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2018 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.

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  1. Milwaukee School of Engineering

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 415
    1 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Milwaukee School of Engineering provides students with an excellent education. All classes and labs are completely taught by the professors, since there are no teacher assistants. In their first term, students take classes within their major. This helps students discern whether their chosen major is the right fit and provides immediate exposure to material that they will use in their collegiate and post-collegiate careers. By using the trimester system, the school gives its students exposure to a large range of classes and material. If one succeeds at the school, a degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering is highly respected, at least in the surrounding area. The school provides all of the necessary tools to find a quality job before graduating.
    Read 415 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Value
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,998 Net Price
    • 1160-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. University of Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 2,926
    2 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: I'm only through two years at the UW, but they've been awesome so far! Football season is great, really brings the city together, especially fresh off of an Orange Bowl win. It took some adjusting living away from my family, but I've made some great friends in Madison. I had a great roommate freshman year and have gotten involved in several clubs--cheese club, Badger Cru, Sconnie Sports Talk to name a few. One thing I would look to change is the emphasis that is placed on tests--I know it's unlikely to be changed, I just think it's tough for people, especially those who are bad test-takers, to have one test be 50% of their grade. Other than that, these two years have been great--go Badgers!
    Read 2,926 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Value
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,874 Net Price
    • 1200-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Marquette University

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 1,881
    3 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Niche User: My college visit was an amazing experience! Everyone was very helpful and caring. All of my questions were answered and I am in love with the school. The location is perfect with having a urban lifestyle with suburban people. The campus is located only 1 mile away from Lake Michigan for summer fun and there are also numerous activities that can be done during the summer months, such as going to their D1 basketball team. Everyone has great school spirit and safety is tremendous since they have an almost 24 hour limo service that will ensure that you make it back to your dorm after a cheer-filled game or long night of studying in their wonderful library. I recommend everyone looking into this college when they are applying.
    Read 1,881 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Value
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,502 Net Price
    • 1040-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. St. Norbert College

    • 4 Year
    • De Pere, WI
    • 634
    4 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I really love SNC! The campus is beautiful and so clean. The people are all wonderful and unbelievably polite. The academics are great and very diverse, with the teachers being very involved, even if they sometimes forget office hours. I do not go to parties, but I have heard from friends the sober parties are very fun and they have a great time there! I am no athlete, but my friends seem to really enjoy the athletic program here. The teachers are amazing and they really add to the overall experience. I feel very safe here, there have been a few reports of "attacks" on campus, but each time, people are physically injured. The food here is delicious and I have definitely gained my freshman 15, but no worries, the new fitness center is almost complete, so I won't have to worry about gaining any more weight! Overall, I really love the school and everything that involves it!
    Read 634 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,182 Net Price
    • 960-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

    • 4 Year
    • La Crosse, WI
    • 1,317
    5 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: UW-L has provided me with many opportunities on campus! I am involved with a lot of things, such as:
    1. Student Support Services -Student Leadership Council
    2. Office of Multicultural Student Services
    3. Residence Life - Drake Hall Front Desk Assistant and Eagle Guide for New Student Orientation
    4. Murphy Learning Center - Front Desk Assistant and Web Editor
    5. LeaderShape National Institute.
    These are all things I have and still currently participating in.
    Read 1,317 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,265 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

    • 4 Year
    • Eau Claire, WI
    • 1,257
    6 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: I love my experience at UWEC so far! When I was struggling with my major Freshman year, I was able to take advantage of resources that the University provides to explore different career ideas. This helped me choose a better path for myself and I couldn't be happier! I've also had the opportunity to take some interesting courses that have taught me more about the LGBT community, which will help me to be a more inclusive and understanding employee in the future. I was also able to take advantage of the study abroad program that UWEC offers and had an incredible experience! The only complaint that I have is that the dorms were tiny, outdated and very expensive for what you get, but I only lived in them Freshman year and now live off-campus.
    Read 1,257 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,176 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Lawrence University

    • 4 Year
    • Appleton, WI
    • 654
    7 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: Lawrence has offered me the perfect environment to learn and grow as I work my way into the world. Even as a part of two fairly small departments, Linguistics and Classics, I have learned a lot and felt supported by my professors and my fellow students alike. Most of us seem to share a contagious enthusiasm for learning and exploring, whether in the classroom or at a concert or just sitting around in the dining hall and chatting. Throughout campus, students are known for their "busy culture"; they are determined to find more to get involved in or accomplish. This can sometimes create a stressful or even competitive environment. However, both students and faculty members are doing their best to promote balance and ensure that this busy-ness doesn't reach unhealthy levels, and I have felt a campus-wide camaraderie and concern for the whole community's well-being.
    Read 654 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,230 Net Price
    • 1180-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Edgewood College

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 502
    8 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: My experience with Edgewood College so far, has been wonderful. The campus is beautiful and so close to many businesses.
    The classes are small, which gives you a more one on one with your professors, which truly enhances the learning experience.
    Edgewood has many extra curricular events that encourage students to bond and become a bigger part of the school.
    I feel very safe and confident in knowing that I am a member of such a wonderful school.
    Read 502 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,111 Net Price
    • 955-1078 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Ripon College

    • 4 Year
    • Ripon, WI
    • 507
    9 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Alum: I graduated 1.5 years ago, I was accepted to Medical School (MD) right out of college, but as a back-up, I had applied to jobs during my senior year and received 2 high paying offers (greater than 55k + benefits) within 2 weeks. Ripon really prepared me for Medical School and the job market. What really makes Ripon stand out is in connecting students with opportunities to build one's resume in college so they become excellent applicants for post-grad education and in the job market. You have to actively try to not become involved in research, campus jobs, internships, or other resume building activities, while being a student at Ripon. The fact that I and several of my classmates were accepted into Medical School right out of college is significant. This is becoming increasing difficult to build a sufficient resume to be a competitive applicant after just 4 years of college. But Ripon is small enough to give you those opportunities to build your resume in just 4 years.
    Read 507 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,893 Net Price
    • 860-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  12. Sponsored

    Wisconsin Lutheran College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 414

    Freshman: My experience at Wisconsin Lutheran was amazing. It was really nice even as I was a commuter! I loved the aid I received not only from my professors, but my classmates as well. The friendly people all around campus helped me to stay cool and focused on being on my "A game". I simply felt the positive desire to want to do well since I had positivity pushing on me. The experience was great. I aspire to continue to do well and keep my head up. Being at WLC motivates me to be an awesome student. It has molded me to be goal- oriented, so that I may surely have future success in my desired career, which is Theology.
    Read 414 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,146 Net Price
    • 1020-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

    • 4 Year
    • Platteville, WI
    • 973
    10 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: UW Platteville is a great small college! This allows for students to have more one on one conversations with their professors. By having this the professors, in turn, will get to know their students, which is a great way for a student to get a letter of recommendation that has more meaning behind it because of the professors personal experience with the student.
    Read 973 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,341 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Viterbo University

    • 4 Year
    • La Crosse, WI
    • 373
    11 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: I love how welcoming Viterbo University is! You can sense the hospitality when you are on campus, and everyone here wants you to succeed. It is a small and home-like feel that makes everyone feel welcome.
    Read 373 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,751 Net Price
    • 820-1020 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of Wisconsin - Stout

    • 4 Year
    • Menomonie, WI
    • 924
    12 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: UW-Stout is an awesome college to attend. It has many unique majors and is the only Polytechnic university in Wisconsin. Every professor that I have had so far are very caring and want me to learn the material very well. Then we can use what I have learned and apply it to my future job. The class sizes are small, and you get to know others who are in the class. The laptop program is a plus! When attending Stout, you will receive a free laptop and after your sophomore year of college, you get to trade in your laptop and get another one that you get to keep after you graduate! Also, the book rental program is awesome! No more paying for textbooks. Just go to the Stout library and check out textbooks that you need for the semester and then return them after your final exams. There are also so many student organizations on campus that you can get involved with! Overall UW-Stout gets a 5 star from my experience so far!
    Read 924 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,038 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • Waukesha, WI
    • 1,098
    13 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 1,098 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,210 Net Price
    • 940-1158 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Beloit College

    • 4 Year
    • Beloit, WI
    • 520
    14 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Niche User: We visited Beloit on a Open House Saturday and came away very impressed. The campus is pretty, the plans for the new student center look incredible, and our tour guide was straightforward and encouraging. My daughter is a vegan and was very pleasantly surprised by the number of tasty and healthful options in the dining hall. We talked to an absolutely lovely, thoughtful, and engaging student who was not part of the admission team to get her take on the school. She said that she had been completely transformed by her experience there--that she has turned into a person who loves to learn. Before Beloit, she was only interested in taking classes as a means of getting to the next step.
    Read 520 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,790 Net Price
    • 1065-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Wisconsin Lutheran College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 414
    15 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: My experience at Wisconsin Lutheran was amazing. It was really nice even as I was a commuter! I loved the aid I received not only from my professors, but my classmates as well. The friendly people all around campus helped me to stay cool and focused on being on my "A game". I simply felt the positive desire to want to do well since I had positivity pushing on me. The experience was great. I aspire to continue to do well and keep my head up. Being at WLC motivates me to be an awesome student. It has molded me to be goal- oriented, so that I may surely have future success in my desired career, which is Theology.
    Read 414 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 90% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,146 Net Price
    • 1020-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

    • 4 Year
    • Stevens Point, WI
    • 967
    16 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: Going to UWSP has been a great experience for me. The professors are good and they care so much about their students that they get to know them on a personal level and encourage them to succeed! They also offer many services to help students - tutoring, counseling, library resources, clubs, disability services, inclusivity, health services, etc. Campus is also in walking distance of many restaurants and shops.
    Read 967 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,556 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Cardinal Stritch University

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 467
    17 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I'm a nursing student at Cardinal Stritch University and it's been a great ride so far! There is no petitioning for the nursing program which is great. The classes are small. The people and professors are friendly and helpful. Although the tuition is about $28,000 a year, it's pretty affordable after all the loans and scholarships given as well.
    Read 467 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,289 Net Price
    • 930-1083 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  22. Sponsored

    Alverno College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 940

    Sophomore: I came to Alverno as a transfer student. My first overall impression was that it was only for crazy outgoing people. However, now going into my third semester, I love it! The community around Alverno, along with the staff and women who attend this school are amazing and supportive. Alverno does not have grades, we have a pass or fail system. At first it was scary with that grading system,however, I really like it because the professors provide lengthy feedback on every assignment. The feedback tells us what we did well on and how we can improve our skills. With the professors giving indivial feedback, it provides us with a chance to form a better relationship with them rather then being defined by a grade.
    Read 940 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,861 Net Price
    • 770-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

    • 4 Year
    • Whitewater, WI
    • 1,202
    18 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: UW-Whitewater has one of the most beautiful campuses of any I'd visited. It's also a good size to get from one end to the other, unlike some of the
    large campuses I'd seen. The grounds are well-lit, clean, and pretty. There are a number of housing options once you decide you're done with dorm life, including many homes for rent in the area. I like that we are taught by the professors and not aides. I appreciate that we don't have to be entered onto a waiting list for entry into specialized studies pertaining to our majors. I do feel that Whitewater athletics should be recognized more statewide, as we have some of the best athletes/teams around! The student enrollment is diverse, allowing interactions with people not only from around the US but the world! And tuition is more affordable than some of the other state universities, yet we get the same (or better) educational offerings. My experience with UWW has been very enjoyable.
    Read 1,202 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,849 Net Price
    • 890-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Marian University - Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Fond du Lac, WI
    • 227
    19 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Niche User: The staff are so friendly and eager to help out anyway they can! When I first thought about going back, I had a lot of questions before I wanted to make a choice about where to go. The staff were quick to answer all my questions, and if they couldn't, they provided contact info for someone who could. Even after school started, staff would periodically reach out to make sure that I was doing ok with everything.
    Read 227 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,628 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of Wisconsin - River Falls

    • 4 Year
    • River Falls, WI
    • 556
    20 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 556 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,046 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Concordia University - Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Mequon, WI
    • 786
    21 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: I really enjoyed and appreciated the immediate warm welcoming I received on my very first visit to the campus. Everyone you interact with or seek for help cares about you and what you are trying to accomplish whether thats faculty and staff members or other students. There is always someone there willing to lend a helping hand. The campus is absolutely gorgeous, it has great intimate class sizes that are perfect for hands-on learning with a comfortable environment laying as its foundation, and there are so many ways to get involved with the school and its people through clubs, athletics, organizations, and all the opportunities that stem from these venues. Plus, how can you go wrong with that beautiful lake view all year long?!
    Read 786 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,764 Net Price
    • 898-1156 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Alverno College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 940
    22 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: I came to Alverno as a transfer student. My first overall impression was that it was only for crazy outgoing people. However, now going into my third semester, I love it! The community around Alverno, along with the staff and women who attend this school are amazing and supportive. Alverno does not have grades, we have a pass or fail system. At first it was scary with that grading system,however, I really like it because the professors provide lengthy feedback on every assignment. The feedback tells us what we did well on and how we can improve our skills. With the professors giving indivial feedback, it provides us with a chance to form a better relationship with them rather then being defined by a grade.
    Read 940 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,861 Net Price
    • 770-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

    • 4 Year
    • Oshkosh, WI
    • 1,276
    23 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: The University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh is a very wonderful place to go. The classes are no longer than a 10 minutes walk from the dorms and all the academic halls are rather close to each other. The entire campus is placed basically on two streets making it very easy to navigate. The food is also quite nice. There are two main commons: Blackhawk and Reeve Union. Blackhawk is where you get the basic buffet meals everyday.. and the ice cream. Reeve is where we have places like pizza hut and subway! Reeve is only accessible to to students with special meal plans or titan dollars unless it is the weekend. On the weekends, every meal plan is excepted and every student is a happy camper.
    Read 1,276 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,171 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 2,962
    24 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: UWM is a wonderful school! Being in the city allows you to be introduced to many new types of people and activities. Plus, it allows you to create connunitions with the workforce and community of the city. There are so many clubs on campus that everyone will be able to find a place they belong, as well as a great amount of diversity and support/resources for those students. The school also offers tons of majors so a student can fully explore their interests, and support to help them thrive (such as free tutoring, free health clinic, free gym, peer mentors, the different resource centers, etc). A wonderful school for anyone looking to have both a great social and academic life in college!
    Read 2,962 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,747 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Mount Mary University

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 405
    25 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: I love my experience at Mount Mary! I love he professors and all my peers. It was my first choice of college and I'm so glad I was able to be part of this community. There are so many opportunities for the students here and so much encouragement. The campus is gorgeous as well year round. Only thing I did not like too much was how much everything costs but that's what happens at a private college. It was worth the price and the people you get to network with stay with you forever! Recommend this university to women who want small class sizes and want to change the world!
    Read 405 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,576 Net Price
    • 663-878 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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