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Urban Colleges in Wisconsin

33 schools in Wisconsin. See our methodology.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison stands out among Wisconsin's 33 urban colleges with an 89.3% graduation rate and median earnings of $73,792, making it the clear academic leader despite accepting only 49.06% of applicants. Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates command the highest salaries at $89,070, reflecting Wisconsin's strong manufacturing sector and companies like GE Healthcare that actively recruit engineering talent. The state's technical colleges offer a compelling value proposition, with Gateway Technical College charging just $8,667 net price while maintaining a 46.6% graduation rate. Wisconsin's urban institutions serve over 130,000 students across cities from Milwaukee to Green Bay, with acceptance rates ranging from 49.1% to 89.6%. The Wisconsin Grant program helps make these options accessible, particularly important given the $20,570 spread between the most and least expensive schools. Technical colleges in Eau Claire, Green Bay, and Kenosha produce graduates earning $40,000-$46,000 annually, directly feeding Wisconsin's healthcare and manufacturing workforce needs driven by major employers like Epic Systems.
33
Schools
$18,032
Avg. Net Price
$52,438
Avg. Earnings
56.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Wisconsin

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Large 35,665 $16,928 89.3%
2 City-Small 9,194 $15,374 71.2%
3 City-Small 8,995 $16,948 67.6%
4 City-Large 2,607 $24,021 71.5%
5 City-Small 3,479 $11,555 48.9%
6 City-Small 2,230 $9,935 49.8%
7 City-Midsize 154 $18,847 62.5%
8 City-Small 4,127 $12,025 46.3%
9 City-Midsize 5,853 $10,506 46.1%
10 City-Small 4,657 $8,667 46.6%
11 City-Large 7,238 $29,237 80.1%
12 City-Small 3,434 $12,069 39.3%
13 City-Small 7,613 $14,761 57.9%
14 City-Small 2,525 $24,362 69.6%
15 City-Large 16,762 $16,177 51.2%
16 City-Small 1,392 $22,633 65.2%
17 City-Midsize 6,230 $12,878 53.1%
18 City-Large 9,273 $12,392 26.3%
19 City-Large 11,362 $9,589 24.7%
20 City-Large 703 $18,295 58.9%
21 City-Large 1,104 $25,634 67.4%
22 City-Small 1,394 $24,563 76.4%
23 City-Small 2,628 $24,813 60.5%
24 City-Large 1,009 $21,315 62.7%
25 City-Large 883 $27,514 63.3%
26 City-Small 898 $21,924 67.2%
27 City-Small 1,050 $23,341 41.2%
28 City-Small 543 $17,613 50.0%
29 City-Large 724 $16,722 50.5%
30 City-Large 2,105 $20,319 27.6%
31 City-Large 570
32 City-Small 3
33 City-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Wisconsin-Madison different from other Wisconsin urban colleges?

UW-Madison maintains the highest graduation rate at 89.3% while being the most selective with a 49.06% acceptance rate. With 35,665 students enrolled and graduates earning $73,792 median salary, it operates on a different scale than most Wisconsin institutions. The combination of research opportunities and strong alumni networks in Wisconsin's job market creates distinct career advantages.

How do Wisconsin technical colleges compare to four-year universities for career outcomes?

Wisconsin's technical colleges graduate students earning $40,000-$46,000 annually at significantly lower costs, with Gateway Technical College charging just $8,667 net price. While four-year graduates from UW-Madison earn $73,792, technical college programs typically take two years and lead directly to Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare jobs with immediate employment opportunities.

Is Milwaukee School of Engineering worth the higher cost compared to public universities?

MSOE graduates earn $89,070 median salary, the highest among Wisconsin urban colleges, justifying the $24,021 net price. With 2,607 students and a 71.5% graduation rate, the school's engineering focus aligns perfectly with Wisconsin's manufacturing sector. Companies like GE Healthcare actively recruit MSOE graduates, often leading to immediate high-paying positions.

Does University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offer good value despite lower graduation rates?

UW-Milwaukee serves 16,762 students with a $16,177 net price and 51.2% graduation rate, making it accessible for Wisconsin residents. Graduates earn $54,990 median salary, while the 86.32% acceptance rate provides opportunities for students who might not qualify for Madison. The urban Milwaukee location offers internships with major Wisconsin employers.

Where can students find the most affordable college options in Wisconsin cities?

Gateway Technical College in Kenosha offers the lowest net price at $8,667 with a 46.6% graduation rate and $40,264 median earnings. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay charges $10,506, while Moraine Park Technical College costs $9,935. These schools provide direct pathways to Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

What career opportunities do Wisconsin urban college graduates typically find?

Wisconsin graduates enter manufacturing, healthcare, and technology sectors with major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare. Engineering graduates from MSOE earn up to $89,070, while UW-Madison graduates average $73,792. Technical college graduates earning $40,000-$46,000 fill critical roles in Wisconsin's manufacturing base, often with immediate job placement after graduation.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.