2023 Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  3,340 reviews

Freshman: The student life here is amazing, and it's clear the university wants its students to feel comfortable on campus. TA's and professors have been mostly receptive to emails and eager to help out when needed. The location and surrounding resources are valuable and easy to take advantage of as a student. I wish professors were better equipped to use canvas or some other teaching website. Also, there should be a standardized attendance app or website that is used by all teachers rather than having to download two or three separate applications in a semester depending on which professors you have. Overall, a great experience!... Read 3,340 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $14,030

• SAT range 1260-1460

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  478 reviews

Sophomore: MSOE is not for the faint of heart. If you want to be academically successful, you need to be willing to put in the time/effort and spend your time efficiently. If you don't know how to do that, there are success coaches that can point you in the right direction (resources were presented to me during orientation). While the academic rigor here may be grueling, there are a lot of opportunities here. As a CS student, I was able to start using the supercomputer my freshman year as a part of a research project. In terms of the campus experience, I will say that some buildings are more well-kept than others, but MSOE does seem to be trying to make the campus better with the new campus green, CC remodel, and Viets Tower. When it comes to social life, it is what you want it to be. I recommend joining clubs to meet like-minded people. If you are looking for a party scene, you may have to look at surrounding colleges for that..... Read 478 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $26,541

• SAT range 1180-1370

• La Crosse, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  407 reviews

Alum: Coming from a small high school in a little rural town, Viterbo was the perfect fit. I knew my professors personally, whether they were in the nursing program or not. The professors cared about my learning and were accommodating to unexpected life events. The coursework was rigorous but prepared me to be an excellent, compassionate nurse. I met amazing friends and was able to be very active in a variety of clubs on campus. Doing my nursing synthesis in Alaska was the icing on the cake!... Read 407 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $21,095

• SAT range 1000-1170

• La Crosse, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,735 reviews

Freshman: UW La Crosse is a beautiful campus with a feeling of home. The professors are all understanding, and the general student life is accepting. As an athlete for La Crosse the athletics program is fantastic, with the new fieldhouse being built the resources for student athletes are plentiful and of great quality. The professors are very kind about missing class for competition and the coaches make sure that you can complete schoolwork while being a part if the program. The dorms and the on-campus dining options are both amazing. While the dining can be unpredictable, they can also be dependable with fruit, pizza, breadsticks, salad, cereal, bagels, soup, sandwiches, oatmeal, ice cream, yogurt, bread, and drinks. If you put effort towards your eating, you can find quality meals with the on-campus food. There are also coffee places within campus and fun dining options in the union, the dining plans provide more than enough food for the week. The bluffs provide great scenery on the campus!... Read 1,735 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $12,302

• SAT range —

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  2,087 reviews

Junior: Marquette is a beautiful campus, the coursework is academically challenging, the city of Milwaukee has plenty to explore, and the student body has a family-like feel. It is the perfect school for someone who is looking for a small school feel yet its big enough where there are plenty of academic and extracurricular activities. It also has a wide range of organizations, interests, and clubs, making it very easy for students to find their niche and connect with others. A favorite of mine is Basketball season. Going to the FiServ Forum for basketball games is so much fun and allows for a lot of socializing and school spirit! It really is nice to have this break in the middle of winter. The one thing I would change about Marquette is their food service. It is just basic and offers the same food everyday. It needs to have more assortment in their offerings and their dining halls need to be open longer and more often.... Read 2,087 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $34,732

• SAT range 1160-1340

• Waukesha, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  1,232 reviews

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 1,232 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $24,094

• SAT range 1050-1230

• Appleton, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  708 reviews

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 708 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $26,594

• SAT range 1190-1410

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  507 reviews

Alum: Cardinal Stritch University was a great university as it felt an extension of my family. Since the class sizes were small (for STEM majors between 15-7 students) I got to know my peers very well and I could always rely on them for help studying! Also, the most of the biology and chemistry professors are amazing and really know what they are talking about and how to teach it. The professors are also always available in their offices or through email to answer an questions.... Read 507 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $17,698

• SAT range 950-1130

• Menomonie, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,014 reviews

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 1,014 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $14,951

• SAT range —

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  472 reviews

Junior: Overall 5/5, Pros: It's a small campus in Tosa. It's a safe and intimate setting; most classes only have 30 people or less. Labs only have about 15 or fewer people. The campus is small, but not crowded. (across campus in less than 10 min) I love that the professors are available nearly 24/7, along with TAs (Tutors). This campus also encourages you to build professional relationships not only with your professors but also with peers. Activities are posted daily throughout campus. Housing is 6/5! Freshman and Sophomore housing are usually 2 people for 1 bathroom. (PLENTY of room for housing.) Cons: Due to the placement in Wauwatosa, you can't do much without a car. Having a car is HIGHLY encouraged. Milwaukee is exciting! Take advantage of the culture nearby. The food is also a 4/5, there isn't much diversity, and it doesn't cater well to those with food allergies/ diseases (like Crohn's). The Party scene is nonexistent on campus, but Marquette, UWM, and MSOE are close by.... Read 472 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $21,529

• SAT range 990-1190

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  572 reviews

Senior: I have no regrets about going to Edgewood. I think I have gained a lot more opportunities attending a small school compared to a huge UW School. I've been able to conduct my own research, get individualized help from professors, have an on-campus job that allows me to do homework, and attended research conferences out-of-state with the trip paid by Edgewood! They also just re-worked the general education requirements, so it is a lot easier to take classes you are interested in and double major/add a minor! Also, since campus is not so large, I have woken up ten minutes before class and still made it on time. Wasting tons time busing or biking across campus like UW-Madison students do each day is not a problem here. The only down-side are that the food is not the best, but they are getting a new food provider next year so hopefully that will be fixed.... Read 572 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $26,209

• SAT range 950-1210

• Mequon, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  856 reviews

Freshman: As a young kid my father would bring me to Concordia for homecoming and tour the campus. He would tell me about the smaller classroom sizes and the tunnel system where they would never have to go outside during the winter. He talked about how the teachers were very engaging and helpful. He said the school had a great sense of family and a Christian environment with diversity in the student body. Concordia has a great technology program that fits well with the things I am learning at Carmen School of Technology. I also attended several events on campus in 2019 for kids with autism and was treated as part of the family. Also, it’s my father's alma mater and it would be an honor to follow in his footsteps.... Read 856 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $24,569

• SAT range 898-1156

• Eau Claire, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,490 reviews

Freshman: University of WI, Eau Claire is a beautiful campus, with a well-organized system! The professors care about their students and it is evident. The online portals are easy to use. The orientation went well because the upperclassmen led the way and gave their utmost expertise and effort. Everything has gone smoothly in transitioning from high school to college. On check-in day, carts were available to load up belongings, and residence hall staff/students were helpful and professional. The campus feels safe, clean, and well-maintained. All buildings are clean and maintained nicely. I am glad that I chose this university and proud of my choice. My goal is to become a nurse, and this university has a wonderful nursing program. I know that I will get the best education for my money. Before I even became a student here, the college provided professors and student teaching assistants to coach me for an entrance math exam. This exam helps to place students in the appropriate class.... Read 1,490 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $14,276

• SAT range —

• De Pere, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  741 reviews

Junior: St. Norbert College is a wonderful place for students to not only receive an excellent education, but also to develop lasting relationships with professors, staff, and fellow students. There are numerous opportunities to get involved on campus whether it be joining a student org, creating your own, or finding a campus job where you can get compensated for doing something you love! I have worked as a student caller for the SNC Phonathon, a library student worker, and have worked for the Emmaus Center on campus. I have been able to apply for grants to engage with the community and have been compensated for discussing things such as vocation and community service with friends. No matter what your passion, there is always a way to meet others who share your passion and experience it to the fullest. I couldn’t have imagined a better experience. Go Green Knights!... Read 741 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $27,854

• SAT range 1020-1220

• Whitewater, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,380 reviews

Freshman: I love the environment because it is friendly and including. Coming from a high school where I was bullied a few times it’s nice to have this change. I do not get judged on what I wear, look like, or even my beliefs. There are also groups for everyone to fit into. I have never seen this many people come together to try and make it the best and most fun place to live. I knew the second I came here that I chose the right college and I would not want it any other way! The teachers and administrators are also all amazing and just want the best for the students. I had to interview a professor for my one class and her responses showed just how much she truly does care about her students. She said the best part of teaching at Whitewater would have to be all the amazing students that she gets to meet and talk with. She said the worst part is that she doesn’t have as much time as she wishes to be able to spend with her students and get as close as she would like to.... Read 1,380 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $12,522

• SAT range 890-1110

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  985 reviews

Junior: Alverno College has a unique academic strategy that prepares you for "the outside world". The performance based grading allows for self improvement instead of student to student comparison. Diversity of students is represented as many first generation students attend here! Class sizes are small and professors accommodate to your learning needs. To strive at this college, one must be motivated, dedicated, and have a willingness to grow.... Read 985 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $20,080

• SAT range 770-1050

• Platteville, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,087 reviews

Freshman: The University of Wisconsin Platteville is a very affordable school. It offers a tuition incentive for students who are residences of states bordering Wisconsin. Located in a small town, Platteville, it provides a quiet and nice homebase. However, although Platteville isn't a large city, it still offers numerous restaurants and stores including: a Walmart, Menards, Aldi's, Farm and Fleet, and various chain restaurants. These are located just a few miles off campus. As for actual school itself, Platteville is very good in the engineering field. They specialize in making their students desirable for many businesses. This gives their students a high graduation to job ratio. Platteville offers several career fairs with interested businesses, willing to hire students for internships, co-ops, or long-term positions. Platteville is a great school for students looking to getting applicable education for their future occupations.... Read 1,087 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $14,706

• SAT range —

• River Falls, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  685 reviews

Alum: I had an absolutely amazing experience at UWRF! From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed and supported. The professors were incredibly knowledgeable and always available to help me with any questions or concerns I had. The coursework was occasionally difficult, but I never felt overwhelmed thanks to the resources available to me, such as tutoring and academic advising. In addition to the academics, UWRF had a ton of extracurricular activities to get involved in. I joined a club and made some great friends through that experience. The campus itself was beautiful, with green spaces to relax and study, as well as modern facilities like a state-of-the-art gym and recreation center. Overall, I am so grateful for the time I spent at UWRF. It was an amazing time that helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I feel well-prepared to take on the next chapter in my life. I would highly recommend UWRF to anyone considering higher education.... Read 685 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $13,633

• SAT range —

• Ripon, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  535 reviews

Sophomore: Ripon College offers a small, walkable campus with no buildings too far out of the way. There is an excellent student-faculty ratio which allows for a personal relationship with professors and easy access to office hours. There are many organizations on campus for recreation and community involvement, making every student feel at home. Everyone is valued at Ripon, people really look out for each other. Over half the student body is athletes, and the different teams support each other.... Read 535 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $21,596

• SAT range 970-1170

• Green Bay, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  828 reviews

Freshman: I am a freshman on campus this year, and something that I really like about UWGB is its beautiful campus. I feel really involved with nature while I'm here, especially during the warmer months of the year. I also love the wide scope of majors that UWGB has to offer from Environmental Science to Theatre. A nice added benefit of going here is also the private bathrooms in the dorms. The university size is big enough to be exposed to many new people, but not too big that you're constantly sitting in packed lecture halls. I've found myself in rather small class sizes except for my online courses. I can't really critique UWGB right now because anything that is being done "badly" is a result of the coronavirus pandemic. I recommend UWGB to just about anyone!... Read 828 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $11,656

• SAT range —

• Oshkosh, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,423 reviews

Junior: UW-Oshkosh is a great campus! The campus is easy to walk and navigate through but not as big to where you would need to ride a bus to get to certain buildings. The clubs and involvement are inclusive and easy to join. With great college resources, including flexible accommodations, and easygoing professors, it’s definitely a great place to start the next journey of your future!... Read 1,423 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $12,278

• SAT range —

• Fond Du Lac, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  277 reviews

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 277 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $23,860

• SAT range 870-1120

• Stevens Point, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,143 reviews

Sophomore: Stevens Point always feels like home! From students on campus, to faculty and staff, everyone is smiling and happy to make you comfortable. It is a very easy campus to navigate while also having a lot of different buildings and opportunities on campus. It is very easy to get involved and feel like you fit in with the various groups and clubs. Classes are very structured and professors are always willing to lend a helping hand. It is a wonderful college experience that I think everyone should have the opportunity to have.... Read 1,143 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $13,166

• SAT range —

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  3,259 reviews

Junior: My time at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee started with my freshman year in the height of the pandemic. As an incoming freshman, I was weary about being in a heavily populated college during a time of troubled health. However, UWM provided most classes online in formats that best suited student engagement and learning. This also allowed me to stay home for my first year and save some money! My sophomore year began on campus and the transition to rural living to being in a city was quite the change, however UWM provided numerous ways to bring students together and feel comfortable on campus and in the city. My time academically here has been wonderful, as I am able to be fully immersed in my passions. I'm allowed an abundance of creative freedom and following feedback, preparing me for the real world.... Read 3,259 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $14,444

• SAT range —

• Kenosha, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  536 reviews

Freshman: I have just begun at UW-Parkside but I couldn’t be more thrilled! I live on campus and love all the activities! My classes are interesting and engaging and I’m taught by professors rather than TAs. My classes are small enough to have discussions and debates rather than just listening to a boring lecture. So far, I couldn’t ask for anything more!... Read 536 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $9,938

• SAT range —