<span>Wisconsin</span>

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.

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University of Wisconsin-Madison

From its main campus located atop a hilltop in Wisconsin’s state capital, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a 4-year public institution and the flagship campus of the UW system. Founded in 1848 at the same time that Wisconsin achieved statehood...

“…

I have learned so much since I began my schooling at University of Wisconsin-Madison. There is such a variety of classes to choose from which makes it easy for you to find classes that you are interested in. The professors here challenge you to think...

” – Hannah from Andover, MN
Lawrence University

Lawrence University is a liberal arts college and a conservatory of music located in Appleton, Wisconsin. On a bluff that overlooks the Fox River, the main campus is only one of three locations Lawrence University maintains. The 441-acre Bjorklunden...

“…

My mom went to Lawrence and she and all of her classmates are amazing, intelligent people that have gone far. My mom has her PhD and has a friend in the Bankok Orchestra. Whenever I have gone to the campus, I've really loved that they have the...

” – Hilary from Soquel, CA
Ripon College

Ripon College is a private, 4-year institution established in the state of Wisconsin. The college features a unique core curriculum, the Catalyst, which consists of five courses throughout each student’s first three years that are designed to teach...

“…

The professors help me and want me to get every piece of information I can get out of the class that I am enrolled in. They try to do anything they can to make sure I am learning everything possible

” – Kyla from Oshkosh, WI
Milwaukee School of Engineering

With campus a short walk from the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee School of Engineering is an engineering and science college in downtown Milwaukee. MSOE confers undergraduate degrees in 18 science and business-related fields of...

“…

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a much smaller school than many of the other top engineering universities in the Midwest. The size of the class is a major factor for getting a better education. Because of the smaller number of students...

” – Jeff from Carol Stream, IL
Marquette University

Founded in 1881, Marquette University is a Jesuit Catholic institution in Milwaukee. Marquette is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university is also home to a number of academic centers and...

“…

The quality of the education and professors at Marquette University is excellent. All of my professors last year were extremely knowledgeable and besides teaching the curriculum, they also taught life lessons and gave advice.

” – Allison from Ballwin, MO
Beloit College

Diverse, curious, passionate, and drawn from nearly 50 states and over 40 countries, Beloit College students love to engage with ideas and the world. Over one-third of students double major, combining interests in creative and original ways. Beloit...

“…

The teachers here at Beloit are experts in their field and want to share their knowledge with you. Classes are interactive and fun and often relaxed, but you learn an enormous amount of information while enjoying yourself. I was surpised by how much...

” – Marlee from Lincoln Univ, PA
Saint Norbert College

Founded in 1898, St. Norbert College is a private liberal arts school located in De Pere, Wisconsin. SNC is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and is a member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. Popular majors include...

“…

The faculty at St Norbert are friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful. The campus is always beautiful. Here at St Norbert we students have a strong sense of community.

” – Katie from Green Bay, WI
Carroll University

Carroll University is a selective liberal arts college located Waukesha, Wisconsin, with an affiliation to the Presbyterian Church. Established in 1846, Carroll University was the first 4-year higher learning institution in the state and began with...

“…

On average, the class sizes are about the size of a high school class (20-30 students), which means each student has a better opportunity to talk to their professor. I am someone who really likes science, so I really enjoy how the science labs have...

” – Erin from Appleton, WI
Northland College

With campus a short distance from the shores of Lake Superior, Northland College is a 4-year liberal arts college in northern Wisconsin dedicated to sustainability and the environment. Northland confers undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic...

“…

The level and sophistication of the academic program at Northland is outstanding. The professors are always willing to provide any assistance and they want to see their students succeed. They push you to do your best in order to become a more...

” – Abby from Bloomington, IL
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Cardinal Stritch University is a 4-year private Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. While the school’s focus is on its Catholic foundations, it also offers a wide variety of courses in traditional subjects such as...

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

With campus along the banks of the Chippewa River, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a 4-year public university and a regional UW campus in northwest Wisconsin. UWEC is home to colleges of Business, Education, Arts & Sciences, and Nursing...

“…

For a smaller university, UWEC offers a really wide range of classes. You can study anatomy, geology, and modern dance all in one day if you want. Professors are very passionate and really go out of their way to make sure students understand...

” – Ally from Madison, WI
Concordia University-Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a welcoming community where everyone is known by name.  You have many choices at Concordia from playing on an athletic team, participating in clubs, pursuing a major that helps you achieve your academic goals, and...

“…

I am studying occupational therapy and could not be more pleased with the academic portion of my Concordia experience. I was able to begin taking classes related to my major in my freshman year, instead of having to finish a lot of prerequisites...

” – Elizabeth from Whitefish Bay, WI
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The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is a professional art school based in the Historic Third Ward district of Milwaukee. MIAD provides students their own studio space starting sophomore year.  The most popular majors are graphic design...

“…

The best part is you're not getting taught by TA's. You're instructors are all specialists in their subjects, so you know you're getting a great education. &#13;
It's also great how much they emphasize liberal studies. I know from previously going to a...

” – Pia
Edgewood College

Edgewood College is a private liberal arts school based in Madison, Wisconsin, conferring bachelor’s degrees in 55 academic fields of study. The school was founded by, and maintains an affiliation with, the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters of the Roman...

“…

The classes that I'm in are not as hard as I thought they were going to be. The classes aren't just all lecture, they use power points and talk about the topics.

Lakeland University

Lakeland University is a private, 4-year institution established in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Along with its traditional class options, the college also offers flexible evening and online classes, as well as a special associate’s degree program at its...

“…

Faculty all seems great.

” – Kimberly from Freedom, WI
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Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Milwaukee. WLC offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, which feature small class sizes, one-on-one mentoring with faculty, and a Christian learning...

“…

WLC is the best family I have ever had. College Life and the professors are especially loving and care about you and your future. WLC has a wide variety of Majors and Minors and there is always someone to talk to and help guide you down the path God...

” – Mc Naughton, WI
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

With campus a short distance from the Mississippi River, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a 4-year public school in western Wisconsin and part of the UW system. UW La Crosse is home to five colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees...

“…

The classes are challenging. It is more difficult than high school, but I would assume that most colleges are. Most class sizes are relatively small. My chemistry lab had only 18 students in it! The teachers are very helpful and want you to do well...

” – Jennifer from Rolling Meadows, IL
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point is a 4-year institution located in Central Wisconsin. UWSP offers more than 120 undergraduate programs through its four colleges, complemented by the University College, which assists in the transition...

“…

The professors here, really want to help you. They know how to teach in a fun way.

” – Gao Kalia from Appleton, WI
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Bellin College is a nursing and healthcare training school in northeast Wisconsin. Bellin’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is traditionally completed in 4 years and is also available as an accelerated 15-month program for students who have...

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Originally founded as the state’s first teacher preparatory academy, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a 4-year public school and part of the UW System. UW-Platteville is home to colleges of Business, Engineering, and Liberal Arts conferring...

“…

There are a lot of different classes that are offered at Platteville. You get to pick and choose which classes you want to take.

” – Marissa from Oregon, WI