students. The coaches constantly check in on their players to be sure they are staying up to date with their coursework and getting help if they need it. There have not been very many unsafe incidents occur at Ripon College since I arrived if there have been any at all. The campus is really small as well so everything is within walking distance.
    Read 515 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,151 Net Price
    • 1040-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

    • 4 Year
    • Whitewater, WI
    • 1,262 reviews
    #15 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I feel in a comfortable environment and I am able to get involved and get help when needed. The involvement of students makes it easier to be away from home. Professors are extremely nice and all the faculty goes out of their way to make sure you are using you resources and comfortable on campus. My counselor has helped me find my educational path and all my professors have extended help when needed. Not only that but service at out food places and stores on campus have been amazing! It is easy to get involved and make a lot of friends well staying on top of your school work. Expectations of the school have been very clear.
    Read 1,262 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,422 Net Price
    • 890-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Viterbo University

    • 4 Year
    • La Crosse, WI
    • 388 reviews
    #16 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Alum: Coming from a small high school in a little rural town, Viterbo was the perfect fit. I knew my professors personally, whether they were in the nursing program or not. The professors cared about my learning and were accommodating to unexpected life events. The coursework was rigorous but prepared me to be an excellent, compassionate nurse. I met amazing friends and was able to be very active in a variety of clubs on campus. Doing my nursing synthesis in Alaska was the icing on the cake!
    Read 388 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,457 Net Price
    • 1020-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

    • 4 Year
    • Stevens Point, WI
    • 1,029 reviews
    #17 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Steven's Point WI is a charming small town that is just the right size to give a homey feel while still having plenty to do. The University is gorgeous and surrounded by nature, including its own reserve, Schmeekle. The class sizes are smaller and more personal, and the professors there are very invested in your academic future than other schools. The campus is known for its diversity and variety of majors and interests as well as student organizations! My personal favorite is the ukulele tree-climbers club.
    Read 1,029 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,935 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Cardinal Stritch University

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 479 reviews
    #18 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Graduate Student: The professors are interesting, fair, and brilliant. I also love the Franciscan atmosphere. There are Franciscan-oriented extracurricular programs and beautiful artwork of St. Francis of Assisi. The Franciscan spirit is tangible on this campus, and I truly appreciate this. The coursework is challenging and brings enlightenment and much growth. The campus has a very diverse population and is a true representation of Milwaukee and our surrounding communities. The campus is easy to navigate and parking is ample at any time of day or night. It is a campus that feels safe; it's quiet, conducive to contemplation, conversation, and study.
    Read 479 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,154 Net Price
    • 910-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Marian University - Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Fond du Lac, WI
    • 241 reviews
    #19 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Niche User: I love every single thing about Marian! The people are so helpful and kind. The professors are helpful and very knowledgeable. The area of Fondy is incredible and Lake Winnebago is beautiful! I would not have chosen any other school to spend four years of my life! I think the area and the people combined make the school top-notch in itself. Once you add the stellar athletics to the mix, it just pulls everything together and makes Marian above and beyond. Overall, Marian is a wonderful school that allows so many opportunities to their students on campus, in the classroom, and out in the world.
    Read 241 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,650 Net Price
    • 980-1070 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Mount Mary University

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 426 reviews
    #20 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: Within the first semester of attending Mount Mary, I've already fallen head over heals for the school. It's a very welcoming environment that is diverse and empowering for young women looking to attain their career goals. So far, there isn't anything I would change about the school, there is so much to love about it!
    Read 426 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,793 Net Price
    • 663-878 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of Wisconsin - River Falls

    • 4 Year
    • River Falls, WI
    • 593 reviews
    #21 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: Being a first generation college student and a freshman starting her first year at UW-River Falls, I was a little unsure about how adjusting to college life would be for me. I'm pleased to say it has went above & beyond my highest expectations. Besides a few hiccups down the road, my experience has been amazing. The academics are challenging, but very interesting. They have a phenomenal College of Agriculture, Food, & Environmental Sciences, including my major of Animal Science. It's a very affordable, fairly small, agricultural based college in a small town. The campus and scenery is beautiful, & everyone is welcomed with open arms, no matter what. It's very inclusive and I personally have found my niche with lifelong friends. The professors really do care about their students, & you literally are set up for success. Besides the occasional cold showers, bland college dinners & loud neighbors, UW-River Falls was the right choice for me!
    Read 593 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,064 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Alverno College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 960 reviews
    #22 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: My 2 years at Alverno so far have been overall great. I love the school and the people who come with it. I would definitely recommend the school to someone who is looking to live away from home for school but doesn't want to live too far away. Alverno has a very high diverse rate where nobody is left out and everyone is welcome, nobody is turned away because of race and is a strong believer in DACA. If looking for a school with one on one learning, diverse atmosphere, athletics, and of course a great education, Alverno is the place to be!
    Read 960 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,028 Net Price
    • 770-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Concordia University - Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Mequon, WI
    • 817 reviews
    #23 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I am a freshman in college right now and I absolutely love going to Concordia University! I really love the small class sizes so every student gets an opportunity to develop a one-on-one relationship with their professors. The school is completely connected by tunnels so if there is ever a really cold day and you dont want to go outside, there is no need to! One thing I would say I would like to see change is the food options here. We only have three spots to get food and the cafe food is not very..edible.
    Read 817 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,849 Net Price
    • 898-1156 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

    • 4 Year
    • Oshkosh, WI
    • 1,333 reviews
    #24 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I am only a first year student, currently about to start my second semester. I will admit, it took a few days to adjust, even though I told myself "I'd be fine." This school seemed iffy at first, but in all honesty, I love UW-Oshkosh with a deep passion. It offers a major that I am passionate about, the culture is relaxing and friendly. A single semester of doing random volunteer jobs resulted in my position as a producer on a television series. As a freshman, that is unheard of, so this school is the gift that keeps on giving. I am both excelling academically, and finally reaching my fitness goals with their amazing recreation center. Please spread the word!
    Read 1,333 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,092 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 3,076 reviews
    #25 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Senior: I love the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee! The campus itself is the perfect size, it is only a ten-minute walk across campus. The academic advisers here are very helpful and try to help you as much as they can, as do all the teachers and professors. The teachers here really care for you. There is so much diversity here as well, I enjoy seeing that, especially in today's society. From my experience, I never had anything I would like to see change in the campus. I enjoy this campus so much and am even planning on staying here for grad school as well.
    Read 3,076 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,445 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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    University of Puget Sound

    • 4 Year
    • Tacoma, WA
    • 742 reviews

    Freshman: At the University of Puget Sound, professors will know your name and are passionate about their subjects. They are engaging and supportive and are always available for appointments if you need to talk to them. The campus is beautiful and there are a lot of good places to eat and shop nearby! Also, the politics and government program is great and has a lot of amazing professors.
    Read 742 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,065 Net Price
    • 1110-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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    Alverno College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 960 reviews

    Junior: My 2 years at Alverno so far have been overall great. I love the school and the people who come with it. I would definitely recommend the school to someone who is looking to live away from home for school but doesn't want to live too far away. Alverno has a very high diverse rate where nobody is left out and everyone is welcome, nobody is turned away because of race and is a strong believer in DACA. If looking for a school with one on one learning, diverse atmosphere, athletics, and of course a great education, Alverno is the place to be!
    Read 960 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,028 Net Price
    • 770-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Viterbo University

    • 4 Year
    • La Crosse, WI
    • 388 reviews

    Alum: Coming from a small high school in a little rural town, Viterbo was the perfect fit. I knew my professors personally, whether they were in the nursing program or not. The professors cared about my learning and were accommodating to unexpected life events. The coursework was rigorous but prepared me to be an excellent, compassionate nurse. I met amazing friends and was able to be very active in a variety of clubs on campus. Doing my nursing synthesis in Alaska was the icing on the cake!
    Read 388 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,457 Net Price
    • 1020-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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