Best
Value Colleges in Milwaukee in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Milwaukee, WI, offers opportunities to learn in a diverse urban economy. Programs commonly cover accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business analytics, and organizational behavior. Students may gain experience through internships with local companies. Popular options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering, which offers business-related programs. Graduates often pursue careers as marketing coordinators, financial analysts, human resources specialists, sales representatives, or operations managers across many industries.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, combines foundational coursework with opportunities to explore human behavior locally. Typical courses include introduction to psychology, research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and cognition. Milwaukee colleges include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Mount Mary University, and Alverno College. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as behavioral health technicians, case managers, community support workers, human resources assistants, or research assistants; clinical practice generally requires graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Milwaukee, WI offers access to a growing technology community and hands-on learning. Typical coursework includes programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular local options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, web developers, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, or data analysts, working locally in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, startups, and other industries.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Milwaukee, WI, typically combines psychology, counseling theory, ethics, human development, multicultural practice, assessment, and supervised fieldwork. Students may explore group counseling, trauma support, and career guidance. Milwaukee-area options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University, which offer counseling-related graduate study. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as licensed professional counselor, school counselor, behavioral health clinician, substance-use counselor, or college adviser, depending on degree level, licensure, state requirements, and experience.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Milwaukee, WI, combines classroom learning with clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and ethics. Graduates may work as registered nurses, practical nurses, or patient-care coordinators, depending on their credential and licensure. Popular options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Alverno College, and Milwaukee Area Technical College, offering nursing pathways ranging from associate degrees to bachelor's programs.

Best Colleges in Milwaukee, WI Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 35,120.0, compared with 48,789.0 at schools in the top 10%, making the top-tier schools 13,669.0 higher on this measure.
• Financial aid is reported for an average of 100.0% of students overall, versus 76.78% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 76.78%. Schools receive an average of 5,078 applicants, compared with 16,603.4 applicants at top 10% schools.
• The median number of male applicants is 173.0, while the median number of female applicants is 634.0.
• Average test scores are 1,159.5 on the SAT and 24.2 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 4,714.56. Average enrollment is 423.0 men and 434.22 women.
• The average graduation rate is 58.25%, compared with 71.8% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 56.0% for men and 61.5% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, eight offer bachelor's degrees, eight offer master's degrees, and five offer doctor's degrees.
• Seven schools are coeducational; zero are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial-aid availability, and consider how acceptance rates, applicant numbers, test scores, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation rates fit your priorities. The higher costs reported for top 10% schools should be weighed against their higher average graduation rate and applicant volume, rather than considered in isolation.

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

The average total cost of studying in Milwaukee, WI, is $33,897.25. For local students, this is a useful starting point for budgeting for a degree.

At institutions Milwaukee students consider, including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee Area Technical College, compare each school's cost estimate before applying.

The provided averages list tuition and fees at $34,662.50, room and board at $12,665.14, and books and supplies at $836.67. These are separate averages and do not add up to the listed total, so treat them as reference points rather than an itemized budget for one student. For a more affordable path, living at home or sharing housing may help lower expenses, while grants, scholarships, and campus jobs can make the investment feel more manageable. Milwaukee's range of public, private, and technical options gives you room to find a program that fits your goals and budget. Getting clear estimates early can make planning less stressful and help you feel confident about taking the next step.

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

Finishing a bachelor's degree in Milwaukee, WI typically takes about four years of full-time study; an associate degree usually takes about two. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or Marquette University, your timeline may grow if you study part time, change majors, or repeat courses. An adviser can help you map prerequisites and plan a manageable schedule.

Graduation rates also show that completion takes persistence: reported averages are 58.25%, while the top 10% average is 71.8%. The average is 57.5% for men and 61.25% for women. These figures indicate many students graduate, though not everyone finishes on schedule.

To make finishing sooner feel achievable, consider options such as:

• Use AP, IB, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits accepted by your Milwaukee college to reduce required coursework.
• Take summer classes or a heavier course load when feasible, while checking prerequisites so credits count toward your major.
• Ask UWM, Marquette, or Milwaukee Area Technical College about accelerated options and transfer pathways that fit your goals.

Salary

Graduates in Milwaukee can expect a median alumni salary of about $49,687. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $62,784. Your own earnings can vary by field, degree, experience, and employer, but these figures offer a useful starting point as you plan your career.

Milwaukee offers several well-known options, including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering. Comparing programs in your intended field can help you find a path that fits your goals and gives you confidence about your next steps after graduation.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has four universities: the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Mount Mary University. The count depends on what you include: Milwaukee also has colleges and other higher-education institutions that are not formally universities. For a prospective student, that range means there are several distinct campus environments to explore.

What is the largest university in Milwaukee?

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is the largest university in the city by student enrollment. Its size can offer students a wide variety of academic programs, campus activities, and opportunities to meet people with different interests. If you are comparing schools, consider whether you would feel more at home in a large campus community or a smaller one.

How many universities are there in Milwaukee?

Using "university" to mean a university-level institution located in the city, the answer is four. The total may differ in lists that count the wider Milwaukee area or include colleges alongside universities. Checking each school's location and campus offerings can help you narrow your choices and find a good fit close to home.

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

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers Milwaukee students a large campus and broad range of academic options in an urban setting. With 22,876 enrolled students, it is the largest school in this group. Its 49% graduation rate and 91% acceptance rate may help applicants weigh access and completion. Listed total study cost is $20,772, while median alumni salary is $49,687. Consider how commuting, housing, and Milwaukee's career opportunities fit your plans before choosing this public university for an undergraduate degree here.

Milwaukee School of Engineering gives students a focused, career-oriented setting in downtown Milwaukee, with an emphasis on applied technical education. Its enrollment of 3,065 is the smallest among these five schools. The college reports a 67% graduation rate and 59% acceptance rate, alongside a total study cost of $48,240. Median alumni salary is $77,720, the highest figure in this group. Compare its specialized programs, urban campus, and costs with your career goals before applying to this Milwaukee institution in Wisconsin.

Marquette University is a private Jesuit institution in Milwaukee, offering students a campus experience close to the city's cultural, business, and lakefront amenities. Its 11,911 enrolled students form a mid-sized community among the schools listed. Marquette reports an 83% graduation rate and an 81% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $50,070, while median alumni salary is $59,050. For Milwaukee-area applicants, weigh its urban location, graduation outcomes, and cost against your academic interests and financial plans before deciding whether it fits.

Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private liberal arts institution in Milwaukee's suburb of Wauwatosa, offering a smaller-campus alternative within the metro area. Its 1,027 students make it the smallest enrollment in this group. The college has a 64% graduation rate and a 78% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $35,550, and median alumni salary is $48,107. Consider whether its intimate scale, location, and offerings suit your needs, and compare commuting or housing costs as you plan to study in Milwaukee.

Alverno College offers Milwaukee students a smaller-campus setting at its city location, with a learning environment distinct from the larger universities nearby. It enrolls 1,053 students, the second-smallest total among these five schools. Alverno's graduation rate is 49%, and its acceptance rate is 86%. The listed total study cost is $33,216, while median alumni salary is $53,656. If you plan to study in Milwaukee, compare its programs, campus experience, and affordability with your goals and likely financial aid before applying.