Best
Private Colleges in Milwaukee in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Milwaukee, WI, combines classroom learning with access to a diverse regional economy. Typical courses include accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, and data analytics. Students build communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills through projects and internships. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales representative, or operations manager. Milwaukee-area options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and also Alverno College.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Milwaukee, WI, typically combines coursework in developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology with hands-on research or fieldwork. Popular local options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Alverno College. Graduates with a bachelor's degree may pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, behavioral health technician, human resources specialist, or community support worker. Clinical psychologist and therapist positions generally require graduate study and licensure in Wisconsin.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Milwaukee, WI, offers a mix of theory and hands-on learning. Students typically study programming, algorithms, data structures, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular local options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering. Programs often include projects or internships with employers. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity analysts, systems administrators, or web developers across technology, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and public services.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Milwaukee, WI, combines coursework in counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and supervised clinical work. Students may explore specializations such as school, mental health, or substance-use counseling. Milwaukee-area options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Mount Mary University. Depending on degree and licensure, graduates pursue roles as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, case managers, or community agency practitioners, completing post-degree supervised hours.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers pathways from associate to bachelor's degrees. Programs typically cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing practice, and clinical rotations in hospitals and community settings. Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or nurse educators after further study. Popular options include University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Alverno College, and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Students gain hands-on experience serving urban populations while preparing for licensure.

Best Colleges in Milwaukee, WI Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $38,720.0, compared with $49,155.0 at schools in the top 10%, making cost an important factor to compare.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid, versus 71.43% at top-10% schools. Prospective students should compare aid availability at individual institutions.
• The average acceptance rate is 71.43%. Schools receive an average of 4,231.14 applicants, compared with 11,252.6 applicants at top-10% schools. The median applicant counts are 173.0 men and 634.0 women.
• Average test scores are 1,159.5 on the SAT and 24.75 on the ACT.
• Schools average 2,714.86 enrolled students, including averages of 296.0 men and 274.71 women.
• The average graduation rate is 59.57%, compared with 73.4% at top-10% schools. Median graduation rates are 58.0% for men and 71.0% for women.
• Among the institutions, 2 offer associate's degrees, 6 offer bachelor's degrees, 7 offer master's degrees, and 4 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 5 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions selectivity, test scores, enrollment, graduation rates, degree offerings, and school type. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs, applicant averages, and graduation rates, while their average financial-aid coverage is lower.

How much does studying at a college in Milwaukee, WI cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Milwaukee, WI, is $40,609.33. Treat this as a planning benchmark, not a guaranteed full-degree price: costs vary by school, program, and time to graduation. Local choices such as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering each set their own tuition and living expenses.

The supplied averages break down as follows:

• Tuition and fees: $42,988.33
• Room and board: $12,828.67
• Books and supplies: $844.00

Tuition and fees exceed the reported total cost, so these figures do not reconcile. Confirm current costs with your chosen college before setting a budget. Living at home, applying for financial aid, or choosing housing carefully may make your Milwaukee degree more manageable. Ask each school's financial-aid office for a personalized estimate that includes scholarships, grants, transportation, and other expenses. With a clear budget, you can compare campuses confidently and focus on finding a program and student community that feel right.

How long does it take to finish college in Milwaukee, WI?

Most full-time students in Milwaukee should plan on about four years for a bachelor's degree, while an associate degree commonly takes two. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, or Milwaukee School of Engineering, your timeline depends on your program, course availability, transfer credits, and whether you enroll full- or part-time.

Graduation rates offer a useful reality check: the average rate is 59.57%, meaning roughly six in ten students graduate. The average is 73.4% among the top 10% of schools; rates average 59.8% for men and 62.57% for women. These figures are averages, not a promise about any single campus, but can help you ask about advising and completion support with confidence.

• Bring in AP, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits, if accepted, to reduce remaining requirements.
• Take summer courses or a heavier load, while checking prerequisites and workload.
• Meet an academic adviser early to map a realistic, potentially faster path.

Salary

Graduates in Milwaukee can use $48,107 as a median alumni salary benchmark. At schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is $66,518 - a promising indication of the earning potential a degree can offer.

Milwaukee students can explore programs at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering. Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your field of study, experience, and career path, but these figures offer a helpful starting point as you compare programs and plan for life after graduation.

People also ask

What is the prettiest university in Milwaukee?

Beauty is subjective, but the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a lovely choice if you enjoy leafy grounds and historic architecture. Its East Side campus is near Lake Michigan, giving students easy access to the lakefront as well as neighborhood cafés and shops. Marquette University is another appealing option, with distinctive campus landmarks in a lively downtown setting.

What is the most selective college in Milwaukee?

Among Milwaukee-area undergraduate colleges, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is often one of the more selective, based on reported acceptance rates. Selectivity changes from year to year, though, and acceptance rates don't tell the whole story. If MSOE interests you, check its current admissions requirements and consider how its engineering and technical programs match your goals.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Private Colleges Ranking in Milwaukee, WI Ranking in 2026-2027

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a private university known for hands-on education in engineering, business, and nursing. Its compact campus places you in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, close to employers and city amenities. The school enrolls 3,065 students, with a 59% acceptance rate and 67% graduation rate. Total study cost is $48,240, while median alumni salary is $77,720. For Milwaukee-area students, its career-focused setting offers a direct route into technical fields, though costs and fit deserve careful personal review.

Marquette University is a private Jesuit university near downtown Milwaukee, with programs across business, health sciences, engineering, and liberal arts. Its urban campus gives students access to local cultural life and professional opportunities. Enrollment is 11,911, and reported acceptance and graduation rates are 81% and 83%, respectively. Total study cost is $50,070, and median alumni salary is $59,050. For a Milwaukee, WI student, it combines broad academics with city connection; compare financial aid, program outcomes, and campus experience before deciding.

Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private liberal arts college in Milwaukee, offering a smaller campus environment and faith-informed education. Its 1,027 students may appeal to learners seeking close faculty interaction and a community-oriented experience. The college reports a 78% acceptance rate and 64% graduation rate. Total study cost is $35,550, while median alumni salary is $48,107. For students already in Milwaukee, WI, staying local can simplify commuting and preserve connections; explore specific majors, aid, and faith expectations to assess fit.

Alverno College is a private women's college in Milwaukee, recognized for an ability-based approach to learning and assessment rather than conventional letter grades in many programs. Its 1,053 enrolled students study in a smaller college setting within the city. Alverno reports an 86% acceptance rate and 49% graduation rate. Total study cost is $33,216, and median alumni salary is $53,656. For a Milwaukee, WI resident, access may be convenient; investigate program availability, costs, and whether its learning model suits you.

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is a specialized art and design college in downtown Milwaukee, focused on creative fields such as illustration, communication design, and fine arts. Its enrollment is 838, with a 61% acceptance rate and 67% graduation rate. Total study cost is $41,890, while median alumni salary is $34,182. For a Milwaukee, WI student, its city location connects studio learning to a creative scene; compare portfolio expectations, equipment needs, financial aid, and career paths before enrolling.