Best Wisconsin Colleges & Universities

Per the Lumina Foundation, 47.1 percent of working-age residents in Wisconsin have earned a degree or credential. In the coming years, Wisconsin expects to help more students reach their goals through initiatives aimed at helping adult learners go back to college as well as provide college counseling services for students who might be accumulating credits that don't apply to their degree. Students looking to attend college in Wisconsin can start their search with our comprehensive guide. We looked at a variety of factors in higher education, including tuition rates, financial aid availability, alumni incomes, graduate debt and cost of living. We also explored college planning options available through the state as well as resources to help students learn more about their higher education choices.

Ranking Wisconsin's Best Colleges

Sometimes, the enormous amount of information available for each college can be overwhelming. That's why rankings are such a big help to aspiring students. We took all the pertinent information about colleges in Wisconsin, compared it side by side and created a rankings list based on things that matter most, like tuition, financial aid availability and earnings after graduation.

2-Year Programs

4-Year Programs

College Readiness Programs in Wisconsin

When planning for college, it's great to have strong resources and programs at hand. Wisconsin is dedicated to helping students achieve higher education attainment and, to that end, provide programs that focus on academic and financial planning, college accessibility for underserved students and career options for current students. Here are a few of the programs offered through the state.

This program targets students in middle and high school and provides them with a college experience. In order to be eligible, students must receive or be eligible to receive free or reduced lunches, be in sixth through 12th grade and meet the preadmission requirements at the college they want to explore. Students will then be invited to attend a college program, either residential or non-residential, at a variety of public or private colleges in the state. The length of the programs, as well as the content, will vary from one college to another.

These services are available to anyone who has an interest in colleges in Wisconsin, including high school students and their parents, adult learners, educators and community members. This broad, comprehensive state program focuses on helping individuals understand how to apply and enroll in college, how to find financial aid and how to define educational goals. Services include everything from help with filling out the FAFSA to promoting scholarships to helping aspiring students with career readiness.

This is Wisconsin's version of the American College Application Campaign, a program that helps high school seniors navigate the murky waters of the application process. Low-income students and those who are the first in their families to go to college are especially targeted for this program. Held in 50 high schools across the state, the application campaign happens during school hours and helps ensure that students file at least one full application for college in Wisconsin.

Cost Analysis of Attending Wisconsin Colleges

Understanding tuition and financial aid is a very important part of the college search. Though tuition might seem steep, it is important to remember that very few students pay full tuition as most receive financial aid packages that offset the cost. The charts below cover average tuition rates in the state, the average financial aid package and how many packages are typically awarded.

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.

* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin

When it comes to paying for college, the bottom line is net price. Net price is determined by taking the tuition of a particular school and subtracting the financial aid received. The total left over is what a student might have to pay out of pocket when attending a Wisconsin school. These six schools are the top in the state when it comes to the lowest net price.

West Virginia College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

Median Federal Student
Loan Debt After Graduation

$21,678

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Wisconsin Colleges for Maximizing Earnings Potential

What a graduate makes after college depends upon several factors, but sometimes the college they graduated from plays a role. These six schools produce the highest paid alumni ten years after they graduated college. We also compared their earnings in Wisconsin to the national average for a better view of what future graduates can expect.

West Virginia College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

Median Federal Student
Loan Debt After Graduation

$21,678

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Wisconsin Colleges for Minimizing College Debt

A great paycheck is nice, but student loan debt can make an income look like a lot less. These colleges have produced the alumni with the lowest student debt in Wisconsin. We also compared the state against the national average so all aspiring students can see what they might expect in terms of student debt after attending a Wisconsin college.

West Virginia College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

Median Federal Student
Loan Debt After Graduation

$21,678

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Beyond Tuition: Wisconsin Cost of Living

Students who intend to earn a two-year or four-year degree through Wisconsin colleges should also look at the cost of living in the area. Understanding how much housing, groceries and transportation typically cost can help with careful budgeting. Fortunately, the overall cost of living in Wisconsin is slightly lower than the national average. We looked at the cost of living in the state and in metro areas to give students an overview of what their monthly bills might look like.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Wisconsin College Accreditation

Accreditation is a process of validation for colleges and universities. In order to earn accreditation, a college or university must be evaluated by an independent accrediting body, which will ensure the school meets the high standards of a quality education. By attending an accredited school, students can typically expect that their credits will transfer, they will have more opportunities for financial aid and future employers will accept their degree as high quality and valid. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the regional accrediting body for Wisconsin. In addition to institutional accreditation earned through HLC, colleges can also seek accreditation for specific programs. These accrediting bodies focus on one particular field or subject. Here are a few examples:

• The American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation accredits the dental assisting program at Blackhawk Technical College.
• The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council accredits the direct-entry midwife program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College.

Wisconsin Cities With a Large College Presence

Madison

Madison is home to ten colleges, technical schools and universities. Big industries, according to the Madison Region Economic Partnership, include healthcare, advanced manufacturing and agricultural sectors, but there is also big growth from biotechnology, bio-medical industries and bio-agriculture. Several leading global companies have settled in Madison, including satellite offices of Google and Microsoft. Madison colleges and universities are poised to help students prepare for jobs in these industries and many others.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
University of Wisconsin-Madison	Public	$18,387	$51,000
University of Wisconsin-Madison has many claims to fame, including a ranking in the Forbes Top 10 for producing the most Fortune 500 CEOs, a ranking in the top five in national research spending every year since 1972, and 19 faculty and alumni receiving the Nobel Prize. Founded in 1848, the college now enrolls over 43,000 students across 13 schools and colleges. The university adheres to the Wisconsin Idea, which is the belief that the university should improve people's lives beyond the classroom.
Madison Area Technical College	Public	$8,664	$34,600
MATC, also referred to simply as Madison College, began in 1912 as a vocational school for 14-to-16-year-old dropouts. Today, with seven regional campuses to provide students with two-year degrees and credentials, Madison College offers strong transfer planning and routinely saves students over $13,000 per year in the pursuit of their bachelor's degrees. The school offers more than 140 programs, either on campus or online, for almost 40,000 students.
Edgewood College	Private not-for-profit	$21,339	$40,900
This private school, founded in the Dominican Catholic tradition, is home to 2,800 students. The student faculty ratio is an impressive 11-to-1, and more than 80 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. Ninety-eight percent of incoming freshmen receive financial aid. Study abroad and internship opportunities are heavily encouraged. Students can choose from 60 majors and more than 40 minors, or they can create individualized programs.

Milwaukee

Home to over two dozen colleges, vocational schools and universities, Milwaukee is ready to meet the demands of a growing student population. The city has racked up numerous accolades for their business and tech friendly accomplishments. Students seeking to work in any number of industries in Milwaukee can get started at one of these schools.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Milwaukee Area Technical College	Public	$9,174	$30,500
MATC is home to over 38,000 students, who can choose from 78 associate degrees, 77 technical diplomas, 45 certificates and 28 apprenticeship programs. Of those programs, 24 are online, seven are accelerated and five are bilingual. The most popular programs include those in business, health sciences, liberal arts, and technology and applied sciences. Within six months after graduation, 87 percent of graduates are either furthering their education or are employed.
Marquette University	Private not-for-profit	$28,920	$55,600
A Catholic and Jesuit university, Marquette has 11 colleges and schools located in the heart of Milwaukee. More than 8,300 undergraduates and 3,200 professional and graduate students pursue one of 87 majors and programs in law, dentistry and medicine. Marquette has made many rankings lists over the years, such as the "Best Values in Private Colleges 2016" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design	Private not-for-profit	$23,541	$30,600
MIAD was founded in 1974 as the successor to the Layton School of Art. A small school, MIAD offers majors in communication design, industrial design, illustration, interior architecture and design, and fine arts. Eight minors in areas like writing and advertising complement those majors. The student body is 740 strong, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 1-to-15. Ninety-eight percent of students receive financial aid.

Source: College Scorecard

Wisconsin College Resources for Further Research

Students seeking information on college resources in Wisconsin can start with this list, which covers several organizations, associations, portals and boards dedicated to helping students prepare for college in Wisconsin.

Compass Guide

This portal, connecting students with hundreds of scholarship opportunities, is meant for those who live in the Milwaukee area.

State of Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board

This state agency is responsible for management and oversight of the student financial aid system, including grants, scholarships and loan programs.

Wisconsin Ahead

This organization is dedicated to the goal of ensuring disabled students have a strong presence in higher education and is committed to increasing universal design on campuses and promoting easy transitions from high school to college.

Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities

Private, non-profit colleges work together to create policies, collaborative programs and accessibility measures that encourage students to attend college and succeed once there.

Wisconsin Educational Approval Board

This agency is charged with evaluating and approving technical, trade, career and degree-granting schools as well as online programs.

Wisconsin Indian Education Association

This association encourages and promotes education opportunities for American Indian students in the state. Students can find information on financial aid and scholarships through this organization.

Wisconsin's Private Colleges

This consortium of private colleges in the state offers a wealth of information on each college, including financial aid options, resources for students and potential majors and minors.

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Contributing Writer