Wisconsin’s Top Colleges for 2025: See Who Made the List

Wisconsin’s higher education scene just got a fresh spotlight, thanks to Niche’s latest 2025 rankings. Niche analyzed over 1,000 U.S. colleges, weighing academic performance, admissions data, financial factors, and reviews from students and alumni to determine the top schools statewide.

Rigorous Assessment That Goes Beyond the Numbers

This year’s Niche rankings, according to jsonline.com, go deeper than standard metrics. For instance, they’ve introduced an Economic Mobility Index to measure how well colleges help low-income students advance economically. Plus, SAT and ACT scores are no longer part of the formula, an acknowledgment of the evolving admissions landscape.

Consistent Excellence at the Top

Get our free mobile app

READ MORE: Wisconsin Pizzerias with The Highest Scores from Dave Portnoy

Topping the list, the University of Wisconsin–Madison stands out, and not just among state schools but nationally. It earned an A+ overall grade, ranking No. 1 in Wisconsin across multiple categories, including academics, value, student life, and even party schools.

Wisconsin's Top 10 Colleges for 2025

According to Niche:

1. University of Wisconsin–Madison
2. Marquette University
3. University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
4. Wisconsin Lutheran College
5. Lawrence University
6. University of Wisconsin–Parkside
7. Milwaukee School of Engineering
8. St. Norbert College
9. Concordia University Wisconsin
10. Alverno College

Curious how your alma mater, or your dream school, stacks up? Check out the full ranking on Niche to explore deeper insights, compare schools, and learn which one might be the best fit for you.

READ MORE: Wisconsin Named Best in the Midwest for Community Colleges