Cheapest Marketing Colleges in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison breaks the mold among public marketing programs, delivering $59,556 in average early career earnings while maintaining a net price of just $16,928. This figure stands remarkably above other Wisconsin schools in the field, where typical earnings hover around $42,000-$46,000. The cost advantage becomes clear when comparing public options like UW-Parkside at $10,044 net price to private alternatives reaching $22,633 at Viterbo University. Wisconsin's marketing graduates enter a state economy anchored by major corporations including Epic Systems, GE Healthcare, and Kimberly-Clark, all requiring skilled marketing professionals to reach healthcare providers, manufacturers, and consumer markets. The Wisconsin Grant program helps in-state students access these affordable public options, with nine of the top ten most affordable programs coming from the University of Wisconsin system. Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, from UW-Madison's strong 89.30% to more modest outcomes at regional campuses.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$46,052

Avg. Program Earnings

59.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Marketing Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
3	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
4	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
5	Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa Wauwatosa, Wisconsin	$15,135	$19,944	23.5%
6	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
7	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
8	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
9	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
10	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295	$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
11	Rasmussen University-Wisconsin Green Bay, Wisconsin	$18,847	$11,982	62.5%
12	Herzing University-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$20,319	$13,420	27.6%	94.5%
13	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
14	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092	$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
15	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
16	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
17	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
18	Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, Wisconsin	$24,659	$20,280	65.7%	75.1%
19	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
20	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
21	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
22	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the major earnings gap between UW-Madison and other Wisconsin marketing programs?

UW-Madison marketing graduates earn $59,556 on average, compared to $40,647-$46,254 at other state universities. This $13,000+ premium likely reflects Madison's stronger alumni networks, corporate recruiting relationships, and proximity to state government and major employers. The school also maintains highly selective admissions at 49.06% acceptance rate versus 72%-89% at regional campuses.

How much can Wisconsin residents save by choosing public over private marketing programs?

In-state students pay $7,855-$11,205 at public universities compared to $19,944-$35,080 at private schools. The largest savings come at UW-Parkside, where residents pay just $7,855 versus $34,390 at Mount Mary University. Even accounting for graduation rates, public options deliver better return on investment for most students.

Does school choice significantly impact student debt levels for marketing majors?

Average debt ranges from $18,649 at UW-Parkside to $26,609 at Rasmussen University-Wisconsin. Surprisingly, UW-Madison keeps debt moderate at $20,000 despite higher net costs. Private nonprofit schools like Lakeland University average $25,000 in debt, reflecting their higher sticker prices even after financial aid.

Where do Wisconsin marketing programs show the biggest graduation rate differences?

Graduation rates span from 23.50% at Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa to 89.30% at UW-Madison. Most public universities cluster between 51%-71%, while private schools vary dramatically. UW-La Crosse achieves 71.20% graduation rates at moderate cost, making it a strong middle-ground option.

What makes Wisconsin's job market particularly suitable for marketing graduates?

Wisconsin hosts major employers like Epic Systems, GE Healthcare, and Kimberly-Clark that require extensive marketing operations. The state's manufacturing base, healthcare technology sector, and consumer goods companies create demand across B2B and B2C marketing roles. Agriculture and tourism industries also provide marketing opportunities beyond traditional corporate settings.

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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.