Skip to main content

NCAA Division III Colleges in Wisconsin

23 schools in Wisconsin. See our methodology.

Wisconsin's Division III colleges demonstrate remarkable value across 23 institutions, with net costs ranging from just $13,405 to $26,067 annually. Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates command the highest salaries at $89,070, nearly double the lowest earner in this tier. The University of Wisconsin system dominates the market, claiming seven of the top eight spots while maintaining graduation rates between 56% and 71%. Lawrence University achieves the strongest completion rate at 76.4%, though smaller schools like Saint Norbert College and Carroll University also exceed 69%. These institutions serve Wisconsin's key industries well, preparing graduates for opportunities at major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare. The state's manufacturing backbone benefits from engineering programs at UW-Platteville and Milwaukee School of Engineering, while healthcare-focused curricula at schools like Edgewood College align with Wisconsin's growing medical sector. Most schools maintain accessible admission standards, with acceptance rates above 70%, though Milwaukee School of Engineering's 63.5% rate reflects its technical focus. The Wisconsin Grant program helps offset costs across the UW system, making quality education accessible. From Maranatha Baptist's 566 students to UW-La Crosse's 9,194 enrollment, these colleges offer varied campus experiences while maintaining strong connections to Wisconsin's agricultural, manufacturing, and healthcare economy.
23
Schools
$20,244
Avg. Net Price
$56,403
Avg. Earnings
61.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division III Colleges in Wisconsin

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 9,194 $15,374 71.2% 74.3%
2 8,995 $16,948 67.6% 76.6%
3 2,607 $24,021 71.5% 63.5%
4 5,928 $14,754 61.5% 85.4%
5 9,180 $14,785 64.3% 82.4%
6 4,152 $14,714 60.9% 84.5%
7 7,613 $14,761 57.9% 88.5%
8 7,104 $13,726 56.0% 89.1%
9 566 $24,659 65.7% 75.1%
10 2,525 $24,362 69.6% 72.1%
11 2,310 $26,067 64.3% 70.4%
12 1,749 $25,674 73.6% 83.6%
13 1,104 $25,634 67.4% 98.6%
14 1,394 $24,563 76.4% 72.3%
15 2,628 $24,813 60.5% 81.8%
16 1,899 $13,405 44.1% 95.6%
17 1,009 $21,315 62.7% 93.8%
18 898 $21,924 67.2% 65.9%
19 1,050 $23,341 41.2% 71.6%
20 1,230 $22,092 55.7% 99.5%
21 724 $16,722 50.5% 89.9%
22 720 $21,176 59.9% 81.3%
23 457 $20,780 43.3% 68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Milwaukee School of Engineering unique among Wisconsin Division III schools?

Milwaukee School of Engineering stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $89,070 and the most selective admissions at 63.5% acceptance. Despite a net cost of $24,021, graduates earn significantly more than peers at other Wisconsin schools, reflecting strong industry connections and specialized technical programs that serve the state's manufacturing sector.

How do University of Wisconsin system schools compare in this division?

Seven UW system schools rank in the top eight, with graduation rates spanning 56% to 71.2%. UW-La Crosse leads with 71.2% completion and $60,378 graduate earnings, while UW-Stevens Point offers the lowest net cost at $13,726. All maintain accessible admission with 74% to 89% acceptance rates.

Is there a significant cost difference between private and public options?

Private colleges average $24,000 to $26,000 in net costs, while UW system schools range from $13,726 to $16,948. However, private school graduates often earn comparable salaries, with Carroll University and Saint Norbert College graduates earning $58,009 and $58,363 respectively, offsetting higher upfront costs.

Where do the smallest colleges in Wisconsin Division III perform academically?

Maranatha Baptist University enrolls just 566 students but maintains a solid 65.7% graduation rate with 75% acceptance. Lawrence University, with 1,394 students, achieves the highest graduation rate at 76.4%. These smaller institutions often provide more personalized attention while maintaining competitive academic outcomes.

Does location within Wisconsin affect college performance metrics?

Schools near major cities show varied results. Milwaukee area institutions like Concordia University-Wisconsin and Carroll University have higher net costs around $24,000 to $26,000. However, rural campuses like UW-River Falls and UW-Platteville offer competitive graduation rates of 60.9% and 61.5% with lower costs around $14,700.

How accessible are these colleges for Wisconsin students?

Most schools maintain high accessibility with 70% to 99% acceptance rates. Edgewood College accepts 98.6% of applicants, while even selective schools like Lawrence University admit 72%. The Wisconsin Grant program helps reduce costs across UW system schools, with net prices starting at $13,726.

Related

NCAA Division III Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Wisconsin Cheapest Programs in Wisconsin

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.