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Cheapest Business/Commerce Colleges in Wisconsin

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Wisconsin business students face a dramatic cost divide between public and private options, with University of Wisconsin-Parkside offering the lowest net price at $10,044 while Marquette University reaches $29,237. The state's strong manufacturing and healthcare sectors, anchored by companies like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, create demand for business graduates who understand both traditional industry operations and modern corporate structures. Saint Norbert College graduates earn the highest median salary at $46,087, nearly $15,000 more than Concordia University-Wisconsin alumni. The Wisconsin Grant program helps reduce costs for in-state students, making public universities particularly affordable with in-state tuition ranging from $7,855 to $10,020.
12
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$40,735
Avg. Program Earnings
61.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Business/Commerce, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
3 $14,785 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
4 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
5 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
6 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
7 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
8 $24,813 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
9 $25,634 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
10 $25,674 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
11 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
12 $29,237 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide salary gap between Wisconsin business programs?

Saint Norbert College graduates earn $46,087 compared to $31,133 at Concordia University-Wisconsin, a $15,000 difference. This gap likely reflects different career paths, with some programs preparing students for entry-level positions while others focus on management tracks. Geographic factors also matter, as Milwaukee-area schools may connect students to higher-paying corporate roles.

How much more do private colleges cost than public universities?

Private colleges average around $25,000 in net costs while public universities range from $10,044 to $16,177. However, private schools often provide substantial financial aid, with Ripon College's sticker price of $50,700 dropping to a net cost of $21,176. The gap narrows significantly when comparing net prices rather than published tuition rates.

Is University of Wisconsin-Parkside worth considering despite its low graduation rate?

Parkside's 39.80% graduation rate is concerning, but the school offers the state's lowest net cost at $10,044 and graduates earn $42,682. Students who complete the program see strong returns on their investment. The low graduation rate may reflect the school's accessibility to first-generation college students who face additional challenges.

Does attending school near Milwaukee provide better job prospects?

Milwaukee-area schools like UW-Milwaukee, Alverno College, and Marquette University offer proximity to major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services. However, graduates from smaller cities also succeed, with Saint Norbert College in De Pere producing the highest-earning alumni at $46,087. Location matters less than program quality and networking opportunities.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.