Best Colleges in Wisconsin

A member of Midwestern and Great Lakes regions of the US, Wisconsin is known for its dairy production, namely, cheese. Despite that, it’s official nickname is “The Badger State,” a reference to the way lead miners in 1830s lived in what looked like “badger dens” as temporary housing. Wisconsin experiences regular, heavy snowfall in the winter and warm, humid summers. There are 85 colleges in Wisconsin, the oldest being Carroll University while the most selective is the University of Wisconsin. The Cheese State has two law schools and two medical schools, as well as several special-focus institutions. Wisconsin produces 40% of the US’ cheese and 20% of its butter, and this same state also produces the most paper, supporting the Badger State’s economy. While most know about the touristy Wisconsin Dells, “the waterpark capital of the world!”, there are a number of other attractions. The Land O’ Lakes region, Door County, and Taliesin East, Frank Lloyd Wright’s country home, are also places of interest in Wisconsin.

How Were the Top Schools in Wisconsin Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

Explore the Best Universities in Wisconsin with Appily!

Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a public institution based in Green Bay, WI. The UWGB campus is home to the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum, the Richard Mauthe Center which acts as the religious center, and a 2,000-seat Weidner Center for the...

“…

UWGB is perfect for anyone who wants to find a fun community with interesting classes.

” – Alexa from Niagara, WI
Mount Mary University

Mount Mary University is a 4-year nonprofit institution located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This private, Catholic university was founded in 1913 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame and offers more than 30 undergraduate degrees and 9 graduate degrees...

“…

This is an excellent choice for female students who enjoy having a close knit community. The class sizes are excellent. The faculty and staff are extremely caring.

” – Tiffany from Milwaukee, WI
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a 4-year public school in southeast Wisconsin and part of the UW system. UW Whitewater is home to five colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in more than 50 majors and 119 minors. Additionally, UW...

“…

Whitewater has a great environment for learning. Class sizes can range from a small number of students to a lecture hall but you are usually able to find classes where you can choose whether or not you want a small or large class size. Most...

” – Rachel from Waukesha, WI
University of Wisconsin-Superior

The University of Wisconsin-Superior is a public, liberal arts institution based in Superior, WI. UW-Superior offers more than 60 majors and minors through its 12 academic departments, as well as six bachelor’s degree programs online. Student...

“…

UWS has a small community feel to it. Its a great place to go to feel welcome and secure! There are small class sizes and the teachers really connect with you!

” – Nicole from Superior, WI
University of Wisconsin-Stout

University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, is a leading public institution located in northwest Wisconsin. As the designated polytechnic university among Universities of Wisconsin, UW-Stout emphasizes applied learning and...

“…

Just in my first year here at Stout, I have learned countless amounts of information spanning from who I am to what I learn in classes. Stout is a very technological school, when I first came to stout all I knew about computers was how to use...

” – Lindsey from West Allis, WI
College placeholder image

Founded by the Congregation of Sisters of Saint Agnes, Marian University is a Catholic liberal arts college in northeast Wisconsin. Marian offers bachelor’s degrees in 38 fields of study and all majors feature on-the-job training and service learning...

“…

This college has many different possible majors and minors. It has classes based on liberal arts and those for specialized for majors. I am learning a LOT here. Not only through just the liberal arts courses but also the Nursing courses I am...

” – Tessa from Appleton, WI
University of Wisconsin-River Falls

University of Wisconsin in River Falls is a public, liberal arts institution in the western region of the state. About 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, the 303-acre campus is home to four colleges offering 70+ areas of study on the banks of the...

“…

Even in classes that I took similar ones in high school, there is always something new to learn. You get many different perspectives and are given the opportunity to explore them and choose for yourself. I've already gained more knowledge about...

” – Kelly from Brooklyn Park, MN
Maranatha Baptist University

Maranatha Baptist University is a Christian college in southeast Wisconsin affiliated with the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International. Maranatha offers bachelor’s degrees in 38 academic majors and 37 minors and all students are required to...

“…

The classes are God-centered and reasonably paced. They are also mostly smaller classes with 20-40 students so it is very possible to get to know the teachers.

” – Jeremiah from Watertown, WI
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Part of the University of Wisconsin system, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a 4-year public school and the largest university in Milwaukee. UWM confers degrees in over 195 academic programs and the university is one of two doctoral-degree...

“…

I have learned so much so far at UWM. My art classes are fantastic! The instructors are very knowledgeable in their fields, and push creativity and new thoughts into my head effortlessly. I can't wait to go back!

” – Chelsea from Bristol, WI
College placeholder image

University of Wisconsin-Parkside is a public institution based in Somers, WI. It is a land-grant institution with a “selective” admissions process. Top fields of study include communications, sport and fitness management, and marketing. The...

“…

University of Wisconsin-Parkside is one of the best schools in the UW system, but is one of the most underrated of all the UW schools. The business school is excellent and has provides many opportunities for success. UW-P is affordable and in a great...

” – Marie from Milwaukee, WI
Carthage College

FOUR YEARS. LIFETIME IMPACT.

Widely recognized for excellence, Carthage College emphasizes discovery and exploration. At Carthage, you will uncover new passions as you gain practical experience and marketable skills. You will study under expert...

“…

I am learning very much at Carthage College. This is a small school with very few students. I am very glad that I chose to come to this school because of the small amount of students. I have learned so much mainly because the teachers are able to...

” – Joshua from Kenosha, WI
Viterbo University

Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration as a teaching school for nuns, Viterbo University is a Franciscan Catholic liberal arts college in western Wisconsin. Viterbo is home to three colleges of Business, Education, and Health...

“…

many of the classes i took this past semester i had some background knowledge in but the liberal arts education that viterbo provides its students with is amazing. the academics are challenging at times depending on what program you are in. the...

” – Laura from Stillwater, MN
Alverno College

Chartered in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College is a Catholic women’s college in Milwaukee. Alverno confers bachelor’s degrees in 35 academic majors and 27 minors. In addition, Alverno eliminates letter grades and provides...

“…

They definitely challenge you & push you outside of your comfort zone! It may seem awkward at first, but I just finished my 1st semester here & I look back and realize how much I've grown already.

” – Ashleigh from Oak Creek, WI
College placeholder image

Established in 1993, the College of Menominee Nation is a public, 2-year tribal-based institution with campuses in Keshena and Green Bay, Wisconsin. As one of 34 tribal community colleges in the US and one of two in Wisconsin, CMN offers four...

College placeholder image
College placeholder image

The Columbia College of Nursing is a nurse training academy in the Milwaukee suburbs and the area’s only nursing program owned by a hospital system. CCON offers a 2-year bachelor’s degree in Nursing as well as a 17-month master’s degree in Nursing...

College placeholder image

Herzing University is a career-focused institution with 10 campus locations throughout seven states. Herzing is home to six academic departments conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 30 fields of study. Additionally, Herzing offers bachelor’s and...

College placeholder image

Medical College of Wisconsin is a private and independent medical school, graduate school, pharmacy school, and residency and fellowship center. Students at this institution study new medical technology, techniques, treatments and theories through...

College placeholder image