Communications in Wisconsin 2026

Best Colleges for Communications in Wisconsin 2026

From journalism and public relations to digital media and corporate communications, Wisconsin's programs prepare students for an evolving media landscape. Practical experience through campus media and internships is a hallmark of top programs.

We analyzed 34 colleges and universities in Wisconsin offering Communications programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Communications Programs in Wisconsin

Detailed School Profiles

1. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM)

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 74%
• In-State Tuition: $8,091 | Out-of-State: $20,867
• Enrollment: 27,012 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,300
• Average Financial Aid: $5,560

View full University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM) profile →

2. University of Wisconsin - Madison (UW)

Location: Madison, Wisconsin • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 52%
• In-State Tuition: $9,273 | Out-of-State: $36,805
• Enrollment: 43,463 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $45,000
• Average Financial Aid: $8,063

View full University of Wisconsin - Madison (UW) profile →

3. Mount Mary University

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 62.3%
• In-State Tuition: $35,420 | Out-of-State: $35,420
• Enrollment: 631 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 43% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,900
• Average Financial Aid: $23,730

View full Mount Mary University profile →

4. Carroll University

Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 66.8%
• In-State Tuition: $38,890 | Out-of-State: $38,890
• Enrollment: 2,523 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 71% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,600
• Average Financial Aid: $19,559

View full Carroll University profile →

5. Cardinal Stritch University

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 71%
• In-State Tuition: $29,998 | Out-of-State: $29,998
• Enrollment: 2,148 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $43,000
• Average Financial Aid: $22,031

View full Cardinal Stritch University profile →

6. Viterbo University

Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 72.4%
• In-State Tuition: $34,250 | Out-of-State: $34,250
• Enrollment: 1,249 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,100
• Average Financial Aid: $17,941

View full Viterbo University profile →

7. Marian University Wisconsin

Location: Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 75%
• In-State Tuition: $35,178 | Out-of-State: $35,178
• Enrollment: 1,010 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 44% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,900
• Average Financial Aid: $17,056

View full Marian University Wisconsin profile →

8. University of Wisconsin - Parkside (UWP)

Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 75.4%
• In-State Tuition: $8,270 | Out-of-State: $17,429
• Enrollment: 172 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Graduation Rate: 40% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,000
• Average Financial Aid: $5,233

View full University of Wisconsin - Parkside (UWP) profile →

9. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 75.5%
• In-State Tuition: $10,070 | Out-of-State: $19,517
• Enrollment: 9,277 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Graduation Rate: 71% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,300
• Average Financial Aid: $3,083

View full University of Wisconsin-La Crosse profile →

10. Edgewood College

Location: Madison, Wisconsin • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 75.7%
• In-State Tuition: $35,860 | Out-of-State: $35,860
• Enrollment: 1,107 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,500
• Average Financial Aid: $15,525

View full Edgewood College profile →

How to Choose the Right Communications Program in Wisconsin

Selecting the best Communications program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Wisconsin residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Communications.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Communications programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Communications in Wisconsin?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Communications programs in Wisconsin include University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM), University of Wisconsin - Madison (UW), and Mount Mary University.

How much does a Communications degree cost in Wisconsin?
In-state tuition for Communications programs in Wisconsin averages around $24,530 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Communications degree from a Wisconsin school?
Graduates from Wisconsin's Communications programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.