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Colleges in Wisconsin
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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
    • 413
    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 413 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
    • 2,901
    2 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: As a current freshman starting out here at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, I can honestly say that this institution is one of the greatest in the nation. So far, UW Madison has been able to provide me with specific resources in achieving success in finding a major that suits me well. Additionally, the benefits for achieving a successful career path aren't the only thing that make UW Madison a great school, but the social environment is really welcoming as well. Yes, there is several selections of parties on campus, but there are definitely many other activities and organizations to join as well! The school is also a part of the Big Ten, so games are definitely very fun and rowdy when you go! Overall, my current experience as a Badger has been nothing but exceptional!
    Read 2,901 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
    • 1,870
    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 1,870 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
    • 641
    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 641 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
    • 1,295
    5 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: The town is really nice, with a decent amount of activities to do. There's especially a lot of outdoor activities and beautiful sights to see! The campus itself isn't too large, so walking to class doesn't usually take too long. The library is a really good place to study with a decent coffee shop in it, and the new student union has a lot of comfy chairs. Soon there will be a new science building, with a lot of labs! The math and statistics professors are also really interesting and helpful! It's a very good campus to be at!
    Read 1,295 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
    • 1,247
    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 1,247 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
    • 651
    7 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Lawrence is my home. Sometimes home is not your favorite place at times, but it always has that special place in your heart. Lawrence has been there for me whenever I need it, professors are there when I need academic support, friends are there to keep things interesting and fun, organizations are there to keep me involved, and the food isn't half bad either! I wouldn't trade my Lawrence education for anything in the world.
    Read 651 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
    • 498
    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 498 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

    Trinity University - Texas

    • 4 Year
    • San Antonio, TX
    • 667

    Freshman: I love this school! The academic focus here is strong. We have amazing faculty (ranked #6 in the Nation by WSJ). Professors are extremely accessible and very willing to help you succeed. There are tons of great activities and groups to join. If you don't find something, you can easily start up a new club. This is the most gorgeous campus. Butterflies are all around and we are next to the lovely historic Brackenridge Park, Japanese Tea Garden and the San Antonio Zoo. In recent years, Tigers have won 4 NCAA team championships and 4 individual track and field national titles. There isn't a huge party scene on campus. But we are 5 minutes from the River Walk and there is always something entertaining to do.
    Read 667 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 41% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,569 Net Price
    • 1160-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

    • 4 Year
    • Platteville, WI
    • 968
    10 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: University of Wisconsin - Platteville is a small hometown school, to me this is one of the more important factors. Classes are small enough where professors know you by name. The traditional dorms that they start freshman out on are average. They are considered on campus; however, to access certain campus buildings it is a long, and inconvenient walk, especially walking past the random cemetery in the middle of campus. The professors are generally very nice, several of them are foreign and that makes them hard to understand, at first. The facilities are top-notch and its almost impossible to find a club that peaks your interests.
    Read 968 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
    • 371
    11 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I love Viterbo due to the positive atmosphere it has. It has great values and principles like service, hospitality, stewardship, integrity, and contemplation. The staff really do care about each individual student and they strive to make a positive difference in students' lives. Everyone is very friendly and accepting of everyone. It's also a safe environment. They have good security. The campus strongly encourages service Saturdays and other service-type mission work. It's a Catholic school and it really lives up to it's religious mission statement.
    Read 371 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
    • 920
    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 920 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
    • 1,087
    13 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Senior: Carroll is a small university but the professors and academics are top notch! The smaller class sizes allow for a more personalized learning experience with easy access to extra help if needed. Speaking of extra help, Carroll offers a variety of studying assistance such as peer led study groups and easy to access online library. The classes can be tough, but at least you'll know you're paying for a great education.
    Read 1,087 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
    • 519
    14 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: This is a classic case of a 'little pond' school. You'll grow into a big, weird fish. Beloit is a place that people with avantgarde personality come to get a nice financial aid package and an education to rival the east coast liberal arts schools. I've never had a class larger than 10 students. Those were all fact statements. The value statement that you're looking for is this, "Beloit is a place to go if you've always felt outside of the mainstream, and want to be celebrated for that. Its where honestly passionate and incredibly bright people go to find meaningful things to do with their lives. I'm sure if you're already indoctrinated into the name-brand big school mentality, there's little I can say or do to convince you otherwise, except to say that this school has benefits that you will never understand until you are here. That's coming from someone who's taken classes at 4 separate colleges."
    Read 519 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
    • 412
    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 412 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
    • 961
    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 961 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
    • 463
    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 463 Reviews

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

    Whitman College

    • 4 Year
    • Walla Walla, WA
    • 345

    Freshman: Whitman College is truly amazing. I am impressed every day with the quality of the professors, the sense of community on campus, and the scenic surroundings. I have made some really great friends that I know will be life-long connections. My first year here has been great, and I am looking forward to my sophomore year.
    There is truly not much I would change, except perhaps increasing number of shuttles to the airport in Pasco.
    Read 345 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 51% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,272 Net Price
    • 1200-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

    • 4 Year
    • Whitewater, WI
    • 1,195
    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 1,195 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
    • 223
    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 223 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
    • 547
    20 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Senior: I really love this university. I've been attending here all four years and have had nothing it positive experiences. Everyone is so nice and welcoming! The professors here are great! They are well qualified and easily accessible and are willing to help students who seek help. The class sizes are small so you have a chance to interact more with the professors and other students. The clubs, sports and organizations here on campus are amazing. There are so many opportunities to get involved. The campus is great in all seasons and is very well taken care of. You can walk from one side of campus to the other in fifteen minutes. It's also a great place for students who commute. Our Universitg Center provides a nice place for students to study, relax, eat and have fun! The only change I would like to see on campus is for there to be more activities in the winter but this year they have already added so much. This university is a great place to attend!
    Read 547 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
    • 782
    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 782 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
    • 932
    22 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Alverno College has been really great so far! Sometimes scheduling is hard to figure out and some professors are hard to deal with but for the most part, I love being a part of the Alverno family. The small class sizes are awesome and there are always opportunities to get involved in the community and connect with others. It's been a really great experience so far and I can't wait to see what the rest of my education will bring!
    Read 932 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
    • 1,268
    23 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: The University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh was my third college choice, but due to complications with my major I decided this was my best option. Oshkosh was one of the few UW schools that offered Dual-Education. I was shocked that my top two colleges only offered general education or special, there was no option to take a degree in both. The reason why Oshkosh was not my first option was due to the bad reputation about underage drinking and the overall location of the school. As soon as I got past my first week of school I knew I made the best decision! My professors were amazing, dorms was clean, and many opportunities were coming my way! The UWO Hip Hop team invited me to their tryouts personally due to my previous dance experience. I felt honored that they knew who I was and wanted me on their team. I can honestly say those 2 years on the team were the best years of dance I've ever had! If it weren’t for Oshkosh I would have never met some of my best friends and amazing professors.
    Read 1,268 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
    • 2,934
    24 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: I love UWM for the diversity and acceptance of all people. However, the less fortunate people that reside in the union or other places can put you in an uncomfortable place. Some places need massive upgrades to make it more presentable. There are so many different majors/minors available that it makes going here so easy. You'll find your niche right in time to get into your core classes and your advisor should help you get there quickly. If you have the right advisor - you have the right path. I've heard that some can be lazy, but Mary Moore is the best advisor I could have asked for in the business realm. She recommended a path of a double major with no extra classes. I couldn't be more happy!
    Read 2,934 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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2018 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin
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