Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in Wisconsin
- 28
- Schools
- $54,594
- Avg. Earnings
- 58%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,044
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,338
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $25,853 at the low end to $73,792 at the top. That 2.9× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $51,129 against $11,772 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is College of Menominee Nation, at $8,805 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates 89% of its students, well above the 58% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Wisconsin-Madison: graduates owe only 0.28× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Alverno College ($53,145 earnings), not the highest earner, University of Wisconsin-Madison ($73,792). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. College of Menominee Nation ($8,805/yr) and Concordia University-Wisconsin ($36,201/yr) produce graduates earning $25,853 and $56,075 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $27,396 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Wisconsin-Parkside outperforms University of Wisconsin-Madison: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with University of Wisconsin-Parkside and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $55K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Alverno College #1 overall | $53,145 ▼ -3% vs avg | $22,540 | 50% | 75 |
| 2 Maranatha Baptist University #2 overall | $45,593 ▼ -16% vs avg | $26,005 | 65% | 74 |
| 3 University of Wisconsin-Superior #3 overall | $49,606 ▼ -9% vs avg | $12,220 | 43% | 73 |
| $54,902 ▲ +1% vs avg | $20,216 | 62% | 73 | |
| $55,660 ▲ +2% vs avg | $21,260 | 67% | 72 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in Wisconsin
This analysis ranks 28 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $54,594 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 58% and an average net price of $19,044.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Wisconsin-Parkside — Net Price: $11,772 | Graduation Rate: 40%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Wisconsin-Madison — 89% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Wisconsin-Madison — Median alumni earnings: $73,792
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$55,173
Median earnings (10yr)
60%
Median graduation rate
$17,422
Median net price
1.0%
Avg. mobility rate
Society needs more teachers than it is producing, yet pay and working conditions make retention a persistent problem. Education programs are the gateway to the profession. The best of them pair pedagogical training with strong clinical practice and placement networks that keep graduates in the profession.
Across the 28 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $55,173 ten years after they first enrolled, about $7,173 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 60%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $17,422 a year, with about $23,188 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 29% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.0%.
In education, low debt matters as much as a solid paycheck. Graduates earn a median of $55,173 against a typical net price of $17,422. That ratio makes cost-conscious program selection essential in a profession with modest pay and a public mission.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Alverno College lands at #1 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $53,145 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,540 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Maranatha Baptist University lands at #2 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $45,593 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,005 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of Wisconsin-Superior lands at #3 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $49,606 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,220 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Ripon College lands at #4 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $54,902 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,216 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Viterbo University lands at #5 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $55,660 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,260 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Wisconsin Lutheran College lands at #6 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $54,664 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,245 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Carroll University lands at #7 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $58,009 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,193 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Beloit College lands at #8 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $53,260 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,526 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Saint Norbert College lands at #9 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,363 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,172 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Wisconsin-Madison lands at #10 with a 69/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $73,792 a decade after enrolling, 35% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,354 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Mount Mary University lands at #11 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $48,745 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,144 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Stevens Point, WI · 92% accepted · $14,559 net
Why it ranks #12
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point lands at #12 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $52,021 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,559 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
River Falls, WI · 82% accepted · $14,054 net
Why it ranks #13
University of Wisconsin-River Falls lands at #13 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $54,458 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,054 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Edgewood University lands at #14 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $59,728 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,113 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater lands at #15 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $55,356 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,158 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Carthage College lands at #16 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $56,950 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,565 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire lands at #17 with a 65/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,561 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,550 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of Wisconsin-Stout lands at #18 with a 65/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,084 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,490 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh lands at #19 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $55,548 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,305 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse lands at #20 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $60,378 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,210 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Lakeland University lands at #21 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $55,961 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,212 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Platteville, WI · 89% accepted · $16,032 net
Why it ranks #22
University of Wisconsin-Platteville lands at #22 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $61,760 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,032 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay lands at #23 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $52,528 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,369 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Concordia University-Wisconsin lands at #24 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (76/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $56,075 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,201 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
University of Wisconsin-Parkside lands at #25 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $51,129 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,772 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee lands at #26 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (66/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $54,990 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,014 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Marian University lands at #27 with a 59/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $53,501 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,937 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
College of Menominee Nation lands at #28 with a 46/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (17/100). Graduates earn a median $25,853 a decade after enrolling, 53% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,805 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 28 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When it comes to pursuing a degree in education, Wisconsin offers a solid selection of colleges that prepare students for a meaningful career in teaching. This ranking highlights programs that not only focus on education but also prioritize outcomes like earnings and graduation rates. For many, these factors can make a significant difference in their college experience and future career prospects.
The schools listed here are distinguished by their ability to balance educational quality with practical results. We looked closely at metrics such as graduate earnings, graduation rates, net price, and student debt to determine which colleges stand out. The numbers tell a compelling story about the potential return on investment for students in education programs.
For instance, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse shines with an impressive graduation rate of 71% and average earnings of $60,378, suggesting a strong return for graduates. In contrast, the University of Wisconsin-Superior has a lower graduation rate of 43% and earnings of $49,606, highlighting the different outcomes students might expect depending on their choice of institution.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 12 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1%. Alverno College leads the group at 2.7%, with Ripon College (1.5%) and Edgewood University (1.2%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 6.1% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Alverno College leads at 15%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 19.7% across this list. Ripon College posts the highest success rate at 37.2%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.63 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Edgewood University reaches 1.77, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
The data reveals a clear pattern when comparing the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the University of Wisconsin-Superior. La Crosse not only leads in earnings at $60,378 but also boasts a much higher graduation rate of 71%. In contrast, Superior's lower graduation rate of 43% results in significantly lower average earnings of $49,606, demonstrating how these metrics can influence long-term success.
As you explore these 29 schools, consider your individual priorities. If you value high earnings potential, you might lean toward institutions like La Crosse. On the other hand, if affordability is your primary concern, the University of Wisconsin-Superior offers a lower net price at $12,220. Weigh these factors against personal preferences like campus culture and location to find the right fit for you.
This data serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing a college that aligns with your career aspirations. A family's decision to invest in education can shape future opportunities and financial stability. Selecting the right program today can lead to a more secure path tomorrow.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Education Colleges in Wisconsin: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in Wisconsin ranking? +
Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in Wisconsin ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $53,145 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 50% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Wisconsin-Madison posts the highest median earnings on this list: $73,792 ten years after enrollment, well above the $54,594 average across the 28 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Wisconsin-Parkside leads: graduates earn a median $51,129 against net price of about $11,772 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 89%, compared with a 58% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $19,044 a year across the 28 ranked schools with cost data. College of Menominee Nation is among the most affordable at roughly $8,805. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Education Colleges in Wisconsin ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 28 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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