# Best Nursing Colleges in Wisconsin

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 26 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-wisconsin

## Methodology

Nursing 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

Nursing is a vital field that combines compassion with technical expertise, and choosing the right program is crucial for aspiring nurses. In Wisconsin, several colleges stand out for their nursing programs, offering students a combination of strong outcomes and dedicated training. For instance, graduates from these programs can expect to earn an average of $54,695 within a few years of completing their degrees.

The best nursing colleges in Wisconsin distinguish themselves through key metrics like graduation rates, earnings after graduation, debt levels, and overall program concentration. This list showcases schools that excel in these areas, reflecting their commitment to student success and career readiness. As you explore the rankings, consider how each institution balances these factors to support its students.

Take the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Bellin College, for example. UW-Madison graduates earn about $73,792 annually, with a graduation rate of 89%, while Bellin College's graduates earn slightly more at $76,222, but with a lower graduation rate of 68%. This highlights the tradeoff between potential earnings and program completion—an important consideration as you weigh your options.

## Key Findings

- University of Wisconsin-Madison has a graduation rate of 89% and average earnings of $73,792.
- Milwaukee School of Engineering offers the highest average earnings at $89,070, though with a 69% graduation rate.
- Bellin College has a net price of $37,408, which is significantly higher than UW-Oshkosh's $14,305.
- The average debt for nursing graduates across these programs is $20,484.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Viterbo University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/viterbo-university) | La Crosse, WI | 67% | $55,660 | $21,260 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 2 | [Carroll University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carroll-university) | Waukesha, WI | 70% | $58,009 | $15,193 | $27,000 | 0.47x |
| 3 | [Edgewood University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/edgewood-university) | Madison, WI | 64% | $59,728 | $26,113 | $24,424 | 0.41x |
| 4 | [Mount Mary University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mount-mary-university) | Milwaukee, WI | 50% | $48,745 | $20,144 | $25,288 | 0.52x |
| 5 | [Carthage College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/carthage-college) | Kenosha, WI | 62% | $56,950 | $26,565 | $26,000 | 0.46x |
| 6 | [Marquette University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/marquette-university) | Milwaukee, WI | 82% | $78,257 | $31,487 | $23,940 | 0.31x |
| 7 | [Milwaukee School of Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/milwaukee-school-of-engineering) | Milwaukee, WI | 69% | $89,070 | $22,453 | $27,000 | 0.3x |
| 8 | [Wisconsin Lutheran College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wisconsin-lutheran-college) | Milwaukee, WI | 63% | $54,664 | $23,245 | $26,000 | 0.48x |
| 9 | [Alverno College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alverno-college) | Milwaukee, WI | 50% | $53,145 | $22,540 | $27,000 | 0.51x |
| 10 | [University of Wisconsin-Madison](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-madison) | Madison, WI | 89% | $73,792 | $17,354 | $20,484 | 0.28x |
| 11 | [Maranatha Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/maranatha-baptist-university) | Watertown, WI | 65% | $45,593 | $26,005 | $14,143 | 0.31x |
| 12 | [Marian University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/marian-university-wi) | Fond Du Lac, WI | 43% | $53,501 | $21,937 | $25,000 | 0.47x |
| 13 | [Ripon College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ripon-college) | Ripon, WI | 62% | $54,902 | $20,216 | $27,000 | 0.49x |
| 14 | [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 |
| 15 | [University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-oshkosh) | Oshkosh, WI | 51% | $55,548 | $14,305 | $21,500 | 0.39x |
| 16 | [Concordia University-Wisconsin](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/concordia-university-wisconsin) | Mequon, WI | 66% | $56,075 | $36,201 | $25,750 | 0.46x |
| 17 | [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 |
| 18 | [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 |
| 19 | [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 |
| 20 | [Lakeland University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lakeland-university) | Plymouth, WI | 48% | $55,961 | $24,212 | $25,000 | 0.45x |
| 21 | [University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-milwaukee) | Milwaukee, WI | 50% | $54,990 | $15,014 | $23,000 | 0.42x |
| 22 | [University of Wisconsin-Parkside](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-wisconsin-parkside) | Kenosha, WI | 40% | $51,129 | $11,772 | $20,492 | 0.4x |
| 23 | [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 |
| 24 | [Herzing University-Kenosha](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/herzing-university-kenosha) | Kenosha, WI | 63% | $36,909 | $23,066 | $21,500 | 0.58x |
| 25 | [Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bryant-stratton-college-wauwatosa) | Wauwatosa, WI | 22% | $32,568 | $14,858 | $21,549 | 0.66x |
| 26 | [Bellin College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bellin-college) | Green Bay, WI | 68% | $76,222 | $37,408 | $18,000 | 0.24x |

## 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 Nursing Colleges in Wisconsin." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-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/.