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Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Wisconsin

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

College of Menominee Nation delivers the state's most affordable Liberal Arts and Sciences education at just $10,498 net cost, though its 27.50% graduation rate reflects the unique challenges facing tribal colleges. The gap between Wisconsin's cheapest and most expensive programs spans nearly $11,000, with public universities dominating the affordable options. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay graduates earn $37,613 annually, the highest among Wisconsin liberal arts programs, positioning them well for roles at major state employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare. These broad-based programs prepare students for Wisconsin's evolving economy, where healthcare administration, government services, and corporate training roles increasingly value critical thinking and communication skills over narrow technical specialization. The Wisconsin Grant program helps reduce costs further for in-state students, making these already affordable options even more accessible.
27
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$30,661
Avg. Program Earnings
58.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $10,498 $6,200 27.5%
3 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
4 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
5 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
6 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
7 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
8 $14,785 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
9 $15,374 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
10 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
11 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%
12 $16,948 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
13 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
14 $20,780 $42,491 43.3% 68.4%
15 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
16 $21,315 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
17 $22,092 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
18 $22,633 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
19 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
20 $24,362 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
21 $24,563 $55,461 76.4% 72.3%
22 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
23 $24,813 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
24 $25,634 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
25 $25,674 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
26 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
27 $29,237 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $4,000 cost difference between the cheapest public programs?

University of Wisconsin-Parkside costs $10,044 net while UW-La Crosse runs $15,374, reflecting varying state funding levels and campus resources. Parkside's location in Kenosha provides lower living costs compared to La Crosse. However, UW-La Crosse delivers a 71.20% graduation rate versus Parkside's 39.80%, suggesting the higher investment often yields better completion outcomes.

How do Wisconsin liberal arts graduates perform in the job market?

Earnings range from $25,967 at UW-Eau Claire to $37,613 at UW-Green Bay, with most programs producing graduates earning around $32,000. Average debt levels stay manageable at $19,672 to $28,875 across programs. Wisconsin's healthcare and technology sectors, anchored by employers like Epic Systems, increasingly hire liberal arts graduates for roles requiring strong communication and analytical skills.

Is the College of Menominee Nation worth considering despite its low graduation rate?

The 27.50% graduation rate reflects institutional challenges common among tribal colleges, including students balancing education with family and work responsibilities. However, the $10,498 net cost makes it Wisconsin's most affordable option. The college serves a specific population with unique cultural and educational needs that traditional metrics may not fully capture.

Does attending a private liberal arts college in Wisconsin justify the higher costs?

Private options like Mount Mary University and Ripon College cost $18,295 to $21,176 net, nearly double most public alternatives. Ripon graduates earn $33,993 annually with $27,000 in debt, while public UW-Green Bay graduates earn $37,613 with just $19,672 in debt. The public universities generally offer better financial value for liberal arts students.

Where should Wisconsin residents focus their applications for liberal arts programs?

UW-Green Bay offers the best combination of affordability ($12,878 net) and outcomes ($37,613 earnings, 53.10% graduation rate). UW-Whitewater provides solid value at $14,785 with 64.30% graduation rates and $32,593 earnings. Students should prioritize public universities, as they consistently outperform private alternatives in both cost and post-graduation earnings in Wisconsin.

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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.