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2022 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

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  1. Milwaukee School of Engineering

    • 4 Year
    • MILWAUKEE, WI
    • 462 reviews
    #1 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I have just completed by first year at MSOE as a Nursing major. I have to say that I love it. MSOE's professors are very passionate about what they teach to students and are always super helpful. The campus is in a great area with so much to do around, and it is very beautiful. It is a very hard school and you have to have at least a 77 for nursing prerequisites in order to move to the next class. This is a big challenge for a lot of the students as the classes are not easy, but they can be done with persistence and determination. For social life, it is what you want it to be as it is a small school. You have to find your people just like anywhere else! I've met great friends in my 1st year and we have gone out many weekends together and made great memories. There are plenty of parties, sport events, and more for whatever you like. It is a very safe campus, public safety is great! I love MSOE and I would definitely recommend it for those who want a great education...Read 462 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Value
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,917 Net Price
    • 1180-1370 SAT Range
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  2. University of Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • MADISON, WI
    • 3,230 reviews
    #2 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: UW-Madison is a great college! I personally enjoyed the social scene and the beautiful campus. Not only are there multiple course options, but most of the courses offered are extremely interesting. The classes can be time-consuming and difficult depending on your major of study. The hard-work pays off though. Professors are really understanding, especially because of the current pandemic. Madison has a great support system for their students and offers really great resources for tutoring. There is also a great variety of extracurriculars at Wisconsin. If you are interested in joining a fraternity or a sorority, rest assured that Madison's Greek life is very active. If Greek life isn't your style, there are still plenty of other ways to make friends and have fun. Weekends are always a good time at Madison. The bar scene on-campus is fun as well. A good rule of thumb for future UW-Madison students is "Work hard, play hard." Attending UW-Madison will produce a fun college experience!...Read 3,230 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Value
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,103 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
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  3. Marquette University

    • 4 Year
    • MILWAUKEE, WI
    • 2,044 reviews
    #3 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Marquette University is a really great school! The professors truthfully care about you. They go above-and-beyond to make sure all of their students are succeeding in their classes. Speaking of classes, the size of classes are small and personal. You can make real relationships with your professors and peers. You don't have to worry about not having the time to meet with your professors either, because they will make sure to meet with you whenever you need. There's a lot of clubs to join, too!...Read 2,044 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,120 Net Price
    • 1120-1320 SAT Range
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  4. St. Norbert College

    • 4 Year
    • DE PERE, WI
    • 706 reviews
    #4 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I have loved SNC so far! It is so homey and I don’t think I will ever get over how gorgeous campus is. It is so beautiful that I often take the long way back to my dorm just so I can walk through it. The professors are all very caring and I am already developing close relationships with some of them as a freshman! The food is amazing as well, but you do get sick of some things they serve after after a while. Students here can be very cliquey, which I didn’t really expect. It is harder to make new friends since Covid started because clubs and events are less populated...Read 706 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,540 Net Price
    • 1000-1300 SAT Range
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  5. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

    • 4 Year
    • LA CROSSE, WI
    • 1,635 reviews
    #5 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I love the environment of UWL. From the beautiful nature of the bluffs and Mississippi river, to the buildings and landscaping. The teachers and professors I have this year are nothing but helpful, kind, and always willing to help. The food options are diverse and even include vegan and vegetarian options. I love how the campus is fairly condensed, making it easy to find my classes and the walks remain short. For my environmental studies class I get to frequently enjoy going on hikes and exploring marshes. There are nearly 300 different clubs and organizations that are offered here, making it very easy to meet new people and to stay busy! At the rec center, there are group fitness activities that make it fun to be active and healthy while on campus. I am a freshman this year, and so far I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the dorms here as well. The air conditioning and personal bathroom are accommodations that I do not take for granted...Read 1,635 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,167 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  6. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

    • 4 Year
    • PLATTEVILLE, WI
    • 1,062 reviews
    #6 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Graduate Student: Quality instructors who understand the material.Clean modules, supportive faculty, and academic advisors are readily available. Preview week is setup for you to get started before the term begins, as there are assignments due weekly, which is beneficial. Assignments include discussions, team projects, quizzes, and papers, all with a fair grading system. Canvas has a user friendly interface, and instructors post their material in a timely manner. Advisors are there to help you each step of the way, and are knowledgeable and supportive. Financial aid is available, but not so much for distance students, many local scholarships it seems. Online library is comprehensive and easy to navigate. Classes are geared towards your major, but also have plenty of elective classes, providing a diverse and well-round educational experience. Many classes are being converted to 8 week module, rather than a full 16 week term, allowing more options and to focus on one class at time...Read 1,062 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Value
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,611 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  7. Lawrence University

    • 4 Year
    • APPLETON, WI
    • 701 reviews
    #7 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    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 701 Reviews

    • A minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Value
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,162 Net Price
    • 1200-1430 SAT Range
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  8. Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • WAUKESHA, WI
    • 1,209 reviews
    #8 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    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 1,209 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Value
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,866 Net Price
    • 1030-1240 SAT Range
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  9. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

    • 4 Year
    • EAU CLAIRE, WI
    • 1,439 reviews
    #9 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: This college has a really gorgeous campus and a lot of fun opportunities that include floating down the river, a rock climbing course and beach volleyball among other things! Although I wish that there was more diversity throughout the campus, there are a lot of really amazing opportunities for leadership in diversity and equity clubs, along with other clubs and opportunities to help be apart of social change. The intramural clubs and sports have been really fun and UWEC has found a safe way for students to be involved in sports and activities during the global pandemic. I am a biochemistry major on a pre-med route and I have also been able to be a part of a lot of Pre-medicine preparation clubs and meetings, which have been very helpful in regards of what classes to take and where to volunteer to help me get to medical school...Read 1,439 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Value
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,010 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  12. University of Wisconsin - Stout

    • 4 Year
    • MENOMONIE, WI
    • 993 reviews
    #10 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    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 993 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Value
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,767 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  13. Viterbo University

    • 4 Year
    • LA CROSSE, WI
    • 410 reviews
    #11 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 410 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Value
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,747 Net Price
    • 1050-1270 SAT Range
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  14. Wisconsin Lutheran College

    • 4 Year
    • MILWAUKEE, WI
    • 452 reviews
    #12 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Amazing Christian education! The professors want to build a positive relationship with each student, and most of them truly care about their student's well-being. The campus is beautiful and well-maintained by a contracted company. You get what you pay for with housing and education. Wisconsin Lutheran College is expensive, but they give out need-based financial aid. It is worth every penny to me. There is also a rich community feeling; even if you don't know somebody, most people will smile when they pass in the halls. There is minimal to no class division. It is extremely common and encouraged to have a variety of friends from different class years. It is so fantastic! There are party rooms, but it is not a large party school, which I appreciate. There are always things to do! Since it is a school, it is hard, and academics are stressed. Even with that, there are plenty of opportunities to receive help. I cannot say enough good things about the faculty, staff, and students!...Read 452 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Value
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,836 Net Price
    • 1020-1290 SAT Range
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  15. Edgewood College

    • 4 Year
    • MADISON, WI
    • 553 reviews
    #13 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: I have had the chance of meeting amazing people and at the same time have very unique learning and working opportunities. Would recommend!Read 553 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Value
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,959 Net Price
    • 950-1210 SAT Range
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  16. Beloit College

    • 4 Year
    • BELOIT, WI
    • 572 reviews
    #14 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Senior: I have had a great experience at Beloit College. The professors are so passionate and involved in campus life, and the campus itself is beautiful. In every season the campus is perfect and walkable - it's about a 10 minute walk end to end and the green spaces are fantastic. When it's nice out students use the green spaces to play soccer, picnic, do homework, and hang out with friends. There's an incredibly friendly atmosphere on campus and I feel so lucky to be a part of the community here. There is no where else I would rather be!...Read 572 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A minus
      Value
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,493 Net Price
    • 1080-1380 SAT Range
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  17. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

    • 4 Year
    • WHITEWATER, WI
    • 1,340 reviews
    #15 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Alum: Overall my time at UW Whitewater was wonderful! I met some of my best friends there, learned a lot from all of my professors, and enjoyed campus a lot. I lived in student housing for the first two years, and the dorms were, overall, a good experience. They were clean and maintained, and fairly central to everywhere I needed to be on campus. All of the professors were very well versed in their subjects and always seemed to be willing to answer questions and speak with students about anything they needed. Creating my schedule was easy as well through the online applications. I had a job on campus and competed with the Forensics team, which was an amazing experience itself. Competing with the team allowed me to travel and reach farther than my comfort zone to grow my public speaking skills and fight for things that I believe in. I personally found most of the staff helpful and friendly throughout campus. As many schools, some of the dining areas need some improvements...Read 1,340 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,309 Net Price
    • 890-1110 SAT Range
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  18. Ripon College

    • 4 Year
    • RIPON, WI
    • 528 reviews
    #16 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: The unique curriculum design with dedicated faculty, diversity, fellowship, and leadership made the choice an easy one to make. I am thankful that I chose to attend Ripon College! I know my education will prepare me for what lies ahead. And the skills both on the soccer field and off, I know I can transfer my leadership skills to a successful career after graduation!...Read 528 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,830 Net Price
    • 990-1220 SAT Range
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  19. University of Wisconsin - River Falls

    • 4 Year
    • RIVER FALLS, WI
    • 659 reviews
    #17 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: I am so pleased with my decision to attend the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. They have always been so welcoming and inclusive since my first day on campus. Adjusting to the new environment my freshman year was a bit stressful but the students and staff invited us all into their community with open arms. All of the buildings on campus are modern and up-to-date, equipped with comfortable study environments where you can grab a cup of coffee and peacefully do your work at any time you please. Last year, I decided to drop out after struggling to keep up with my school work during the pandemic. All of my professors were so understanding and supportive of my decision. After taking a year off, it was intimidating to reenroll in school, but the school made it so easy to reapply and get back to classes. The disability office has been especially helpful when my mental health has gotten in the way of my work. I can't wait to continue my studies here at UWRF!...Read 659 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,530 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  22. Marian University - Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • FOND DU LAC, WI
    • 263 reviews
    #18 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 263 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,020 Net Price
    • 880-1080 SAT Range
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  23. Mount Mary University

    • 4 Year
    • MILWAUKEE, WI
    • 435 reviews
    #19 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I love how supportive and friendly the community is at Mount Mary University! It is a smaller university so you are able to get one-on-one connections with your professors. They really get the chance to know you and you get the chance to know them! Due to smaller class sizes everyone feels like family! There is always a friendly face. The diversity here is amazing. Mount Mary offers so many opportunities to seek the help you need from counseling to tutors! I really enjoy my experience here...Read 435 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,156 Net Price
    • 880-990 SAT Range
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  24. Cardinal Stritch University

    • 4 Year
    • MILWAUKEE, WI
    • 499 reviews
    #20 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: All of the teachers, tutors and advisors are overall incredibly helpful. They always listen whenever any students have any questions, and are always willing to set up meetings whenever we need more help. The campus layout is easy to remember, and there are plenty of quiet places for you to go to and study for upcoming exams. Everyone will always keep you motivated to keep trying your best and will never give up on a student. All of the other students are respectful with one another, and there has never been any fights on campus during my time there. It is an overall very comfortable place to be and is very easy to adapt...Read 499 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,107 Net Price
    • 980-1130 SAT Range
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  25. Concordia University - Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • MEQUON, WI
    • 842 reviews
    #21 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 842 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,175 Net Price
    • 898-1156 SAT Range
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  26. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

    • 4 Year
    • STEVENS POINT, WI
    • 1,102 reviews
    #22 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 1,102 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,797 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  29. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

    • 4 Year
    • MILWAUKEE, WI
    • 3,194 reviews
    #23 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Senior: I am a transfer student from UW-Oshkosh, I am now a senior pursuing a double major in Physics and Biomedical Engineering. I am 21 years old. I completed my physics portion at UW-Oshkosh but since they do not have the Biomedical portion I had to transfer to UW-Milwaukee. Cool thing about it though is that all my credits transferred with no problem because it is a dual degree; meaning UW-Oshkosh and UW-Milwaukee will provide 2 degrees for me for when I graduate from my undergraduate...I am pleased with the amount of things I am able to do on and off of campus even with the pandemic happening. Although meeting other students may be a challenge, it is a pleasant environment once on campus! All the buildings provide free resources and free WiFi! The professors are also very understanding during these hard times and are more than happy to help students who have questions! I am one of those students who ask various questions so do not be scared to walk out of your comfort zone!...Read 3,194 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Value
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,822 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  30. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

    • 4 Year
    • OSHKOSH, WI
    • 1,393 reviews
    #24 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Niche User: I will be an upcoming Freshman at the University of Oshkosh in the fall of 2021. So far I have only toured the campus, but I am in love with it! My tour guide was phenomenal and told me all about the amazing opportunities they offer to all students. She shared about the 5 hours of free tutoring provided on campus and students who will check over your essays. She even shared a personal story that really stuck with me. She had an essay that was due and was struggling with it so she took it to a student who could help. The student helped her raise her previous grade of C to an A. There are so many academic opportunities and the social life seems amazing. I cannot wait to attend the University this upcoming fall!...Read 1,393 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Value
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,980 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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  31. University of Wisconsin - Superior

    • 4 Year
    • SUPERIOR, WI
    • 272 reviews
    #25 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: UW-Superior, though the smallest UW school, really has a great campus climate and great diversity within its student body. There are variety of majors to choose from, as well as minors, certificate programs, and even some graduate programs! The campus itself is also beautiful...Read 272 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Value
    • 82% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,695 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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    ECPI University - Newport News, VA

    • 2 Year
    • NEWPORT NEWS, VA
    • 4 reviews

    Sophomore: The staff at ECPI - Newport News are super. They are so involved with making sure your education needs are met and if you have any questions or concerns, they are they to listen and make changes if they are needed. With COVID 19, the administration did not miss a beat and they were there with online learning solution without delay and our education is going to move on so we do not have any delays with our graduation goal. I would recommend checking them out...Read 4 Reviews

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    Carthage College

    • 4 Year
    • KENOSHA, WI
    • 1,142 reviews

    Junior: Carthage ended up being my home away from home for sure. Being on campus feels like it's own little world. I met my bestfriends through attending Carthage College and I wouldn't change my decision to attend this college! The lake is the main attraction for sure, the morning sunrises are a sight to see. When living in the dorms, you tend to get very close to your hall mates. That is actually how I met my best friend. People are very kind even if you don't know them. The staff is wonderful as well. very eager to help. The professors and staff members know their students unlike most colleges where the student is just a name and number...Read 1,142 Reviews

    • B minus
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,165 Net Price
    • 1000-1220 SAT Range
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    Beloit College

    • 4 Year
    • BELOIT, WI
    • 572 reviews

    Senior: I have had a great experience at Beloit College. The professors are so passionate and involved in campus life, and the campus itself is beautiful. In every season the campus is perfect and walkable - it's about a 10 minute walk end to end and the green spaces are fantastic. When it's nice out students use the green spaces to play soccer, picnic, do homework, and hang out with friends. There's an incredibly friendly atmosphere on campus and I feel so lucky to be a part of the community here. There is no where else I would rather be!...Read 572 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,493 Net Price
    • 1080-1380 SAT Range
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