30 Sensational Wisconsin Colleges Make The U.S. News’ 2027 Best List

Wisconsin is the state that gave the country the "Wisconsin Idea" — the century-old principle, born at the University of Wisconsin, that a college's reach should extend to every corner of the state and improve everyday life.

From strong high school graduation rates to a deep bench of public and private colleges, Wisconsin has long treated a good education as a birthright, and it shows up in how the state stacks up nationally.

Now there's fresh proof. The newly released 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings put roughly 30 Wisconsin schools on the national and regional maps — a reminder that you don't have to travel far from home to get a top-tier degree.

How U.S. News Picks The Best Colleges

Every fall, U.S. News rates roughly 1,700 American colleges and universities against as many as 17 measures of academic quality.

For the 2027 edition, the biggest slice of the score — 52% — comes from student outcomes like graduation and retention rates and how much graduates earn, with the rest drawn from academic reputation, faculty resources, financial resources and more.

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The full methodology breakdown runs deep, but the takeaway is straightforward: the schools that rise are the ones that graduate their students and launch them into good careers.

All told, about 30 Wisconsin schools earned spots in the 2027 rankings — four National Universities, five National Liberal Arts Colleges, 20 Regional Universities in the Midwest and one Regional College.

Leading the way, UW-Madison cracked the national top 35 (and ranks 8th among all public universities), while Milwaukee School of Engineering landed at an eye-popping No. 2 among every regional university in the Midwest.

Here are all the Badger State's colleges that got national recognition.

4 Wisconsin Schools Rank Among The Best National Universities

The National Universities category covers large schools offering a full slate of undergraduate majors plus master's and doctoral programs, with a strong emphasis on research.

University of Wisconsin-Madison — No. 34 Nationally

The state's flagship and a Big Ten research giant, UW-Madison is home to the Badgers and the birthplace of the Wisconsin Idea.

It also ranks 8th among all public universities. Founded in 1848, it enrolls about 35,665 undergraduates, admits 45%, and runs an 18:1 student-faculty ratio with an excellent 89% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn around $73,792 early in their careers.

Marquette University — No. 90 Nationally

A Jesuit university in the heart of Milwaukee, Marquette is known for its Golden Eagles, strong health and business programs, and a service-minded mission.

Founded in 1881, it enrolls about 7,238 undergraduates, admits 81%, and posts a 14:1 ratio with an 80% four-year graduation rate. Its graduates post the highest early-career earnings of any Wisconsin school here, about $78,257.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — No. 288 Nationally

Wisconsin's second-largest university and a top-tier research institution, UWM is a Milwaukee anchor and access point for thousands of first-generation students.

Founded in 1956 with roots dating to 1885, it enrolls about 16,762 undergraduates, admits 91%, and runs a 17:1 ratio with a 51% four-year graduation rate. Early-career earnings land near $54,990.

Concordia University Wisconsin — No. 299 Nationally

A Lutheran university on a scenic Lake Michigan bluff in Mequon, Concordia is known for its health sciences and pharmacy programs.

Founded in 1881, it enrolls about 2,310 undergraduates, admits 78%, and posts an 11:1 ratio with a 64% four-year graduation rate. Early-career earnings land near $56,075.

5 Wisconsin Colleges Rank Among The Best Liberal Arts Colleges

The National Liberal Arts Colleges category spotlights schools focused almost entirely on undergraduate education in the arts and sciences.

Lawrence University — No. 68 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

Wisconsin's top-ranked liberal arts college, this Appleton school is famous for its Conservatory of Music and a one-on-one, tutorial-style education.

Founded in 1847, it enrolls about 1,394 students, admits 64%, and boasts a remarkable 7:1 ratio with a 76% four-year graduation rate. Early-career earnings land near $55,789.

Beloit College — No. 100 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

One of Wisconsin's oldest colleges, founded in 1846, Beloit is known for hands-on learning and its renowned anthropology museums.

It enrolls about 898 students, admits 63%, and has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 67% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings around $53,260.

Ripon College — No. 119 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

A close-knit campus in a town often called the birthplace of the Republican Party, Ripon offers a classic residential liberal arts experience.

Founded in 1851, it enrolls about 720 students, admits 80%, and posts a 12:1 ratio with a 60% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $54,902.

St. Norbert College — No. 132 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

The nation's only Norbertine college, this De Pere campus sits along the Fox River and has long ties to the Green Bay Packers, who have called it home during training camp.

Founded in 1898, it enrolls about 1,749 students, admits 86%, and runs a 14:1 ratio with a 74% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $58,363.

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — No. 172 Among National Liberal Arts Colleges

Nicknamed "Eco U" for its longtime environmental focus, UW-Green Bay overlooks the bay of Green Bay.

Founded in 1965, it enrolls about 6,230 students, admits 89%, and has a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 53% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings around $52,528.

While a national ranking is a real point of pride, Wisconsin's true depth shows on the regional stage — and for students who'd rather stay closer to home in the Midwest, 20 Wisconsin universities rank among the region's best, led by a school sitting at No. 2 in the entire Midwest.

20 Wisconsin Universities Rank Among The Best In The Midwest

The Regional Universities (Midwest) category ranks schools offering a broad mix of undergraduate and master's programs — and Wisconsin absolutely stacked this list.

Milwaukee School of Engineering — No. 2 in the Midwest

A hands-on, career-focused powerhouse in downtown Milwaukee, MSOE turns out engineers, nurses, and business grads with some of the best job outcomes anywhere.

Founded in 1903, it enrolls about 2,607 undergraduates, admits 59%, and posts a 12:1 ratio with a 72% four-year graduation rate. Its graduates earn a list-topping $89,070 early in their careers.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — No. 15 in the Midwest

Perched between the Mississippi River bluffs, UW-La Crosse is known for its health and science programs.

Founded in 1909, it enrolls about 9,194 undergraduates, admits 76%, and has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 71% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings around $60,378.

Carroll University — No. 20 in the Midwest

Wisconsin's oldest college, chartered in 1846, this Waukesha university is known for its strong health science programs. It enrolls about 2,525 undergraduates, admits 67%, and posts a 14:1 ratio with a 70% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $58,009.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire — No. 23 in the Midwest

Set on a wooded campus along the Chippewa River, UW-Eau Claire is prized for undergraduate research.

Founded in 1916, it enrolls about 8,995 undergraduates, admits 82%, and has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 68% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings around $58,561.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater — No. 29 in the Midwest

A regional leader in business education and a national force in wheelchair athletics, UW-Whitewater sits between Milwaukee and Madison.

Founded in 1868, it enrolls about 9,180 undergraduates, admits 86%, and posts a 21:1 ratio with a 64% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $55,356.

Carthage College — No. 42 in the Midwest

A liberal arts college on the Lake Michigan shore in Kenosha, Carthage blends a scenic campus with strong career prep.

Founded in 1847, it enrolls about 2,628 undergraduates, admits 87%, and has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 61% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings near $56,950.

Edgewood University — No. 46 in the Midwest

A Catholic, Dominican university on the shore of Lake Wingra in Madison, Edgewood is known for education and nursing programs.

Founded in 1927, it enrolls about 1,104 undergraduates, admits 76%, and posts a 15:1 ratio with a 67% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings around $59,728.

Mount Mary University — No. 49 in the Midwest

A Catholic university for women in Milwaukee, Mount Mary is known for its intimate classes and fashion, art, and health programs.

Founded in 1913, it enrolls about 703 undergraduates, admits 62%, and boasts a 9:1 ratio with a 59% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $48,745.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville — No. 55 in the Midwest

A go-to school for engineering and agriculture in Wisconsin's driftless region, UW-Platteville pairs hands-on programs with strong outcomes.

Founded in 1866, it enrolls about 5,928 undergraduates, admits 89%, and has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 62% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings around $61,760.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls — No. 58 in the Midwest

Just east of the Twin Cities, UW-River Falls is known for its agriculture and animal science programs. Founded in 1874, it enrolls about 4,152 undergraduates, admits 82%, and posts a 19:1 ratio with a 61% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $54,458.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — No. 58 in the Midwest

A national leader in natural resources and forestry, UW-Stevens Point sits in Wisconsin's central lakes country.

Founded in 1894, it enrolls about 7,104 undergraduates, admits 92%, and has a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 56% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings around $52,021.

Viterbo University — No. 58 in the Midwest

A Franciscan Catholic university in La Crosse, Viterbo is well known for nursing and the arts.

Founded in 1890, it enrolls about 1,392 undergraduates, admits 72%, and boasts a 10:1 ratio with a 65% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $55,660.

Alverno College — No. 70 in the Midwest

A pioneering Catholic college for women in Milwaukee, Alverno is nationally known for its distinctive ability-based, no-letter-grades approach.

Founded in 1887, it enrolls about 724 undergraduates, admits 86%, and posts a 13:1 ratio with a 51% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings around $53,145.

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — No. 70 in the Midwest

A comprehensive university in the Fox Valley, UW-Oshkosh is a regional hub for business, education, and nursing.

Founded in 1871, it enrolls about 7,613 undergraduates, admits 86%, and has a 22:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 58% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings near $55,548.

University of Wisconsin-Stout — No. 84 in the Midwest

Wisconsin's Polytechnic University, Stout is built around career-focused, hands-on programs and boasts one of the state's best job-placement records.

Founded in 1891, it enrolls about 5,900 undergraduates, admits 88%, and posts an 18:1 ratio with a 53% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings around $58,084.

Marian University — No. 117 in the Midwest

A Catholic university in Fond du Lac, Marian is known for its nursing and education programs.

Founded in 1936, it enrolls about 1,050 undergraduates, admits 75%, and boasts an 11:1 ratio with a 41% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings around $53,501.

Maranatha Baptist University — No. 122 in the Midwest

A small Christian university in Watertown, Maranatha offers a faith-centered education with tight-knit classes. Founded in 1968, it enrolls about 960 students, admits 72%, and runs an 11:1 ratio with a 64% four-year graduation rate.

Lakeland University — No. 125 in the Midwest

A private university near Sheboygan known for its cooperative-education work program, Lakeland lets students gain real job experience while earning a degree.

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Founded in 1862, it enrolls about 1,230 undergraduates, admits 86%, and posts a 12:1 ratio with a 56% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $55,961.

University of Wisconsin-Parkside — No. 136 in the Midwest

Between Kenosha and Racine, UW-Parkside is an access-minded campus serving a diverse, largely commuter student body.

Founded in 1968, it enrolls about 2,951 undergraduates, admits 75%, and has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a 40% four-year graduation rate, and early-career earnings near $51,129.

University of Wisconsin-Superior — No. 149 in the Midwest

Sitting right across the bay from Duluth, UW-Superior is a small public university known for its Superior tradition of individualized learning.

Founded in 1893, it enrolls about 1,899 undergraduates, admits 93%, and posts an 18:1 ratio with a 44% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $49,606.

And 1 More Ranks Among The Best Regional Colleges

Wisconsin also placed a school in the Regional Colleges (Midwest) category, which spotlights schools focused on undergraduate education that award a mix of bachelor's and associate degrees.

Wisconsin Lutheran College — No. 20 in the Midwest

A Christian liberal arts college on Milwaukee's west side, Wisconsin Lutheran is known for its close community and strong sciences.

Founded in 1973, it enrolls about 1,009 undergraduates, admits 78%, and boasts an 11:1 ratio with a 63% four-year graduation rate, with early-career earnings near $54,664.

Add it all up, and the message is loud and clear: whether a student is drawn to a Big Ten research campus, a small liberal arts college, a career-focused polytechnic or a hometown regional university, Wisconsin offers a nationally ranked option close to home.