Cheapest Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh delivers the state's most affordable Religion/Religious Studies program at $14,761 net cost, nearly $11,000 less than the second cheapest option. This dramatic price gap highlights how Wisconsin's public universities make religious studies accessible compared to private colleges, where costs can reach $26,067. The field connects naturally to Wisconsin's community service tradition, with faith-based organizations throughout the state providing counseling, social work, and nonprofit leadership opportunities. Graduation rates vary significantly across the 18 programs, from 41% to 89%, suggesting program quality differs substantially. Private colleges dominate the higher-cost tier, with acceptance rates above 80% at most institutions, making admission relatively straightforward for motivated students.

Programs

$14,761 – $26,067

Net Price Range

$22,720

Avg. Program Earnings

62.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Religion/Religious Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
2	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
3	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
4	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
5	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
6	Northland College Ashland, Wisconsin	$20,780	$42,491	43.3%	68.4%
7	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176	$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
8	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
9	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924	$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
10	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092	$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
11	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
12	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
13	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
14	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563	$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
15	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
16	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
17	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
18	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $11,306 cost difference between Wisconsin's cheapest and most expensive Religion programs?

Public universities like UW-Oshkosh ($14,761) benefit from state funding that dramatically reduces net costs compared to private colleges. Private institutions such as Carthage College ($24,813) rely on tuition revenue and endowment income. The Wisconsin Grant program further reduces costs for in-state students at public universities. This funding structure creates the largest affordability gap in religious studies education.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Wisconsin Religion programs?

UW-Madison combines moderate net cost ($16,928) with the highest graduation rate at 89.3%, offering strong value. Conversely, Marian University charges $23,341 but graduates only 41.2% of students. Mid-range schools like Carroll University achieve 69.6% graduation rates at $24,362. The data shows that higher costs don't guarantee better completion rates in religious studies programs.

Is admission competitive for Wisconsin Religion/Religious Studies programs?

Most Wisconsin religious studies programs maintain high acceptance rates, with 13 of 15 schools admitting over 70% of applicants. UW-Madison stands as the notable exception with 49.06% acceptance, reflecting its research university status. Lakeland University accepts 99.51% of applicants, essentially offering open admission. This accessibility makes Wisconsin particularly welcoming for students exploring faith-based academic paths.

What career earnings can Wisconsin Religion graduates expect?

Available earnings data shows UW-Milwaukee graduates earning $24,615 annually, while UW-Madison graduates start at $20,824. These figures reflect the varied career paths religion majors pursue, from nonprofit work to counseling and education. Wisconsin's healthcare and social services sectors provide numerous opportunities for graduates in chaplaincy and community outreach roles. The state's strong nonprofit sector also creates demand for faith-based program administrators.

More Religion/Religious Studies Rankings

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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.