Top Value Colleges in Wisconsin
Top Value Wisconsin Colleges
Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in Wisconsin that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top value Wisconsin colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
List of Top Value Wisconsin Colleges
Milwaukee Career College
Started operating in 2002, Milwaukee Career College (MCC) is a private technical school based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that offers vocational and health care occupational training. Since 2006, the college has been fully accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. MCC offers diploma and associate degree programs such as Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, and Veterinary Technician with the option to take classes in the daytime or nighttime. The programs last from 30 to 38 weeks for diplomas and 73 to 93 weeks for associate degrees. The college’s Career Services team is also responsible for providing job placement services to students and graduates for externships and employment. MCC also offers numerous scholarship programs to qualified students who want to enroll in either of the four programs.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison or Madison is a public land-grant research university located in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded in 1848, the university is one of the top public research universities in the United States. With nearly 300 undergraduate majors, minors, concentrations, and certificates, Madison offers more than 9,000 courses across different disciplines, as well as more than 250 graduate degree programs. These programs are housed under 13 schools and colleges which include College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, School of Education, Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work, School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences, School of Business, Graduate School, Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, and School of Public Health & Medicine. With more than 45,000 students annually, the university houses more than 900 student organizations, from fraternities and sororities to political organizations. Madison also offers dozens of study abroad programs in more than 20 countries with almost 2,000 participants in 2018.
Lawrence University
Lawrence University is a private coeducational liberal arts college and a conservatory of music headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin. Exclusively for undergraduates, the college was chartered as Lawrence Institute in 1847. The college offers nearly 40 degree programs that lead to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Musical Arts and some of these programs are Biomedical Ethics, Cognitive Science, Forestry & Environmental Studies, Health Professions, Music Composition, Pre-veterinary, and Theatre Arts. Students may also pursue a 5-year double degree Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music as well as a Cooperative Degree Program that lets them study 3 years at Lawrence, followed by 2 years at another institution. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Lawrence serves nearly 1,500 students from more than 50 countries across two additional campuses in Door County, Wisconsin, and The Lawrence London Centre in London. Students may also choose from off-campus study programs offered by Lawrence that provide a valuable and unique learning opportunity for them to expand their knowledge and skills within and outside the United States.
The Salon Professional Academy – Eau Claire
Professional Hair Design Academy (PHD Academy) is an accredited beauty academy located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It has been operating for more than 20 years now and hundreds of students have already landed their ideal jobs in the beauty industry. Accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences, Inc., PHD Academy offers certificate programs in the fields of cosmetology which include Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology, and Cosmetology Instructor Training. The programs typically last from 20 to 54 weeks, depending on the schedule. They are designed to provide comprehensive instruction and training in different settings in the industry which increases their abilities and potential. Students in the academy are given the opportunity to apply their acquired technical skills to actual customers as well as receive feedback and one-on-one coaching with highly qualified professionals.
Beloit College
Beloit College is a private liberal arts college headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. It is the state’s first and oldest continuously operating college that was chartered in 1846 which was two years before Wisconsin became a state. As one of the most innovative colleges in the United States, Beloit offers more than 50 majors, minors, pre-professional tracks, and other innovative learning opportunities to nearly 1,400 students. Some of its majors are Business Economics, Education and Youth Studies, Data Analytics, Theatre and Dance, Environmental Justice and Citizenship, Environmental Biology, and International Relations. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and a member of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. Students all have access to the services that can help them learn and grow throughout their stay which include Career and Community Engagement, Student Success, Equity and Community, Tutoring and Academic Support, and Writing Center.
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education (HLPAE) is a comprehensive school with three locations in La Puente and Hacienda Heights, California that provides programs and training under the California Adult Education program. The school welcomes both adults and high school students within and outside the state. As one of the awardees of the “Programs of Excellence” designation from the California Department of Education, HLPAE is one of the leading career and technical schools in the United States with a total enrollment of 15,000 adults and high school students. Through its Adult School, adults can choose from entry-level and advanced technical and vocational programs in the fields of health, business, culinary arts, technology, skilled trades, and service careers. Some of these programs are Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Administrative Clerk, Executive Administrative Assistant, Computer Support Specialist, Automotive Technician, and HVAC Service Technician. Aside from these, HLPAE also offers programs in preparation for GED, citizenship, and parent education, as well as a High School Diploma program
Warren County Career Center
Warren County Career Center (WCCC) is a career and training school situated in Lebanon, Ohio that offers high school and adult programs. The school also has another campus called Greentree Health Science Academy, as well as satellite campuses in partner schools in some school districts within Warren County. WCCC offers full-time and part-time career programs to adults within and outside the state as well as high school students in six school districts namely Franklin, Lebanon, Kings, Springboro, Little Miami, and Waynesville. High school students may choose from academic programs such as English and Mathematics and from career programs such as Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics, Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Cybersecurity, Dental Assisting, Graphic Arts & Imaging, Healthcare Management & Medical Law, Pre-Nursing, and Veterinary Technology. The school also offers adult full-time programs that take 600 hours or more to complete such as Cisco Certified Network Administrator, Electrical Power Line Mechanic, Medical Assistant, and Welding Technician. There are also additional programs, courses, and services offered at WCCC like Aspire/GED/HSE/ESOL, Business & Industry Solutions, Small Business Development Center, College & Career Preparation, and Customized Training For Industry.
Mount Mary University
Mount Mary University, formerly Mount Mary College, is a private, Catholic liberal arts university based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was officially founded in 1872 as St. Mary’s Institute by the School Sisters of Notre Dame and it became the first four-year all-women Catholic college in the state. Recognized among the top 15 women’s colleges in the United States, Mount Mary offers more than 30 undergraduate majors exclusively for women, and 10 graduate and doctoral degree programs for both men and women. The programs are centered in the fields of arts, design & humanities, business & communication, education, nursing & healthcare, pre-professional programs, psychology & sociology, and sciences & mathematics. The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission North Central Association to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees to more than 1,200 students. Dedicated to creativity, leadership, and social justice as reflected in its programs, Mount Mary extends its advocacy to provide transformative programs to communities through study abroad experiences, service-learning opportunities, and partnerships with non-profit organizations within and outside the United States.
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a private university based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that specializes in engineering, nursing, and business. Started as the School of Engineering of Milwaukee in 1903, it offers the 9th best undergraduate engineering programs in the United States. With more than 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students, MSOE offers more than 20 bachelor’s and 10 master’s degrees as accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and other accrediting bodies like Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The university houses 8 academic departments which include Rader School of Business, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities, Social Science and Communication, School of Nursing, and Physics and Chemistry. MSOE also offers dozens of high school programs such as the Early College Credit Program, FIRST Robotics at MSOE, and Summer Programs in the fields of engineering, nursing, and business. Students also have the opportunity to study abroad through MSOE’s program offerings and partnerships with Czech Technical University, Lübeck University of Applied Sciences, and Victoria University of Wellington, among others.
Great Plains Technology Center
With two campuses in Oklahoma, Great Plains Technology Center is a public career and technology education center in Lawton and Frederick. Founded in 1971 as Great Plains Area Vocational and Technical School, it is now part of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education system. The Lawton campus serves individuals in Comanche and Cotton Counties while the Frederick Campus serves those in Tillman and Kiowa Counties. Both campuses offer high school programs and short-term courses throughout the year, and these include 3D Animator, Combination Collision Repair Technician, Criminal Justice Officer, Information Technology Services, Graphic Design and Photography, and Medical Office Assistant. Adults can also enroll in dozens of adult career programs and adult basic education courses such as Culinary Hospitality Assistant, Cyber Security Forensics Specialist, Firefighter/EMT Academy, Network and Computer Systems Administrator, Residential HVAC Technician, and Surgical Technologist. The school also offers the School of Career Opportunities and Real Education (SCORE) program which aims to reconnect students from ages 16 to 20 to educational and occupational goals and earn a high school diploma after a series of academic programs and career training.
Carroll University
Carroll University is a private liberal arts university based in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Known as Wisconsin’s pioneer college, the university was chartered in 1846 as Carroll College and was closely affiliated to the Presbyterian Church. With nearly 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students, the university houses 4 schools and colleges namely the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health Sciences, School of Business, and School of Education and Human Services where it offers more than 95 areas of study in the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. As an accredited institution of the Higher Learning Commission, the top majors and graduate programs offered by the university are Nursing, Exercise Science, Business Administration, Elementary Education, Health Care Administration, Animal Behavior, Psychology, Biology, and Physical Therapy. With 100% of students receiving some kind of financial aid, Carroll is ranked as one of the best value colleges and regional universities in the Midwest. Interested students may also enroll in one of the six campus-wide programs under the Honors Center that include the Honors Program, Celebrate Carroll, Pioneer Scholars Program, Student Scholarly Travel Program, Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, and National Scholarships Program.
Concordia University Wisconsin
A member of the Concordia University System, Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is a private Lutheran university headquartered in Mequon, Wisconsin. It is operated by the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod since it started serving the community in 1881 as Concordia College. The university offers various certificates, licensure, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 6 schools namely Batterman School of Business, School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Health Professions, School of Nursing, and School of Pharmacy. More than 8,000 students may choose from over 70 on-campus and online degree programs across several centers and locations in Appleton, Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison, Midtown, and Miller Park Way. Aside from these, CUW offers dozens of online continuing education courses in the fields of education, Christian ministry, and healthcare. Students may also take advantage of more than 500 study abroad programs across 48 countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand to explore and experience new cultures, places, and people.
Carthage College
Carthage College is a private liberal arts and sciences college situated in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1847 in Hillsboro, Illinois as The Literary and Theological Institute of the Lutheran Church in the Far West which was eventually shortened to Hillsboro College. Named as one of the best Midwestern colleges, Carthage accommodates more than 2,600 full-time undergraduates across three divisions namely the Division of Professional Studies, Division of Arts and Humanities, and Division of Natural and Social Sciences. Since 1916, the college has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in over 50 areas of study such as Accounting, Computer Science, Engineering Science, French, Graphic Design, International Political Economy, Meteorology, Occupational Therapy, and Social Justice. As one of the top 5 universities with the highest student participation in short-term study abroad, Carthage students have the opportunity to participate in a month-long January Term (J-Term) study where they can explore subjects and other interests outside their majors through classes and programs held on campus and around the world. One of the perks of being a Carthage student is The Aspire Program™ where they receive comprehensive career preparation and development programs throughout their stay in the college.
Ripon College
As part of the prestigious institution, Associated Colleges of the Midwest, Ripon College is a private liberal arts college located in Ripon, Wisconsin. It was established in 1851 as a college preparatory school and 12 years after, it was converted to a four-year college. As one of the best colleges in Wisconsin, Ripon offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, minors, and certifications across the fields of social sciences, languages, physical sciences, business & finance, visual & performing arts, economics, communications, management, computer science, and pre-professional programs. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the college also allows students to create their own program of study under the guidance of their faculty advisors. With nearly 1,000 students across 15 countries, Ripon features a Catalyst Curriculum which highlights the five most important aspects in learning which are writing, quantitative reasoning, intercultural competence, integration, and applied innovation. Students may also choose from dozens of off-campus study programs in the nation and around the world to enhance their academic experience and widen their connections.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is one of the leading public universities under the University of Wisconsin (UW) System. Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the campus is the most comprehensive university across the UW System. With nearly 10,500 undergraduate and graduate students, UWL is home to 5 schools and colleges namely the College of Business Administration, College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, College of Science & Health, and School of Education. The campus offers more than 100 undergraduate programs and over 30 graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as a wide range of minors, concentrations, and teaching certifications. Aside from these, UWL also provides online courses, certificates, and degree programs and was recognized by the Online Learning Consortium for the quality of its online academic programs with an Exemplary Endorsement. Students are also guided to academic success through various services like academic advising, career services, counseling & testing, first-year research exposure, tutoring at Murphy Learning Center, Writing Center, Public Speaking Center, and study abroad programs.
Marquette University
Marquette University is a private Jesuit and Catholic research university based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was founded as Marquette College in 1881 by the first Bishop of the diocese of Milwaukee named John Martin Henni. The university offers over 80 undergraduate majors and nearly 90 minors and pre-professional programs across 11 internationally recognized schools and colleges which include the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, Diederich College of Communication, College of Health Sciences, College of Education, and Opus College of Engineering. Ranked as one of the top 50 colleges in the United States, Marquette also offers nearly 100 graduate certificate and degree programs. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to grant these degrees to more than 11,500 students from 64 countries. Students may also explore dozens of study abroad programs in Germany, Columbia, Switzerland, Peru, Spain, Vietnam, Philippines, and Italy, among others.
St. Norbert College
St. Norbert College is among the top 10 private Catholic liberal arts colleges in the nation located in De Pere, Wisconsin. Founded in 1898, the college is the only Norbertine college in the world which was named after the founder of the Norbertine Order. With a total enrollment of 2,000, the college is known for its four-year graduation guarantee, recognized for having one of the highest four-year graduation rates in the Midwest. Having a strong liberal arts core curriculum, St. Norbert offers more than 80 areas of study, a wide range of minors, and several pre-professional programs in the fields of Military Science, Interdivisional Studies, Geography, Engineering, World Literature, Pre-Medical, and many more. The college also offers three master’s degree programs in the areas of business administration, liberal studies, and theological studies. With one-third of St. Norbert students attend courses and programs abroad, the college offers more than 50 study abroad seminars and programs through partnerships with academic institutions like the Bond University in Australia, Keele University in the United Kingdom, Maynooth University in Ireland, and many more.
Edgewood College
Edgewood College is a private Catholic liberal arts college situated in Madison, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1927 as a junior liberal arts college for women that is rooted in the Dominican Tradition. Edgewood offers more than 60 majors and 40 minors across several fields like arts and communications, business marketing and management, education, government, public administration, information technology, liberal arts and sciences, and health sciences. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the college also offers 15 graduate programs that lead to educator license, master’s, and doctoral degrees with some having the option to be taken on-campus or 100% online. Students, adults, and professionals who want to enhance their skills may also enroll in the courses and programs offered in the college’s professional development and continuing education program. The college also encourages its students to explore their academic interests and goals abroad through study abroad programs across 54 countries on 6 continents like in England, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Costa Rica, Peru, Cambodia, and Australia.
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is the state’s only private college of art and design located in the official arts district in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 1974, MIAD is the successor of the Layton School of Art that was opened in 1920. The college offers 5 Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees with majors namely Communication Design, Illustration, Product Design, Interior Architecture & Design, and New Studio Practice: Fine Arts as accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission. There are also available studio minors which include all the majors, as well as Art Management, Book Arts, Digital Media Production, and Furniture Design. MIAD also offers a couple of liberal studies majors namely Advertising, Art History, Business, Copywriting, Humanities, Psychology, Natural Sciences, Sustainability, and Writing. As a member of the prestigious Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), MIAD also provides off-campus learning opportunities to its students which include the AICAD Exchange program, semester-long exchange programs in Germany, France, Poland, Italy, and Spain, and other short-term study programs and internships within and outside the United States.
Marian University
Marian University is a private Roman Catholic coeducational university located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It was established by the Congregation of Sisters of Saint Agnes in 1936 as Marian College and was officially recognized as Marian University in 2008. More than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students may choose from more than 60 majors and minors and 12 graduate programs. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the university also offers student-centered online programs that lead to bachelor’s and master’s degrees through one of the MPath delivery methods namely flexible program, 7-week accelerated, or 15-week semester. Marian also offers one of the lowest net tuition among the 24 private colleges and universities in the state, with 99 percent of freshmen receiving some sort of financial aid. In addition, freshmen are encouraged to engage in several learning opportunities outside their majors and interests such as internships, field study clinical studies, and research projects.
Bellin College
Bellin College is a private nursing and health sciences school located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Founded as Deaconess Sanitorium Training School for Nurses in 1909, the school is the first institution to offer advanced surgical technology and surgical assisting programs in the state. Bellin offers certificates, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs in the fields of nursing, medical imaging, surgical technology, and physical therapy. The school and its programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. With more than 600 undergraduate and graduate students, Bellin features a focused curriculum with extensive hands-on practice through more than 85 clinical partners across the Green Bay area. Aside from exceptional licensure passing rates, the school also offers direct-entry programs which means that once a student is accepted at Bellin, he/she is automatically accepted into the chosen program.
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
As part of the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh (UW Oshkosh) is a public university headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Founded in 1871 as Oshkosh State Normal School, the university has additional locations in Fond du Lac and Fox Cities, Wisconsin. With 5 colleges namely College of Business, College of Education and Human Services, College of Letters and Science, College of Nursing, and Honors College, the university enrolls nearly 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students yearly. UW Oshkosh offers more than 280 majors, minors, concentrations, certificates, and graduate programs as accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, the university offers more than 25 online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that can be completed 100% online through the Division of Online and Continuing Education. Having one of the best nursing and business programs in the state, UW Oshkosh partners and collaborates with businesses, initiatives, and communities within and outside the United States, as well as other academic institutions worldwide for study abroad learning opportunities.
University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
Founded as Eau Claire State Normal School in 1916, the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire (UW Eau Claire) is a public university based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and has an additional Rice Lake Campus in Barron County. It was formerly called Wisconsin State University before its merging with the University of Wisconsin in 1971. Recognized for being the best college in the Midwest, UW Eau Claire as well as the Rice Lake Campus offers more than 160 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, pre-professional, and doctoral degrees with 5 programs that can be taken completely online. The university houses 4 colleges namely College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, College of Education & Human Sciences, and College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Named as one of the state’s top-performing schools in undergraduate collaborative research, UW Eau Claire offers exceptional learning opportunities to its students through the Honors College, internships, student research programs, service-learning activities, and cultural immersions. Students may also choose from more than 40 study abroad programs across 35 counties or in the National Student Exchange program where they can study for a semester or a year at one of almost 200 universities in the United States, Guam, the Virgin Islands, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
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