Nursing in Wisconsin 2026
Discover the best Nursing programs in Wisconsin for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes.
Best Colleges for Nursing in Wisconsin 2026
With an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in Wisconsin. These programs combine rigorous clinical training with classroom instruction to prepare graduates for immediate employment.
We analyzed 41 colleges and universities in Wisconsin offering Nursing 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 Nursing Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM) | 74% | $8,091 | 18:1 | #206 |
| Silver Lake College of the Holy Family | 50% | $27,800 | 9:1 | Unranked |
| University of Wisconsin - Madison (UW) | 52% | $9,273 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Mount Mary University | 62.3% | $35,420 | 12:1 | Unranked |
| Carroll University | 66.8% | $38,890 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| Cardinal Stritch University | 71% | $29,998 | 8:1 | Unranked |
| Viterbo University | 72.4% | $34,250 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Marian University Wisconsin | 75% | $35,178 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Edgewood College | 75.7% | $35,860 | 10:1 | Unranked |
| Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) | 78.2% | $35,470 | 12:1 | Unranked |
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. Silver Lake College of the Holy Family
Location: Manitowoc, Wisconsin • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- In-State Tuition: $27,800 | Out-of-State: $28,390
- Enrollment: 444 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,500
- Average Financial Aid: $17,138
View full Silver Lake College of the Holy Family profile →
3. 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 →
4. 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 →
5. 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 →
6. 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 →
7. 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 →
8. 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 →
9. 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 →
10. Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW)
Location: Mequon, Wisconsin • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 78.2%
- In-State Tuition: $35,470 | Out-of-State: $35,470
- Enrollment: 2,197 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,300
- Average Financial Aid: $18,324
View full Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) profile →
How to Choose the Right Nursing Program in Wisconsin
Selecting the best Nursing 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 Nursing.
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 Nursing programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best colleges for Nursing in Wisconsin?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Nursing programs in Wisconsin include University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM), Silver Lake College of the Holy Family, and University of Wisconsin - Madison (UW).
How much does a Nursing degree cost in Wisconsin?
In-state tuition for Nursing programs in Wisconsin averages around $29,023 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.
What can I do with a Nursing degree from a Wisconsin school?
Graduates from Wisconsin's Nursing programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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