Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide
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Thinking about studying in Wisconsin in 2025? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re into research, music, engineering, faith-based learning, or the liberal arts, Wisconsin has it all. From big-name schools like UW–Madison to smaller gems like Beloit College, this guide breaks down the top universities, their rankings, tuition, popular programs, and what makes each one unique. Let’s help you find the perfect fit!
What Are the Top Universities in Wisconsin for Students in 2025?
In 2025, Wisconsin is a great place for higher education. The state has a mix of big public universities, smaller private colleges, and specialized schools, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for strong research programs, faith-based learning, engineering, or liberal arts, Wisconsin has you covered.
Top universities like UW–Madison are known for research and global rankings, while Marquette University offers a respected Catholic education. If you prefer small classes and personalized attention, colleges like Lawrence University and Beloit College are great picks. For tech and engineering lovers, MSOE offers hands-on learning, and Concordia University Wisconsin is ideal for Christian students looking for a supportive and faith-driven campus. Below are the key details of top universities in Wiscosin:
| University | Quick Facts (2025) |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | – Large public university in Madison – Ranked #35 in the U.S. – Around 48,000 students – Acceptance rate: 49% – Best for: Engineering, Business, Computer Science – Tuition: ~$11,603 (in-state), ~$42,103 (out-of-state) – Global Ranking: #83 |
| Marquette University | – Private Catholic university in Milwaukee – Ranked #86 nationally – Around 11,000 students – Acceptance rate: ~82% – Best for: Law, Nursing, Business, Biomedical Sciences – Tuition: ~$47,500 – Small class sizes: 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio |
| Lawrence University | – Small private college in Appleton – Ranked #63 among liberal arts colleges – Around 1,500 students – Acceptance rate: 72% – Best for: Music, Psychology, Biology – Tuition: ~$54,400 – Known for: Conservatory of Music |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) | – Tech-focused private university in Milwaukee – Top 10 regional university – About 2,700 students – Acceptance rate: 62% – Best for: Engineering, Software, Nursing – Tuition: ~$47,800 – Job placement rate: 97% |
| Concordia University Wisconsin | – Christian private university in Mequon – Ranked #62 in the Midwest – About 5,400 students – Acceptance rate: 65% – Best for: Pharmacy, Business, Theology – Tuition: ~$33,000 – Faith is central to education |
| Beloit College | – Small private liberal arts college in Beloit – Ranked #76 nationally – Around 1,000 students – Acceptance rate: 68% – Best for: Anthropology, Creative Writing, International Relations – Tuition: ~$58,200 – Diverse campus with many international students |
Why Should You Choose the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2025?
The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) is one of the best public universities in the US and the world. In 2025, it welcomes more than 48,000 students, including 5,000+ international students from over 120 countries. It’s known for top-ranked programs, groundbreaking research, and a lively student life on a beautiful campus. UW–Madison offers over 450 programs across subjects like engineering, computer science, business, life sciences, and public policy.
It’s also one of the top 10 universities in the country for research, spending over $1.4 billion every year on new discoveries and innovations. The university is based in Madison, a fun and safe city often ranked among the best college towns in the U.S. Following are the key details of University of Wisconsin–Madison:
| Category | Details |
| Type | Public, Major Research University (R1) |
| Location | Madison, Wisconsin, USA |
| Founded | 1848 |
| National Rank | #35 (U.S. News 2025) |
| Global Rank | #83 (QS World University Rankings) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 17:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 49% |
| Annual Tuition | In-state: ~$11,603 Out-of-state: ~$42,103 |
| Top Programs | Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Economics, Political Science |
| Campus Size | 936 acres |
| Student Life | 900+ clubs and student groups |
| Top Hiring Companies | Google, Microsoft, Epic Systems, Deloitte, GE Healthcare |
| English Tests Accepted | TOEFL: 80+, IELTS: 6.5+, Duolingo: 115+ |
| Famous Alumni | Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO), NASA astronaut Laurel Clark, architect Frank Lloyd Wright (attended) |
| Top Student Accommodation Near University of Wiscosin | The Towers on State, Atmosphere Madison, The James, Dwell The Statesider, Yugo Madison Lux |
| Website | wisc.edu |
Is Marquette University a Good Private Catholic University in Wisconsin in 2025?
Yes — Marquette University is one of the best private Catholic universities in the Midwest in 2025. Located in downtown Milwaukee, it offers a great mix of strong academics, career support, and a welcoming community based on Jesuit (Christian) values. Marquette was founded in 1881, and today it’s ranked among the top 90 universities in the U.S.
The university has over 80 undergraduate majors and 70+ graduate programs in areas like nursing, business, engineering, biomedical sciences, education, law, and communication. Almost 95% of students get a job or go to grad school within 6 months of graduating, which shows just how career-ready its students are. Following are the key details of Marquette University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
| Founded | 1881 |
| National Ranking (U.S. News 2025) | #86 in the U.S. |
| Total Students | ~11,100 (Undergrad: ~7,652 / Grad: ~3,500) |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% |
| SAT/ACT Scores (Middle 50%) | SAT: 1190–1360 ACT: 26–31 |
| Annual Tuition (2025–26) | ~$52,070 (not including housing or other fees) |
| Popular Majors | Nursing, Business, Engineering, Psychology, Biomedical Sciences, Law, Communication |
| Graduate Program Rankings | Law: #59 MBA (Part-time): #49 |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 13:1 |
| Average Class Size | Around 22 students |
| Campus Size | 93 acres in a city setting |
| Clubs & Activities | 300+ student groups and organizations |
| Athletics | NCAA Division I – Big East |
| New Facilities | Wellness & Recreation Center, Digital Learning Studios, Global Village dorms |
| Career Outcomes | 95% of grads are working or in grad school within 6 months |
| Top Hiring Companies | GE Healthcare, Deloitte, Aurora Health Care, Johnson Controls, Baird |
| Alumni Network | 115,000+ alumni worldwide |
| Notable Rankings | #17 for Best Undergraduate Teaching #38 for Innovation #51 for Value #54 for Veterans |
| Service Learning | 98% of students take part in community service or volunteering |
| International Students | ~5% from over 65 countries |
| Top Student Accommodation Near Marquette University | The Park at 1824 |
| Website | www.marquette.edu |
Why Should You Consider Lawrence University for a Liberal Arts Education in 2025?
Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, is a small and highly respected private college that focuses on liberal arts education. If you’re looking for a college with small class sizes, creative learning, and a tight-knit campus community, Lawrence is a great choice in 2025. Founded in 1847, Lawrence was one of the first co-ed colleges in the U.S. It’s best known for its Conservatory of Music, which is part of the college — something only a few schools in the country offer.
With just over 1,400 students, you’ll get personal attention from professors and lots of academic support. Lawrence encourages students to learn by doing, including senior capstone projects, study abroad trips (more than half the students go!), and internships in the local community. Following are the key details of Lawrence University:
| Category | Details |
| Type | Private, Nonprofit Liberal Arts College |
| National Rank | #69 in Liberal Arts Colleges (U.S. News 2025) |
| Acceptance Rate | 63% |
| International Students | 13% (from over 40 countries) |
| SAT/ACT (Middle 50%) | SAT: 1240–1420 ACT: 27–32 |
| Annual Tuition & Fees | $56,670 |
| Average Financial Aid Award | ~$42,000/year |
| Popular Majors | Music, Psychology, Biology, English, Studio Art, Government |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 8:1 |
| Average Class Size | Around 15 students |
| Graduation Rate | 78% |
| First-Year Retention Rate | 88% |
| Study Abroad | Over 50% of students participate |
| Campus Size | 90 acres by the river |
| Clubs & Organizations | 100+ student groups |
| Athletics | NCAA Division III – 22 varsity sports |
| Official Website | www.lawrence.edu |
What Makes Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Ideal for Tech Students in 2025?
If you’re into engineering, tech, or healthcare, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a great choice in 2025. Located in downtown Milwaukee, MSOE is a private university that focuses on STEM programs—that means science, technology, engineering, and math—as well as business and nursing. You won’t just learn theory—you’ll also work on real projects, get internships, and graduate with the kind of experience employers love. The school was founded in 1903 and keeps up with the latest tech trends.
One of MSOE’s coolest features is a supercomputer called Rosie, which students use for advanced computing and AI projects. With more than 97% of graduates landing jobs or starting grad school within 6 months, it’s clear MSOE helps students get where they want to go. Following are the key details of Concordia University Wisconsin:
| Category | Details |
| National Ranking | #2 in Midwest Regional Universities (U.S. News) |
| Top Engineering Rank | #10 in Undergrad Engineering (no Ph.D. schools) |
| Total Students | ~2,956 (about 2,500 undergrads) |
| International Students | ~5% from over 30 countries |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% |
| SAT/ACT Scores (Middle Range) | SAT: 1180–1340 ACT: 25–31 |
| Tuition & Fees | ~$50,358/year (not including housing or meals) |
| Avg. Financial Aid Award | ~$33,000 per year |
| Popular Majors | Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Nursing, Business Analytics, Biomedical Engineering |
| Graduate Programs | MS in Engineering, MBA, Nursing, Perfusion Science |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 12:1 |
| Average Class Size | About 21 students |
| Job Placement Rate | 97% within 6 months of graduation |
| Avg. Starting Salary (Engineering) | ~$71,000 |
| Campus Size | 22 acres in downtown Milwaukee |
| Student Life | 100+ clubs and student groups |
| Athletics | NCAA Division III – 13 sports teams |
| Top Employers | GE Healthcare, Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, Milwaukee Tool |
| Alumni Network | 25,000+ alumni around the world |
| Official Website | www.msoe.edu |
Why Is Concordia University Wisconsin a Great Option for Christian Students in 2025?
Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is a great choice in 2025 for students who want a faith-based education that combines strong academics with Christian values. Located in Mequon, a quiet suburb just 20 minutes from Milwaukee, the campus sits on 200 scenic acres along Lake Michigan, creating a peaceful place to study and grow.
Founded in 1881, CUW is part of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and focuses on Christ-centered leadership, service, and community care. It offers 70+ undergraduate and 30+ graduate programs in areas like nursing, education, business, theology, and health sciences. CUW also supports non-traditional students with online and hybrid programs. Following are the key details of Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW):
| Category | Details |
| Type | Private Christian University (Lutheran) |
| Location | Mequon, Wisconsin (near Milwaukee) |
| National Ranking | #329 in National Universities (U.S. News 2025) |
| Total Students | ~5,063 (Undergrad: ~3,157 / Grad: ~1,906) |
| Acceptance Rate | 68% |
| International Students | ~6% from 20+ countries |
| SAT/ACT Scores (Typical Range) | SAT: ~1100 ACT: 22–28 |
| Tuition (2024–25) | ~$34,950 per year |
| Average Financial Aid Award | ~$25,000 per year |
| Popular Majors | Nursing, Education, Business, Theology, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Science |
| Graduate Degrees | DNP (Nursing), PharmD (Pharmacy), MBA (Business), DPT (Physical Therapy), EdD (Education) |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 12:1 |
| Average Class Size | Around 18 students |
| Campus Size | 200 acres by Lake Michigan |
| Clubs & Organizations | 70+ clubs, including faith-based groups |
| Career Outcomes | 93% of students are employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Accreditations | HLC, CCNE (Nursing), ACPE (Pharmacy) |
| Online Programs | 50+ online and hybrid options |
| Official Website | www.cuw.edu |
Is Beloit College Worth It for Liberal Arts Students in 2025?
Yes! If you’re looking for a personalized, creative, and globally-minded education, Beloit College is definitely worth considering in 2025. Located in Beloit, Wisconsin, this college has been around since 1846—it’s the oldest continuously operating college in the state. Beloit is known for its small classes, supportive faculty, and a focus on real-world learning. The college is part of Colleges That Change Lives, a group of schools known for helping students grow personally and academically, especially those who want a more meaningful college experience.
With students from over 40 countries, 50+ student clubs, and a beautiful riverfront campus, life at Beloit is both fun and inclusive. Plus, even though tuition is around $60,886 per year, the average financial aid award is about $43,000, making it more affordable than it seems at first glance. And with 90% of students finding jobs or going to grad school within 6 months, it’s a solid investment in your future. Following are the key details of Beloit College:
| Category | Details |
| National Ranking | #95 among U.S. Liberal Arts Colleges |
| Total Students | Around 1,000 undergraduates |
| International Students | 13% from 40+ countries |
| Acceptance Rate | 57% |
| SAT/ACT Scores (Optional) | SAT: 1250–1380 ACT: 26–31 |
| Tuition & Fees | $60,886 per year |
| Popular Majors | Psychology, Biology, Political Science, Creative Writing, Chemistry, Anthropology |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Average Class Size | About 15 students |
| Campus Size | 84 acres – walkable and scenic |
| Experiential Learning | 100% of students do internships or major projects |
| Notable Rankings | #59 in Social Mobility |
| Campus Highlights | Logan Museum, Wright Art Museum, Powerhouse Student Union, Career Development Center |
| Official Website | www.beloit.edu |
Conclusion
No matter what you’re looking for—cutting-edge research, close-knit classes, career-ready programs, or faith-based learning—Wisconsin’s top colleges offer something special for every student in 2025. With strong academics, vibrant campuses, and great outcomes after graduation, you’re sure to find a university here that feels like home.
Planning to study in Wisconsin? Don’t forget to book your student accommodation early! At University Living, we help students find safe, affordable, and fully furnished housing near top universities like UW–Madison, Marquette University, MSOE, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best colleges in Wisconsin for 2025?
The top colleges in Wisconsin for 2025 include:
1. University of Wisconsin–Madison – Best for research and engineering
2. Marquette University – A leading private Catholic university
3. Lawrence University – Known for liberal arts and music
4. Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) – Top for tech and STEM
5. Concordia University Wisconsin – Best for faith-based education
6. Beloit College – Ideal for creative liberal arts students
Which is the #1 university in Wisconsin for international students?
UW–Madison is the top choice for international students in Wisconsin. It hosts over 5,000 international students and offers globally ranked programs, excellent research opportunities, and a welcoming campus.
What are the tuition fees for top universities in Wisconsin?
Here’s a quick look at annual tuition fees (approximate):
UW–Madison: $11,603 (in-state), $42,103 (out-of-state)
Marquette University: ~$52,070
Lawrence University: ~$56,670
MSOE: ~$50,358
Concordia University Wisconsin: ~$34,950
Beloit College: ~$60,886
Which universities in Wisconsin offer scholarships or financial aid?
All major Wisconsin universities offer financial aid. For example:
Beloit College: Avg. aid ~$43,000/year
Lawrence University: Avg. aid ~$42,000/year
Concordia University: Avg. aid ~$25,000/year
Merit- and need-based scholarships are available for domestic and international students.
Which college in Wisconsin has the best engineering program?
MSOE (Milwaukee School of Engineering) is one of the top-ranked engineering schools in the Midwest, with a 97% job placement rate and programs in mechanical, software, and biomedical engineering.
What are the top courses to study in Wisconsin in 2025?
Popular and high-demand programs include:
Engineering (MSOE, UW–Madison)
Nursing & Health Sciences (Concordia, Marquette)
Business & Analytics (Marquette, MSOE, UW)
Liberal Arts & Music (Lawrence, Beloit)
Computer Science (UW–Madison, MSOE)
