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Small Colleges in Wisconsin

46 schools in Wisconsin. See our methodology.

Milwaukee School of Engineering stands out among Wisconsin's 46 small colleges with graduates earning $89,070 annually, the highest in the state for institutions under 5,000 students. This technical focus reflects Wisconsin's manufacturing backbone, where companies like GE Healthcare and Epic Systems create demand for specialized skills. The state's technical college system dominates this market, with 15 of the top institutions offering career-focused programs at remarkably affordable costs. Lakeshore Technical College delivers the lowest net price at $8,579, while Bellin College achieves the highest graduation rate at 74.3% despite charging $27,313. Wisconsin's small colleges serve 46,000+ students across varied programs, from healthcare at Bellin to engineering technology across multiple technical campuses. The Wisconsin Grant helps make these programs accessible, supporting the state's workforce pipeline in agriculture, manufacturing, and emerging tech sectors. Acceptance rates range from Milwaukee School of Engineering's selective 63.5% to Bellin College's open 92.9%, reflecting different institutional missions. Most graduates earn between $38,643 and $54,458, solid middle-class wages that align with Wisconsin's cost of living and economic opportunities.
46
Schools
$17,591
Avg. Net Price
$48,213
Avg. Earnings
52.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Wisconsin

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 2,607 $24,021 71.5% 63.5%
2 1,277 $10,277 54.1%
3 2,031 $10,724 54.1%
4 338 $27,313 74.3% 92.9%
5 2,026 $8,892 51.5%
6 3,479 $11,555 48.9%
7 2,230 $9,935 49.8%
8 154 $18,847 62.5%
9 4,497 $9,400 46.2%
10 4,127 $12,025 46.3%
11 1,838 $8,579 42.8%
12 4,152 $14,714 60.9% 84.5%
13 4,657 $8,667 46.6%
14 3,434 $12,069 39.3%
15 706 $9,290 45.3%
16 566 $24,659 65.7% 75.1%
17 2,525 $24,362 69.6% 72.1%
18 1,392 $22,633 65.2% 72.4%
19 2,310 $26,067 64.3% 70.4%
20 2,457 $10,712 30.1%
21 2,951 $10,044 39.8% 72.8%
22 1,749 $25,674 73.6% 83.6%
23 703 $18,295 58.9% 69.5%
24 1,104 $25,634 67.4% 98.6%
25 1,394 $24,563 76.4% 72.3%
26 2,628 $24,813 60.5% 81.8%
27 1,899 $13,405 44.1% 95.6%
28 1,009 $21,315 62.7% 93.8%
29 883 $27,514 63.3% 64.0%
30 199 $10,498 27.5%
31 898 $21,924 67.2% 65.9%
32 1,050 $23,341 41.2% 71.6%
33 543 $17,613 50.0% 93.5%
34 1,230 $22,092 55.7% 99.5%
35 724 $16,722 50.5% 89.9%
36 720 $21,176 59.9% 81.3%
37 952 $15,135 23.5%
38 378 $18,796 40.0% 95.1%
39 205 $11,536 13.3%
40 143 0.0%
41 457 $20,780 43.3% 68.4%
42 2,105 $20,319 27.6% 94.5%
43 73 $22,881 48.0% 58.1%
44 570 37.5%
45 57
46 3

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Milwaukee School of Engineering special among Wisconsin small colleges?

Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates earn $89,070 annually, nearly double the state average for small college graduates. With 2,607 students and a 71.5% graduation rate, it maintains selectivity at 63.5% acceptance while delivering strong career outcomes in Wisconsin's manufacturing and technology sectors.

How affordable are Wisconsin's technical colleges compared to other options?

Wisconsin technical colleges average under $12,000 in net costs, with Lakeshore Technical College at just $8,579. This compares favorably to four-year options like UW-River Falls at $14,714, making career training accessible while still delivering solid earnings potential.

What graduation rates can students expect at Wisconsin small colleges?

Graduation rates span from 30.1% to 74.3% across Wisconsin's 46 small colleges. Bellin College leads at 74.3%, while technical colleges typically range from 39% to 54%, reflecting their open-access mission and working student populations.

Does Bellin College offer good value despite higher costs?

Bellin College charges $27,313 but delivers healthcare-focused education with a 74.3% graduation rate and $76,222 in graduate earnings. The 92.9% acceptance rate makes it accessible, while its Green Bay location serves Wisconsin's growing healthcare sector.

Where do Wisconsin small college graduates typically work after graduation?

Graduates enter Wisconsin's manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture sectors, with companies like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare recruiting locally. Average earnings range from $38,643 to $89,070, reflecting the state's strong technical job market and competitive wages.

How do Wisconsin small colleges support working students?

Technical colleges like Waukesha County Technical College enroll 4,497 students with flexible scheduling for working adults. The Wisconsin Grant system helps reduce costs, while programs align with local employer needs in manufacturing and healthcare industries.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.