1. University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison)
Overview
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is the flagship institution of the University of Wisconsin System and one of the top public research universities in the U.S. Known for its contributions to science, engineering, agriculture, and social sciences, UW-Madison consistently ranks among the best in the country for research output. The university’s location in the state capital offers students access to internships and job opportunities in government and industry.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #35 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 47,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average SAT Score: 1320-1500
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Badgers Athletics
- Wisconsin Union Directorate
- Greek life
- Research and innovation clubs
- Student government
Famous Alumni
- Dick Cheney – Former U.S. Vice President
- Joan Cusack – Actress
- JJ Watt – NFL player
- Frank Lloyd Wright – Architect
- Russ Feingold – Former U.S. Senator
Top Employers
- Epic Systems
- University of Wisconsin Health
- American Family Insurance
- Deloitte
2. Marquette University
Overview
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Founded in 1881, Marquette University is a private Jesuit university known for its programs in business, law, and engineering. Marquette has a strong focus on service, leadership, and social justice, reflecting its Catholic roots. The university’s College of Business Administration and Marquette Law School are among the most highly regarded in the Midwest.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #83 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 11,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Average SAT Score: 1170-1350
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Golden Eagles Athletics
- Campus Ministry and service organizations
- Student government
- Greek life
- The Marquette Tribune (student newspaper)
Famous Alumni
- Dwyane Wade – NBA player
- Chris Farley – Comedian and actor
- Joseph McCarthy – Former U.S. Senator
- Danny Pudi – Actor (Community)
- J. William Middleton – Surgeon and Army general
Top Employers
- Northwestern Mutual
- Johnson Controls
- Aurora Health Care
- GE Healthcare
- Milwaukee Public Schools
3. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)
Overview
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Founded in 1956, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a public research university known for its programs in engineering, business, and health sciences. UWM is home to one of the nation’s leading schools for freshwater sciences and has a strong reputation in environmental studies. The university’s proximity to downtown Milwaukee provides students with excellent internship and employment opportunities.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #331-440 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 24,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Average SAT Score: 1060-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Panthers Athletics
- UWM Film and Video Production clubs
- Student government
- Greek life
- Outdoor adventure and recreation clubs
Famous Alumni
- Satya Nadella – CEO of Microsoft
- Golda Meir – Former Prime Minister of Israel
- Jim Rygiel – Oscar-winning visual effects artist (Lord of the Rings)
- Bud Selig – Former MLB Commissioner
- Luis E. Arreaga – U.S. Ambassador
Top Employers
- Johnson Controls
- Harley-Davidson
- Northwestern Mutual
- Aurora Health Care
- Rockwell Automation
4. Lawrence University
Overview
Location: Appleton, Wisconsin
Founded in 1847, Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college known for its individualized attention and strong programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences. The Lawrence Conservatory of Music is one of the top music programs in the country. The university’s emphasis on small class sizes and personalized learning provides students with close interaction with faculty and ample opportunities for research.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #62 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 1,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Average SAT Score: 1220-1430
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Viking Athletics
- Conservatory music ensembles
- Student government
- Volunteer and community service organizations
- Outdoor recreation clubs
Famous Alumni
- J. Paul Getty – Oil magnate and philanthropist
- Christopher Wray – FBI Director
- David Mulford – Former U.S. Ambassador to India
- Brett Butler – MLB player
- Thomas Steitz – Nobel Prize-winning biochemist
Top Employers
- Lawrence University
- Appleton Area School District
- Kimberly-Clark
- The Boldt Company
- Associated Bank
5. Beloit College
Overview
Location: Beloit, Wisconsin
Founded in 1846, Beloit College is one of the oldest private liberal arts colleges in Wisconsin. Known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, Beloit offers a personalized education with a focus on global engagement, social responsibility, and critical thinking. The college’s interdisciplinary programs and hands-on approach to education prepare students for a wide variety of careers.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #75 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 1,200
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Average SAT Score: 1180-1350
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Buccaneers Athletics
- Beloit Student Government
- Volunteer and community service programs
- Theater and performing arts groups
- Study abroad programs
Famous Alumni
- James Arness – Actor (Gunsmoke)
- Edward Dwight Daniels – Abolitionist and geologist
- Thomas J. Watson Jr. – Former CEO of IBM
- Terry Moran – ABC News correspondent
- Frank L. Packard – Architect
Top Employers
- Beloit Health System
- Hendricks Commercial Properties
- Kerry Ingredients & Flavours
- ABC Supply
- Regal Beloit Corporation
6. Carroll University
Overview
Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Founded in 1846, Carroll University is a private liberal arts university known for its strong health sciences programs, particularly in physical therapy, nursing, and exercise science. Carroll offers a student-centered education with small class sizes and a focus on real-world learning. Its location in the Milwaukee metropolitan area gives students access to internships and career opportunities in various industries.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #39 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 3,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1240
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Pioneers Athletics
- Student government
- Health and fitness clubs
- Campus Ministry
- Outdoor adventure and environmental groups
Famous Alumni
- Mel Lawrenz – Author and pastor
- Josh Bilicki – NASCAR driver
- James Groppi – Civil rights activist
- Genevieve Gorder – TV host and interior designer
- John Schneider – Former NFL coach and executive
Top Employers
- ProHealth Care
- Aurora Health Care
- Milwaukee Tool
- GE Healthcare
- Froedtert Health
7. Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
Overview
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Founded in 1903, the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a private technical university known for its programs in engineering, business, and nursing. MSOE is highly regarded for its focus on hands-on learning and its strong partnerships with local industries. The university’s small class sizes and focus on applied research prepare students for careers in high-demand technical fields.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #9 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 2,900
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 62%
- Average SAT Score: 1220-1400
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Raiders Athletics
- Robotics and engineering clubs
- Greek life
- Student government
- Entrepreneurship and business organizations
Famous Alumni
- John Walch – President of Walch Iron Works
- Henry Harnischfeger – Founder of P&H Mining
- Chris Abele – Milwaukee County Executive
- Thomas Stackhouse – CEO of Johnson Controls
- John Mellowes – CEO of Charter Manufacturing
Top Employers
- Johnson Controls
- Rockwell Automation
- Harley-Davidson
- GE Healthcare
- Milwaukee Tool
8. St. Norbert College
Overview
Location: De Pere, Wisconsin
Founded in 1898, St. Norbert College is a private Catholic liberal arts college known for its strong programs in business, education, and the humanities. St. Norbert emphasizes service, leadership, and community engagement, offering students opportunities for study abroad and internships. The college’s small class sizes and focus on personalized education make it a popular choice for students seeking a close-knit community.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #115 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 2,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Average SAT Score: 1110-1290
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Green Knights Athletics
- Volunteer and community service programs
- Student government
- Greek life
- Campus Ministry
Famous Alumni
- Mike Gallagher – U.S. Congressman
- Paul Jadin – Former Mayor of Green Bay
- Larry McCarren – Green Bay Packers broadcaster
- Tom Zurhellen – Navy veteran and activist
- Dennis Goettl – CEO of Schneider National
Top Employers
- Schneider National
- Humana
- Bellin Health
- Green Bay Packers
- Associated Bank
9. Ripon College
Overview
Location: Ripon, Wisconsin
Founded in 1851, Ripon College is a private liberal arts college known for its strong programs in the sciences, humanities, and education. Ripon offers a personalized education with small class sizes and a focus on critical thinking and leadership development. The college’s close-knit community and commitment to experiential learning prepare students for careers in a wide range of fields.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #111 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 800
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Average SAT Score: 1120-1300
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Red Hawks Athletics
- Student Senate
- Greek life
- Theater and performing arts groups
- Volunteer and service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Harrison Ford – Actor (attended briefly)
- Al Jarreau – Grammy-winning jazz singer
- Spencer Tracy – Actor
- David P. Roe – U.S. Congressman
- Tom Brokaw – Journalist (attended briefly)
Top Employers
- Ripon College
- Alliance Laundry Systems
- SSM Health
- The Boldt Company
- The Oshkosh Corporation
10. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-La Crosse)
Overview
Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Founded in 1909, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public university known for its programs in health sciences, biology, and business. UW-La Crosse has a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and hands-on learning, offering students numerous opportunities for internships and fieldwork. The university’s scenic location along the Mississippi River provides an ideal setting for outdoor recreation and environmental studies.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #33 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 10,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Average SAT Score: 1120-1290
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Eagles Athletics
- Outdoor recreation and adventure clubs
- Student government
- Greek life
- Research and innovation programs
Famous Alumni
- Jack E. Daniels – Higher education leader
- Paul Chryst – Head football coach, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Roger Harring – Former football coach
- Margaret Leinen – Oceanographer and climate scientist
- Bill Hettler – Co-founder of the National Wellness Institute
Top Employers
- Gundersen Health System
- Mayo Clinic Health System
- La Crosse School District
- Trane Technologies
- UW-La Crosse