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2019 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
    • 418
    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 418 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
    • 2,959
    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 2,959 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
    • 1,903
    3 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Senior: Marquette is filled with students who want to succeed and work hard. Being immersed in this environment urges all to work their hardest to achieve their goals. Although everyone has unique goals, Marquette equips their students with the tools necessary for success. For example, professors are always available to answer questions about class. Additionally, students are also very willing to help one another in order to excel in the classroom. The team environment you feel at Marquette is felt beyond the sporting events and reaches the classroom. When looking back on my time at Marquette, I will always have fond memories of participating in insightful labs, attending basketball games, and joining organizations to find my second family here on campus. I could not be more proud to be graduating from Marquette this spring. Ring out Ahoya!
    Read 1,903 Reviews

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

    Viterbo University

    • 4 Year
    • La Crosse, WI
    • 379

    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 379 Reviews

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

  5. St. Norbert College

    • 4 Year
    • De Pere, WI
    • 648
    4 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: The attitude and feel of community at Saint Norbert College is unlike any other. All faculty and staff live and breathe communio and truly go above and beyond for the students from the professors, the cafeteria workers, to the garbage men! Unfortunately this college is lacking when it comes to costs. SNC is incomparably over-priced. Not only that, as tuition continues to increase for students, their scholarship awards do not reflect the increase leaving students, especially those who pay their own way, suffering heavily.
    Read 648 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
    • 1,335
    5 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: I started college at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse in 2016, and every day I grow to enjoy this place more and more. The school has a plethora of opportunities to dive into and explore whatever interests you might have. There are many exceptional professors that teach with such passion and are invested in furthering each student's education. The campus is beautiful and easy to walk from end to end in 10 minutes. I would recommend this wonderful college to anyone!
    Read 1,335 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
    • 1,279
    6 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: The thing that attracted me to UW-Eau Claire was the friendly people and the campus. It's absolutely gorgeous when it's not under construction. There is a bookstore where you can rent many of your textbooks, but sometimes you may have to pay depending on the classes you take. We also have a great amount of organizations to get involved with. The people here are great and there's much to explore in the city of Eau Claire. One thing that is important to know is the parking is terrible on campus and also there is a shortage of housing. Only freshmen and transfer students can stay in the dorms because many people go to this school! Other than that, I'm satisfied with my college choice so far!
    Read 1,279 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. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

    • 4 Year
    • Platteville, WI
    • 987
    7 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Niche User: The University of Platteville is a great place! It has very friendly people, good food and it also has amazing academics. When I toured Platteville for the first time I noticed how close the students were with each other and how close they were with their professors. I am super excited about the area also. It is a small town and it mostly contains only college students. I am beyond excited to attend the University of Wisconsin Platteville!
    Read 987 Reviews

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

  10. University of Wisconsin - Stout

    • 4 Year
    • Menomonie, WI
    • 932
    8 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 932 Reviews

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

  11. Lawrence University

    • 4 Year
    • Appleton, WI
    • 660
    9 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: Lawrence is the most incredible private school, offering everything that you could hope for. The academics are rigorous and pristine with the trimester system allowing for students to achieve more. The liberal arts education is incredibly valuable in crafting well-rounded individuals. In terms of catering to interests, Lawrence's countless clubs, athletics, and musical opportunities provide something for everyone. A prestigious, impressive, invigorating, and rewarding school, Lawrence University is the greatest option for intelligent, multi-interested students who want to be treated as individuals, not just as a face in a crowd or pit class.
    Read 660 Reviews

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

  14. Wisconsin Lutheran College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 420
    10 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: I am a sophomore at Wisconsin Lutheran College and I am a nursing major. So far I love going to school here! The students and faculty are so nice and caring for every single student. At the end of my 4 years I will be leaving with a nursing degree that will set me up for a great career in the future. I also play softball at WLC and that gives me the perfect outlet to continue to play the sport I love at a colleigente level.
    Read 420 Reviews

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

  15. Edgewood College

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 510
    11 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Graduate Student: I am a graduate student at Edgewood College seeking a Master's degree in Bilingual Education. Edgewood is nestled right off of a lovely little lake that provides great scenery, a bike path to a nearby nature preserve, and a short walk to great independently owned restaurants and shops. The professors and administration are very helpful and supportive. I would highly recommend Edgewood to other graduate students - if they can afford it.
    Read 510 Reviews

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

  16. Ripon College

    • 4 Year
    • Ripon, WI
    • 509
    12 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 509 Reviews

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

  18. Carroll University

    • 4 Year
    • Waukesha, WI
    • 1,113
    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 1,113 Reviews

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

  19. Beloit College

    • 4 Year
    • Beloit, WI
    • 526
    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 526 Reviews

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

  20. Viterbo University

    • 4 Year
    • La Crosse, WI
    • 379
    15 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 379 Reviews

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

  21. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

    • 4 Year
    • Whitewater, WI
    • 1,217
    16 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 1,217 Reviews

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

  22. Cardinal Stritch University

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 472
    17 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 472 Reviews

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

  25. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

    • 4 Year
    • Stevens Point, WI
    • 982
    18 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 982 Reviews

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

  26. Mount Mary University

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

    Niche User: In my encounters with staff and students, Mount Mary University has been nothing short of excellent. Communication with counselors is easy to initiate and comfortable in each experience. This next school year, Mount Mary is rolling out a new-and-improved Undecided program including career counseling, job shadowing, and an entire course filled with people unsure of their futures or stuck between majors. I recommend Mount Mary.
    Read 414 Reviews

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

  27. Marian University - Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Fond du Lac, WI
    • 229
    20 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 229 Reviews

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

  28. University of Wisconsin - River Falls

    • 4 Year
    • River Falls, WI
    • 568
    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 568 Reviews

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

  29. Alverno College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 945
    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 945 Reviews

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

  32. Concordia University - Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Mequon, WI
    • 795
    23 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Sophomore: I love how invested every professor is in my education. They do everything in their power to help make sure that I am succeeding in everything that I do. There is no better campus in Wisconsin than Concordia's campus, it is so breathtaking. I felt at home the first time I stepped foot there. I am from small-town Door County, so coming to a smaller school made the transition to college so easy. The helpfulness of the professors helped A LOT as well. I have nothing but amazing things to say about Concordia's academic program!
    Read 795 Reviews

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

  33. Carthage College

    • 4 Year
    • Kenosha, WI
    • 1,050
    24 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

    Junior: I love the professors and small school environment! It’s very easy to find time with professors to help you with a class outside of class. Many professors offer office hours when you can stop by and ask for help on anything. In my 3 years there I’ve never had a problem with getting help from a professor. On top of that the student body is really nice. Almost everyone I run into is really freindly and it’s very easy to make new friends! The one complaint I have is the food, it’s not necessarily the healthiest or best priced. But other than that I love the school!
    Read 1,050 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,564 Net Price
    • 920-1140 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 2,994
    25 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 2,994 Reviews

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

    Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,175

    Sophomore: MSU is an amazing place to be, and I am proud to be a student representing this school! Student life really helps each individual to be able to express themselves to the full extent. The classes and professors are very engaging allowing students to pave their own paths, as they learn. But, the support from all staff - professors, TAs, advisors, is absolutely incredible! As a student striving for success in the medical field, I am proud to be a student here.
    Read 5,175 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,970 Net Price
    • 990-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  36. Sponsored

    Alverno College

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 945

    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 945 Reviews

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