Skip to Main Content

2020 Top Public Universities in WisconsinAbout this List

The Top Public Universities ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along for millions of reviews from students and alumni. The ranking compares over 500 public colleges and state universities. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 15 of 15
Best Colleges
15 results

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

  1. University of Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 3,065 reviews
    #1 Top Public Universities 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 3,065 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,910 Net Price
    • 1280-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

    • 4 Year
    • La Crosse, WI
    • 1,416 reviews
    #2 Top Public Universities in Wisconsin

    Freshman: The University of Wisconsin - La Crosse has a beautiful campus and offers a wide variety of courses, majors, and programs. The campus is the perfect size, enabling students to walk to and from classes in less than 10 minutes. There are unlimited resources encompassed in various halls, and even online, assisting students every step of the way. The dorms create the perfect environment for meeting new friends, and learning how to live in close quarters with others. After classes, the union is the place to go to grab a bite and do homework not in the traditional library setting. However, for those who prefer the library atmosphere, Murphy Library has both talking friendly areas (even with a coffee shop), as well as silent areas. There are copious amounts of activities and resources easily accessible for all students. If you have any questions, the uwlax.edu website will most likely have the answer!
    Read 1,416 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,045 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

    • 4 Year
    • Eau Claire, WI
    • 1,326 reviews
    #3 Top Public Universities in Wisconsin

    Alum: My time at UWEC was the best of my life! There is not very much room in the dorms, and it is mostly freshman and sophomores who live on campus but it is a great place to meet new people and friends. There are plenty of off campus options that students can rent, close enough to walk to campus! Class and professors are great! I was in the marching band, that was a great experience. I highly recommend joining clubs. Lots of fun bars for the 21+ crowd, be careful for underage and house parties, I've heard the police have cracked down a lot more in recent years. The campus is beautiful and the town of Eau Claire has such a great atmosphere. Overall it is a great place to go to school for four years! I miss it!
    Read 1,326 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,398 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

    • 4 Year
    • Whitewater, WI
    • 1,262 reviews
    #4 Top Public Universities in Wisconsin

    Freshman: I feel in a comfortable environment and I am able to get involved and get help when needed. The involvement of students makes it easier to be away from home. Professors are extremely nice and all the faculty goes out of their way to make sure you are using you resources and comfortable on campus. My counselor has helped me find my educational path and all my professors have extended help when needed. Not only that but service at out food places and stores on campus have been amazing! It is easy to get involved and make a lot of friends well staying on top of your school work. Expectations of the school have been very clear.
    Read 1,262 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,422 Net Price
    • 890-1110 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

    • 4 Year
    • Milwaukee, WI
    • 3,076 reviews
    #5 Top Public Universities in Wisconsin

    Senior: I love the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee! The campus itself is the perfect size, it is only a ten-minute walk across campus. The academic advisers here are very helpful and try to help you as much as they can, as do all the teachers and professors. The teachers here really care for you. There is so much diversity here as well, I enjoy seeing that, especially in today's society. From my experience, I never had anything I would like to see change in the campus. I enjoy this campus so much and am even planning on staying here for grad school as well.
    Read 3,076 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,445 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

    • 4 Year
    • Stevens Point, WI
    • 1,029 reviews
    #6 Top Public Universities 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 1,029 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,935 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of Wisconsin - Superior

    • 4 Year
    • Superior, WI
    • 255 reviews
    #7 Top Public Universities in Wisconsin

    Senior: Price is great. Staff is awesome and easy to work with. Small campus with big feel. Great area with a lot to do outdoors and shopping. Friendly students. I wish there were more work study jobs or jobs on campus. I live in Duluth and have to drive to Superior and it’s not great in the winter with the bridge and hills. But it’s do-able. All in all, a great campus!
    Read 255 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,023 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. University of Wisconsin - Stout

    • 4 Year
    • Menomonie, WI
    • 957 reviews
    #8 Top Public Universities in Wisconsin

    Freshman: The University of Wisconsin Stout was not my first choice of schools, but it ended up being the one that I fell in love with. The professors I have had so far have been incredibly caring for my well-being on top of caring about my school work. That was a huge help on my well-being knowing that I had multiple people checking up on my mental health while being so far from home. The facilities are above average and are being renovated for future student use in nearly all aspects-- dorms, dining hall, gym, you name it! The campus itself is extremely beautiful and full of history. Along with the history of the college, the city of Menomonie is a treasure to explore! The Mabel Tainter Center is by far my favorite building to have been given the privilege to tour. The city is truly a gem in my eyes, although I have not have a lot of time to explore it yet, I still have three years left to do so! I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year here at Stout!
    Read 957 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 87% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,971 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

    • 4 Year
    • Platteville, WI
    • 1,016 reviews
    #9 Top Public Universities in Wisconsin

    Senior: Great school for those who love the small-town, smaller classroom vibe. I grew up on a farm and this was a great fit for me as it's located in the rolling hills of Southwestern Wisconsin. Along with this comes a very strong engineering program that is recognized by many larger companies. If you are into having a strong sports team presence, Platteville may not be right for you as it is D3 and sports aren't a strong focus. Although you can have plenty of fun with campus activities, the town livens up on weekends at the bars or at house parties!
    Read 1,016 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,363 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. University of Wisconsin - River Falls

    • 4 Year
    • River Falls, WI
    • 593 reviews
    #10 Top Public Universities 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 593 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,064 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

    • 4 Year
    • Oshkosh, WI
    • 1,332 reviews
    #11 Top Public Universities in Wisconsin

    Junior: Oshkosh is amazing... depending on your major. For my major, music education, I'm getting the best education I can. The environment is amazing, all the musicians support each other as do the professors. For education and community, this is an amazing place. However, if you are not dedicated, it can be a little harder. I've heard of people dropping out because they weren't getting the education they wanted, and instead partied too much. It all depends on how you want to spend your time!
    Read 1,332 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,092 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of Wisconsin - Parkside

    • 4 Year
    • Kenosha, WI
    • 495 reviews
    #12 Top Public Universities in Wisconsin

    Niche User: Although I am not a full time college student at The University of Wisconsin Parkside, every experience I have had at the University, has made me feel at home. UW-Parkside has a great variety of positive, helpful group of professors. Along with the professors, the University has a great environment for meeting new people and various opportunities for clubs, athletics and being involved in the community. Beside the environment, the school has a gorgeous campus! The view is breathe taking. Overall, The University of Wisconsin Parkside is the perfect campus.
    Read 495 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,542 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

    • 4 Year
    • Green Bay, WI
    • 756 reviews

    Freshman: Every person I've met in relation to UWGB, no matter if they were an alumni, student, professor, or lunch lady, have been really welcoming and helpful. As a freshman, the faculty of every department makes sure you are as comfortable as you can be in your first year of college. They're all really encouraging to get out of your comfort zone to get involved, make friends, and try new things! If there are any issues, the staff always puts your best interest at heart and does their best to resolve it. Academically, there are several programs, internships, and opportunities on and off campus that is beneficial towards your major. There are also jobs on campus that could be beneficial towards your major and your resume. UWGB has something for everyone.
    Read 756 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,482 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Madison Area Technical College

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 604 reviews

    Junior: My major is Special Education Child Psychology, and the psychology classes here are great! The professors are very welcoming and willing to help you in any way they can. I just wish some professors would use Blackboard more and use email more, too. But I guess that is up to the professor's choice.

    The food here is good, but the prices are expensive! Like one of those Starbucks Frappuccinos that you usually find in one of those coolers in a gas station are $3.15! Or a milk chug is $2.10! Even a hard-boiled egg is around $0.75! The prices should be much lower.

    Student life is amazing! I write for the student newspaper and I love how diverse the paper is. You could write an opinion, a news story, a book review (or anything arts-related), you could take pictures of events or people and have that as your part of the paper, or you could join the graphic design team!
    Read 604 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,431 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. University of Wisconsin - Extension

    • Madison, WI
    • 93 reviews

    Freshman: This two-year campus is small but a good place to start and save some money. The professors are very helpful and are good with helping students such as myself with one-on-one help. They have a wonderful Program here called TRIO which helps guide students, keep them on track with classes and graduating, transfer papers, and more.
    Read 93 Reviews

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • — Acceptance Rate
    • — Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  18. Sponsored

    Viterbo University

    • 4 Year
    • La Crosse, WI
    • 388 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 388 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,457 Net Price
    • 1020-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  19. Find College Scholarships