Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, is home to some of the state’s best schools and universities. In addition, there are dozens of large research universities, medium colleges, and tiny liberal arts colleges throughout Wisconsin, including in places like La Crosse, Eau Claire, Waukesha, and Madison, the state capital.
The University of Wisconsin System, one of the Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2021 and the state’s top employers, encompasses all of Wisconsin’s publicly financed four-year, degree-granting universities. In addition, through the Midwest Student Exchange Program, Wisconsin residents can attend public colleges and universities in eight other states, including Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan, for no more than 150 percent of the in-state tuition cost.
The Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2021
10. Carthage College
Carthage College is a private college in Kenosha, Wisconsin, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Carthage College admissions are competitive, with a 68 percent acceptance rate. Carthage College admits half of its candidates with an SAT score of 1000 to 1220 or an ACT score of 20 to 27.
9. Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee School of Engineering is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based private institution. The campus is 22 acres in size and is located in Milwaukee’s East Town neighbourhood. With a 62 percent acceptance rate, Milwaukee School of Engineering admissions is more selective. Half of the MSOE applicants had an SAT score between 1180 and 1370 or an ACT score between 25 and 30.
8. St. Norbert College
In De Pere, Wisconsin, St. Norbert College is a private Catholic Norbertine liberal arts college. Admission to St. Norbert College is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 80%. St. Norbert College admits half of its applicants with an SAT score of 1005 to 1305 or an ACT score of 21 to 27.
7. Ripon College
Ripon College, located in Ripon, Wisconsin, is a private liberal arts college. Ripon College has roughly 800 students in the fall of 2018, with the majority living on campus. Students represent 14 countries and 33 states. Ripon College admissions are competitive, with a 70% acceptance rate. Ripon College admits half of its candidates with an SAT score of 990 to 1220 or an ACT score of 19 to 25.
6. Beloit College
Beloit College is a Wisconsin-based private liberal arts college. It is the oldest continually operating institution in the state. It is a member of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest and has approximately 1,400 undergraduates. Beloit College admissions are more selective, with a 62 percent acceptance rate. Half of the Beloit College candidates had an SAT score of 1080 to 1380 or an ACT score of 24 to 30.
5. Lawrence University
Lawrence University, located in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a private liberal arts institution and music conservatory. Lawrence was the second coeducational college in the United States to open its doors. Lawrence University admissions are more selective, with a 62 percent acceptance rate and an 86.1 percent early acceptance rate. Half of Lawrence University’s admitted students have an SAT score of 1200-1430 or an ACT score of 25-32.
4. Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin, located in Mequon, Wisconsin, is a private Lutheran university. The school is part of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod’s Concordia University System, with eight members. 59.2 percent of the school’s classrooms have fewer than 20 students—business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Health Professions and Related Programs.
3. Edgewood College
Edgewood College is a Madison, Wisconsin-based private Dominican college. The college is located on a 55-acre campus that overlooks Lake Wingra. Edgewood College admissions are competitive, with a 72 percent acceptance rate. Edgewood College accepts half of its applicants with an SAT score of 950 to 1210 or an ACT score of 20 to 25.
2. Marquette University
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Marquette University is a private Jesuit research university. With an acceptance rate of 83 percent, Marquette University admissions are more selective. An SAT score of 1120 to 1320 or an ACT score of 24 to 29 is required for admission to Marquette University.
1. University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public land-grant research university. The University of Wisconsin-Madison admissions process is more stringent, with a 54 percent acceptance rate. Half of those accepted to the University of Wisconsin had an SAT score of 1310-1490 or an ACT score of 27-32.
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