Most
Affordable Colleges in Milwaukee in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers access to diverse industries and internships. Programs typically cover accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, data analysis, and organizational behavior. Graduates may pursue roles such as management analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales representative, operations supervisor, or business owner. Popular local options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Lubar College of Business, Marquette University's College of Business Administration, and Milwaukee Area Technical College's business management program.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers opportunities at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Alverno College, and Mount Mary University. Courses commonly include developmental, cognitive, social, and abnormal psychology, research methods, statistics, and counseling fundamentals. Students examine behavior, mental processes, and evidence-based approaches to well-being. Graduates with a bachelor's degree often pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources assistant, or research assistant. Clinical practice typically requires graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Milwaukee, WI, offers access to urban employers and hands-on learning. Typical courses include programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, software engineering, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build projects, collaborate on teams, and may pursue internships with regional companies. Graduates commonly work as software developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or IT consultants. Popular local options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) campuses.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, typically combines psychology foundations, ethics, lifespan development, counseling theories, assessment, multicultural practice, group counseling, and supervised fieldwork. Students may pursue clinical mental health, school, or substance-use counseling tracks, depending on program and licensure goals. Local options include Marquette University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Mount Mary University. Graduates often work as professional counselor candidates, mental health counselors, school counselors, case managers, or substance-use counselors in clinics, schools, hospitals, and agencies.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Milwaukee, WI offers paths from associate to bachelor's and graduate degrees. Typical coursework includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and supervised clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Popular local options include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Alverno College, and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Graduates may work as registered nurses, clinical nurses, public health nurses, or nurse educators, depending on degree level, licensure, and additional training or experience.

Best Colleges in Milwaukee, WI Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 35,120, compared with 48,789 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of 13,669.
• Financial aid is reported for an average of 100% of students overall, compared with 77.25% at top 10% schools. The average acceptance rate is also 77.25%.
• Schools receive an average of 5,704 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 16,865.6 applicants. The median number of male applicants is 557, compared with 978 female applicants.
• Average test scores are 1,159.5 on the SAT and 24.2 on the ACT. Average enrollment is 5,295.5 students, with averages of 493.17 enrolled men and 485.38 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 60.29%, compared with 73.4% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 58% for men and 71% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, eight offer bachelor's degrees, six offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees. Six schools are coeducational; the counts of schools for men and schools for women are both 0.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, applicant and enrollment figures, test scores, and graduation rates. Consider which degree level and school environment fit your goals, and note that the reported median graduation rate is higher for women than for men.

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

For a student planning to earn a degree in Milwaukee, the reported average total cost of studying is $33,897.25. Treat this as a broad cost estimate, not a guaranteed price for an entire degree: your actual bill will vary by school, program, and living arrangements. Milwaukee offers choices including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering, with different tuition and aid options.

• Average tuition and fees are $34,662.50; average room and board is $12,665.14; and average books and supplies cost $836.67. These are reported averages, so don't add them to the total; the figures may use different calculation bases.
• Ask each financial-aid office for a personalized cost-of-attendance estimate, then subtract grants and scholarships to see what you may actually pay. Living at home or sharing housing can also change your budget. With clear estimates and aid research, comparing local Milwaukee campuses can feel manageable and help you choose a path that fits your goals.

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

Most students in Milwaukee can expect a bachelor's degree to take about four years of full-time study; an associate degree at Milwaukee Area Technical College usually takes about two. At local institutions such as UW-Milwaukee and Marquette, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, transfer credits, and whether you study full time. A master's degree generally requires another one to two years after a bachelor's degree.

The average graduation rate is 60.29%, while schools in the top 10% average 73.4%; these figures show many students complete their studies, and encouraging results are possible. Average rates are 60.4% for men and 63.71% for women.

To finish sooner, consider summer or winter courses, transfer eligible credits, test out of introductory subjects where accepted, or choose accelerated programs. MATC students can explore transfer pathways to four-year Milwaukee universities to avoid repeated coursework. Ask advisers to map a schedule and confirm how credits apply.

Salary

Graduates in Milwaukee, WI can use $49,687 as a median alumni salary benchmark. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is $64,651. Your own earning potential will depend on your degree, career field, experience, and the opportunities you pursue after graduation.

Milwaukee offers a range of college options, including the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering. Comparing programs at these schools can help you find a path that fits your interests and career goals.

• Median alumni salary: $49,687
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: $64,651

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Milwaukee?

It depends on the school, your Wisconsin residency, and whether you mean tuition alone or the full cost of attendance. As a rough guide, a Milwaukee public two-year college may cost around $5,000 in tuition for a full-time year, while UW-Milwaukee's resident undergraduate tuition and fees are around $10,000 a year. Housing, books, and other expenses add more.

What college in Milwaukee has the lowest tuition?

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is generally among the least expensive local choices, especially for students eligible for its in-district rate. A full-time year's tuition can be roughly $5,000 before fees and other expenses, depending on credits and program. Check MATC's current rate for your residency status; comparing total costs can help you find the best fit.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Milwaukee, WI Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a public urban research university on Milwaukee's East Side, offering a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs near Lake Michigan. It enrolls 22,876 students, with a 91% acceptance rate and 49% graduation rate. Listed total study cost is $20,772, and median alumni salary is $49,687. For Milwaukee residents, its city setting offers access to cultural venues, employers, and transit while studying close to home. Students should compare program fees and living expenses before enrolling here.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex is the university's flexible, online option, designed for students who need to fit coursework around work or family responsibilities. It reports 551 enrolled students, a 100% acceptance rate, and no available graduation-rate figure. The listed total cost is $6,750, while median alumni salary is $49,687. Based in Milwaukee, Flex can suit local learners seeking a lower-cost route without daily campus travel, though students should confirm program availability, support services, and any fees before enrolling in advance.

Alverno College is a private Catholic college in Milwaukee known for its women-centered undergraduate education and emphasis on experiential, skills-based learning. It enrolls 1,053 students; its acceptance rate is 86%, and its graduation rate is 49%. The reported total cost of study is $33,216, with median alumni salary of $53,656. For a student living in Milwaukee, Alverno offers a small-college setting within the city, with nearby community and career opportunities. Review program outcomes and aid options when comparing costs carefully.

Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Milwaukee, offering undergraduate study in a close-knit campus environment. Its 1,027 students experience a 78% acceptance rate and 64% graduation rate. The listed total cost is $35,550, and median alumni salary is $48,107. For Milwaukee-area students, studying here means staying in the city while joining a faith-oriented academic community. Compare the college's programs, campus culture, financial aid, and commuting or housing costs to judge overall fit before you enroll.

Mount Mary University is a private Catholic university in Milwaukee, known for educating women and offering a supportive, values-focused learning environment. It enrolls 1,043 students, with a 62% acceptance rate and 43% graduation rate. The reported total study cost is $34,690, and median alumni salary is $42,673. A Milwaukee student can pursue a degree without leaving the area and connect with local organizations and employers. Explore its majors, student support, financial aid, and commute options to assess affordability and fit.