# Best Communications Colleges in Wisconsin

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 15 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-wisconsin

## Methodology

Communications programs in Wisconsin ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

When considering a degree in communications, Wisconsin offers a range of colleges that excel in preparing students for this dynamic field. With an average earnings potential of $56,901 for graduates, it’s clear that these programs can make a significant impact on a student’s future. We’re looking at schools that not only teach the fundamentals of communications but also deliver strong outcomes post-graduation.

The best communications colleges in Wisconsin stand out based on key metrics like graduation rates, earnings, and debt levels. For instance, the University of Wisconsin-Madison boasts an impressive graduation rate of 89% and average earnings of $73,792, while the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has a lower graduation rate of 51% and earnings of $55,548. This data helps prospective students weigh their options, balancing the strengths of each program against financial considerations.

Take the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University, for example. Madison graduates earn an average of $73,792, while graduates from Marquette earn slightly more at $78,257, but they also face a higher average net price of $31,487 compared to Madison’s $17,354. This contrast highlights the trade-offs students must consider when choosing a program that fits both their career goals and financial situation.

## Key Findings

- University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn an average of $73,792.
- Marquette University has a higher net price of $31,487 despite graduates earning $78,257.
- The average graduation rate across the top programs is 62%.
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has a graduation rate of just 62%.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Marquette University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/marquette-university) | Milwaukee, WI | 82% | $78,257 | $31,487 | $23,940 | 0.31x |
| 2 | [University of Wisconsin-Madison](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-madison) | Madison, WI | 89% | $73,792 | $17,354 | $20,484 | 0.28x |
| 3 | [Beloit College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/beloit-college) | Beloit, WI | 69% | $53,260 | $21,526 | $25,738 | 0.48x |
| 4 | [Saint Norbert College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-norbert-college) | De Pere, WI | 72% | $58,363 | $26,172 | $26,731 | 0.46x |
| 5 | [Maranatha Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/maranatha-baptist-university) | Watertown, WI | 65% | $45,593 | $26,005 | $14,143 | 0.31x |
| 6 | [Ripon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ripon-college) | Ripon, WI | 62% | $54,902 | $20,216 | $27,000 | 0.49x |
| 7 | [Edgewood University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/edgewood-university) | Madison, WI | 64% | $59,728 | $26,113 | $24,424 | 0.41x |
| 8 | [Carthage College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carthage-college) | Kenosha, WI | 62% | $56,950 | $26,565 | $26,000 | 0.46x |
| 9 | [University of Wisconsin-Whitewater](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-whitewater) | Whitewater, WI | 62% | $55,356 | $14,158 | $23,188 | 0.42x |
| 10 | [University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-oshkosh) | Oshkosh, WI | 51% | $55,548 | $14,305 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 11 | [University of Wisconsin-La Crosse](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-la-crosse) | La Crosse, WI | 71% | $60,378 | $16,210 | $22,500 | 0.37x |
| 12 | [University of Wisconsin-River Falls](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-river-falls) | River Falls, WI | 59% | $54,458 | $14,054 | $20,500 | 0.38x |
| 13 | [University of Wisconsin-Superior](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-superior) | Superior, WI | 43% | $49,606 | $12,220 | $22,500 | 0.45x |
| 14 | [University of Wisconsin-Parkside](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-parkside) | Kenosha, WI | 40% | $51,129 | $11,772 | $20,492 | 0.4x |
| 15 | [University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-milwaukee) | Milwaukee, WI | 50% | $54,990 | $15,014 | $23,000 | 0.42x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Communications Colleges in Wisconsin." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-wisconsin

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.