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Bellin College stands out among Wisconsin's suburban schools with the highest graduate earnings at $76,222, despite having just 338 students in Green Bay. This specialized health sciences institution represents one extreme in a state where suburban college costs range from $9,400 at Waukesha County Technical College to $27,313. Wisconsin's technical colleges dominate the affordable end, with Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton enrolling 6,004 students at $10,910 annually. These institutions directly serve the state's manufacturing and healthcare sectors, training workers for companies like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare. Graduation rates vary dramatically across the 14 suburban campuses, from 23.5% at Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa to 74.3% at Bellin College. Saint Norbert College in De Pere combines strong outcomes with a 73.6% graduation rate and $58,363 median earnings. The University of Wisconsin-Superior accepts 95.6% of applicants, providing access in the state's northern region. Wisconsin Grant funding helps offset costs for residents attending these suburban institutions, which collectively serve over 20,000 students across communities from Superior to Janesville.
14
Schools
$18,029
Avg. Net Price
$47,986
Avg. Earnings
50.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Wisconsin

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Midsize 6,004 $10,910 61.4%
2 Suburb-Midsize 338 $27,313 74.3%
3 Suburb-Large 4,497 $9,400 46.2%
4 Suburb-Large 2,310 $26,067 64.3%
5 Suburb-Small 2,457 $10,712 30.1%
6 Suburb-Midsize 1,749 $25,674 73.6%
7 Suburb-Midsize 1,899 $13,405 44.1%
8 Suburb-Large 952 $15,135 23.5%
9 Suburb-Large 378 $18,796 40.0%
10 Suburb-Large 73 $22,881 48.0%
11 Suburb-Large 57
12 Suburb-Large
13 Suburb-Large
14 Suburb-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bellin College unique among Wisconsin suburban schools?

Bellin College produces the highest-earning graduates at $76,222 annually with a 74.3% graduation rate, despite enrolling only 338 students. This specialized health sciences college in Green Bay focuses exclusively on nursing and health professions, creating direct pathways into Wisconsin's growing healthcare sector.

How affordable are Wisconsin's suburban technical colleges?

Wisconsin's technical colleges offer strong value, with Waukesha County Technical College costing just $9,400 annually and Fox Valley Technical College at $10,910. These schools serve over 13,000 students combined, providing career training that leads to median earnings between $41,620 and $46,894.

Is University of Wisconsin-Superior accessible for most students?

UW-Superior accepts 95.6% of applicants, making it one of the most accessible four-year options among Wisconsin suburban colleges. With 1,899 students and a net cost of $13,405, it serves the northern region while producing graduates earning $49,606 annually.

Does Saint Norbert College justify its higher cost?

Saint Norbert College costs $25,674 annually but delivers strong returns with a 73.6% graduation rate and $58,363 median earnings. The De Pere institution enrolls 1,749 students and accepts 83.6% of applicants, balancing selectivity with solid outcomes.

Where do Wisconsin suburban college graduates typically work?

Graduates enter Wisconsin's key industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The state hosts major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, creating demand for skilled workers. Technical college graduates often work locally, while four-year graduates may relocate within the upper Midwest region.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.