Best STEM Colleges in Wisconsin

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These four disciplines have a lot in common, so they're often combined for teaching purposes in schools.

As a field, STEM is quickly growing. IT, math, science, and engineering experts are always in demand. However, to enter these roles, you typically need a degree, which you can earn from many top STEM schools. Fortunately, there are great STEM schools in Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are top STEM colleges in the state.

If you are looking for the best STEM colleges with financial aid, these and other Wisconsin schools have you covered. Below, we'll review what you can expect at top STEM colleges. Have additional questions about Wisconsin STEM schools? Our FAQs can help.

Top STEM Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has over a dozen schools with programs to help students start STEM careers. Explore this list to learn more about the best STEM colleges in Wisconsin.

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, located in Madison, WI, is home to the College of Letters and Science. This is where you'll find STEM departments like:

• Applied Math, Engineering and Physics
• Computer Sciences
• Physics
• Zoology

STEM programs from UW-Madison have earned high rankings. The engineering and computer science programs have been rated two of the best undergraduate programs at public universities.

2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers dozens of STEM programs. Students can choose from STEM bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Actuarial science, biological sciences, and freshwater sciences are programs to consider.

The school offers top online STEM degrees. Students can enroll in a bachelor's in biomedical sciences. Learners interested in a STEM master's degree can enroll in the school's healthcare informatics online program.

3. Marquette University

Marquette University students can choose from STEM bachelor's and master's degrees. Here are a few:

• electrical engineering
• mechanical engineering
• computer engineering

Are you wondering how hard it is to get into a STEM program at Marquette? The middle 50% of students admitted to the school's College of Engineering have an ACT score from 27 to 32. The school's last published acceptance rate was 87%.

4. Lawrence University

Lawrence University in Appleton offers great STEM-related four-year programs. Top degree options include the following:

• geosciences
• mathematics
• computer science
• environmental science

Lawrence has been rated one of the best colleges sending students to STEM graduate school programs. The school has also been ranked the top liberal arts college in the state.

5. Ripon College

Ripon College offers dozens of on-campus degree programs, many of which fall into the STEM category. Biochemistry, engineering, and computer science are some to consider.

Ripon offers scholarships to help reduce the cost of earning a STEM degree. The Morris K. Udall Foundation undergraduate scholarships provide up to $5,000 to sophomores and juniors in various subjects. Science and engineering are included.

6. Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) offers various degrees, including options in business and nursing. It is also home to multiple STEM degrees. Some include:

• software engineering
• biomedical engineering
• civil engineering
• user experience

Online STEM degrees are available at the graduate level. Programs include machine learning and applied machine learning.

7. Edgewood College

Edgewood College in Madison offers over a dozen bachelor's degrees with a STEM focus. They include:

• biology
• data science
• neuroscience
• individualized studies (students can focus on STEM subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math)

STEM-focused financial aid and awards are also available at Edgewood. The Henry J. Predolin Scholarship offers up to $8,000 annually, helping students earn low-cost or free online STEM degrees.

8. Carroll University

Carroll University offers many STEM-focused bachelor's degree programs. Some include the following:

• applied physics
• chemistry
• marine sciences
• information technology
• environmental science

Students in STEM degree programs might qualify for financial aid. The Davies Otto Fellow Science Scholarship and Engineering Scholarship are great options.

9. Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College students can choose from several bachelor's STEM programs. Some include chemistry, computer science, and fermentation science.

Students enrolled at the college could apply for scholarships to reduce the cost of their degree. For example, the Partners in Christian Education Scholarship offers $2,000 annually to eligible first-year students from Christian high schools.

10. Concordia University Wisconsin

Undergraduate and graduate on-campus STEM programs at Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon. Degrees include:

• biology
• science education
• chemical engineering

The school also offers affordable online STEM degrees. Students can pursue an online bachelor's degree in applied computer science. Grad students can pursue a master's degree in computer science. The Concordia Grant can help students save up to $10,000 on school costs.

11. University of Wisconsin-Platteville

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers STEM programs for undergrad, grad, and online learners. Students can enroll in programs like:

• biotechnology
• biology
• cybersecurity

UW-Platteville offers great financial aid options for students in STEM programs. The Capstan Scholarship is one to consider. Students who want careers in STEM, accounting, or finance receive free tuition, room, and board.

12. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students can take advantage of STEM degree programs in areas of study like:

• neuroscience
• mathematics
• bioinformatics
• computer science

First-year students can learn about these and other STEM programs at UW-Eau Claire's STEM Visit Day. A campus tour, admissions presentation, and open house for the STEM departments are included.

13. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

At the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, students can find unique STEM programs for undergrad and grad students. They include water science and information sciences.

UW-Green Bay's Richard J. Resch School of Engineering resides in the Brown County STEM Innovation Center. This 63,730-square-foot facility aims to address educational training and skills gaps in Northwest Wisconsin.

14. Carthage College

Carthage College in Kenosha offers biology, chemistry, computer science, and data science degrees. Other programs include engineering, geoscience, and physics.

Carthage works with community colleges to help students with associate degrees transfer. STEM-related scholarships like the Noyce Scholarship Program and SC Johnson STEM Scholars Program with Gateway Technical College can help students save on tuition.

15. Beloit College

Students wanting STEM careers can choose from more than a dozen degree programs at Beloit College. Some include applied chemistry and data analytics.

Beloit College is home to Girls and Women In Science (GWIS), an organization aiming to increase STEM career opportunities for people who identify as female. GWIS is run by Beloit College faculty, students, volunteers, and alumnae. It regularly seeks new volunteers and members.

FAQs About STEM Colleges in Wisconsin

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for STEM jobs will grow more than 10% from 2023 to 2033. Now's a great time to enter this field. But before enrolling in a STEM program, review the following FAQs to learn more about STEM schools.

What Is the Hardest Wisconsin College To Get Into?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the most difficult Wisconsin school to get accepted into. It has a 49% acceptance rate. Schools with higher acceptance rates include Edgewood College (95%) and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (95%).

What Is the Largest University in Wisconsin?

The largest university in Wisconsin is the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It had an undergrad enrollment of 37,230 in the fall of 2022. Other large schools in Wisconsin include the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (18,751) and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (11,773). Smaller schools include the University of Wisconsin-Stout (6,246) and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (4,772).

Which Wisconsin College Has the Best STEM Program?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has earned high marks as the top engineering school in the state. The university has also been ranked the highest in the state for math. Students interested in computer science can find the best programs at UW-Madison. With the highest rankings in chemistry and physics, it's clear that the University of Wisconsin-Madison is the best STEM school in Wisconsin.