# Best Master's Programs in Wisconsin

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 38 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-wisconsin

## Methodology

Master's programs in Wisconsin ranked by graduate outcomes

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 graduate education in Wisconsin, prospective students often focus on programs that deliver strong outcomes. With 38 master's programs in the state, each offers unique advantages for students weighing their options carefully. Successful graduates from these programs earn an average of $54,154 annually, making it essential to choose wisely.

What sets the top programs apart are their impressive graduate outcomes, including earnings potential, graduation rates, net price, and student debt. In this ranking, you'll see how these metrics play a critical role in determining which schools provide the best value. The list below highlights schools that excel in these areas and offers insights into what you can expect after graduation.

For instance, the University of Wisconsin-Madison stands out with an impressive $73,792 in average earnings, paired with a solid 89% graduation rate. In contrast, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, while still a viable option, has a lower average earnings potential of $55,356 and a graduation rate of 62%. This shows how outcomes can vary significantly even among Wisconsin's top schools, making it important to dive deeper into each program's specifics.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Milwaukee School of Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/milwaukee-school-of-engineering) | Milwaukee, WI | 69% | $89,070 | $22,453 | $27,000 | 0.3x |
| 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 | [Marquette University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/marquette-university) | Milwaukee, WI | 82% | $78,257 | $31,487 | $23,940 | 0.31x |
| 4 | [Beloit College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/beloit-college) | Beloit, WI | 69% | $53,260 | $21,526 | $25,738 | 0.48x |
| 5 | [Carroll University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carroll-university) | Waukesha, WI | 70% | $58,009 | $15,193 | $27,000 | 0.47x |
| 6 | [Saint Norbert College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-norbert-college) | De Pere, WI | 72% | $58,363 | $26,172 | $26,731 | 0.46x |
| 7 | [Maranatha Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/maranatha-baptist-university) | Watertown, WI | 65% | $45,593 | $26,005 | $14,143 | 0.31x |
| 8 | [Ripon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ripon-college) | Ripon, WI | 62% | $54,902 | $20,216 | $27,000 | 0.49x |
| 9 | [Wisconsin Lutheran College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wisconsin-lutheran-college) | Milwaukee, WI | 63% | $54,664 | $23,245 | $26,000 | 0.48x |
| 10 | [Viterbo University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/viterbo-university) | La Crosse, WI | 67% | $55,660 | $21,260 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 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-Eau Claire](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-eau-claire) | Eau Claire, WI | 66% | $58,561 | $16,550 | $20,909 | 0.36x |
| 13 | [University of Wisconsin-Whitewater](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-whitewater) | Whitewater, WI | 62% | $55,356 | $14,158 | $23,188 | 0.42x |
| 14 | [Lawrence University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lawrence-university) | Appleton, WI | 77% | $55,789 | $23,401 | $26,000 | 0.47x |
| 15 | [Mount Mary University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mount-mary-university) | Milwaukee, WI | 50% | $48,745 | $20,144 | $25,288 | 0.52x |
| 16 | [University of Wisconsin-Green Bay](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-green-bay) | Green Bay, WI | 50% | $52,528 | $13,369 | $18,500 | 0.35x |
| 17 | [University of Wisconsin-Platteville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-platteville) | Platteville, WI | 58% | $61,760 | $16,032 | $21,977 | 0.36x |
| 18 | [University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-oshkosh) | Oshkosh, WI | 51% | $55,548 | $14,305 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 19 | [University of Wisconsin-Stout](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-stout) | Menomonie, WI | 54% | $58,084 | $17,490 | $23,000 | 0.4x |
| 20 | [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 |
| 21 | [Edgewood College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/edgewood-college) | Madison, WI | 64% | $59,728 | $26,113 | $24,424 | 0.41x |
| 22 | [Carthage College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carthage-college) | Kenosha, WI | 62% | $56,950 | $26,565 | $26,000 | 0.46x |
| 23 | [University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-stevens-point) | Stevens Point, WI | 53% | $52,021 | $14,559 | $21,503 | 0.41x |
| 24 | [University of Wisconsin-Parkside](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-parkside) | Kenosha, WI | 40% | $51,129 | $11,772 | $20,492 | 0.4x |
| 25 | [University of Wisconsin-Superior](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-superior) | Superior, WI | 43% | $49,606 | $12,220 | $22,500 | 0.45x |
| 26 | [Alverno College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alverno-college) | Milwaukee, WI | 50% | $53,145 | $22,540 | $27,000 | 0.51x |
| 27 | [Lakeland University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lakeland-university) | Plymouth, WI | 48% | $55,961 | $24,212 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 28 | [Madison Area Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/madison-area-technical-college) | Madison, WI | 28% | $45,413 | $14,238 | $14,060 | 0.31x |
| 29 | [University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-milwaukee) | Milwaukee, WI | 50% | $54,990 | $15,014 | $23,000 | 0.42x |
| 30 | [Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/milwaukee-institute-of-art-design) | Milwaukee, WI | 65% | $41,174 | $26,541 | $27,000 | 0.66x |
| 31 | [Marian University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/marian-university-wi) | Fond Du Lac, WI | 43% | $53,501 | $21,937 | $25,000 | 0.47x |
| 32 | [Concordia University-Wisconsin](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/concordia-university-wisconsin) | Mequon, WI | 66% | $56,075 | $36,201 | $25,750 | 0.46x |
| 33 | [Bellin College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bellin-college) | Green Bay, WI | 68% | $76,222 | $37,408 | $18,000 | 0.24x |
| 34 | [Herzing University-Kenosha](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/herzing-university-kenosha) | Kenosha, WI | 63% | $36,909 | $23,066 | $21,500 | 0.58x |
| 35 | [Herzing University-Brookfield](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/herzing-university-brookfield) | Brookfield, WI | 41% | $36,909 | $20,514 | $21,500 | 0.58x |
| 36 | [Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bryant-stratton-college-wauwatosa) | Wauwatosa, WI | 22% | $32,568 | $14,858 | $21,549 | 0.66x |
| 37 | [Herzing University-Madison](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/herzing-university-madison) | Madison, WI | 28% | $36,909 | $22,327 | $21,500 | 0.58x |
| 38 | [College of Menominee Nation](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-menominee-nation) | Keshena, WI | 30% | $25,853 | $8,805 | N/A | N/A |

## 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 Master's Programs in Wisconsin." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-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/.