10 Best Test-Optional Colleges in Wisconsin 2025

Wisconsin offers a wide range of affordable and flexible options for students who want to apply to college without standardized test scores. Many schools across the state no longer require the ACT or SAT, focusing instead on GPA, coursework, and personal achievements. If you're exploring test-optional colleges, you'll find both public universities and private colleges that support alternative pathways to admission.

Test-optional colleges aim to make the application process more inclusive and student-centered. These policies help level the playing field for applicants who may not test well or who lacked access to test prep resources. Whether you're a first-time freshman or returning adult learner, Wisconsin's test-optional colleges offer a mix of on-campus and online options to help you reach your educational goals.

What Does Test Optional Mean?

A test-optional admissions policy allows students to apply to college without submitting ACT or SAT scores. Instead, colleges evaluate your GPA, high school coursework, class rank, and other parts of your academic record. Personal essays and extracurricular involvement also play a larger role in the decision-making process.

If you experience stress related to standardized testing, you may benefit from test anxiety strategies as you prepare your application. Test-optional policies are designed to give you more control over how you present your strengths to colleges.

Test-Optional Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to several affordable and accessible test optional schools that give students more control over how they apply to college. Several online colleges that don't require SAT or ACT are also based in Wisconsin, offering flexible options for students who prefer or need to study remotely.

1. University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin (UW) – Stevens Point offers test-optional admissions for all first-year applicants. Students are evaluated based on academic performance, coursework, and extracurricular involvement. No minimum GPA is required to apply without test scores.

The university provides more than 100 undergraduate programs in areas such as biology, business, and fine arts. It also offers online degrees in professional communication, health and wellness, and other career-focused fields to support flexible learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,378.32 per year
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Wisconsin–Platteville

University of Wisconsin–Platteville uses a test-optional admissions process for most applicants, with no stated minimum GPA requirement. The university offers more than 40 undergraduate majors, including engineering, agriculture, and criminal justice.

It also has strong online offerings in business administration, industrial technology, and applied computing. Students who prefer hands-on learning and career-oriented degrees will find a variety of in-demand options at this rural campus.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,175 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Wisconsin–Parkside

UW–Parkside, located in southeastern Wisconsin, offers test-optional admissions with no GPA requirement, giving applicants flexibility in how they present their academic strengths. The university evaluates each student through a holistic review that considers grades, coursework, and overall accomplishments.

With programs in areas like business, education, and biological sciences, UW–Parkside supports a wide range of academic interests. Students looking for flexibility can choose from several online degree options, including business management, liberal studies, and criminal justice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,271 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

UW–Oshkosh offers test-optional admissions for students applying to its three campuses. Applicants are reviewed based on academic achievement and course rigor, with no required test scores or GPA minimum.

The university features more than 250 degree options in education, nursing, business, and liberal arts. Online programs are available in leadership and organizational studies, nursing, and human services for students who need flexible schedules.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,530 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater uses a test-optional admissions model for incoming freshmen. Students are evaluated on their academic performance and overall application, with no stated GPA required to apply without scores.

UW–Whitewater offers over 50 undergraduate programs in areas such as business, media arts, and special education. Online degrees are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including programs in finance, marketing, and early childhood education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,616 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Wisconsin–Superior

UW–Superior supports test-optional admissions and does not require students to meet a specific GPA to apply without scores. The university offers undergraduate degrees in environmental science, psychology, business, and transportation and logistics management. Several fully online programs are available, including degrees in sustainable management, health and wellness management, and criminal justice.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,812.74 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Wisconsin–River Falls

The University of Wisconsin–River Falls offers a test-optional admissions policy with no GPA requirement, allowing students to apply without ACT or SAT scores. Admissions decisions are based on a full review of academic performance, coursework, and student involvement.

UW–River Falls features more than 70 degree programs, with strengths in agriculture, teacher education, and science-related fields. For added flexibility, the university provides online options in subjects such as education and health services leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,508 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Alverno College

Alverno College is a private women's college in Milwaukee with a test-optional admissions policy that focuses on a student's full academic and personal profile. No test scores or GPA minimum are required.

Alverno offers undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, education, psychology, and business. The college also provides online degree completion options for adult learners, including programs in professional communication and healthcare leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $34,212 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) offers test-optional admissions with a holistic review of each applicant's academic and extracurricular background. There is no published GPA requirement to apply without scores.

CUW provides over 70 undergraduate majors in nursing, business, theology, and more. The university has a large catalog of online programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels, including options in healthcare, education, and business administration.

• Estimated tuition cost: $34,590 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College offers a test-optional admissions policy that considers each student's academic performance, leadership, and service experience. There is no requirement to submit ACT or SAT scores, nor is a GPA minimum stated.

The college offers undergraduate programs in biology, education, sport and exercise science, and theology. WLC also offers select online and hybrid courses to support flexible learning pathways.

• Estimated tuition cost: $37,360 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

This list of test-optional colleges in Wisconsin was developed to highlight schools that offer flexibility, quality, and value to students seeking alternatives to standardized testing.

• Accreditation: All colleges listed are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to ensure academic standards and degree recognition.*Admissions requirements: We included schools that offer test-optional admissions and do not require a minimum GPA unless clearly stated.*Affordability: Schools are ordered by estimated annual in-state tuition, from lowest to highest, to help students identify cost-effective options.

How Does a Test-Optional Policy Affect College Admissions?

A test-optional policy changes how colleges evaluate applications. Instead of relying on ACT or SAT scores, admissions teams focus on academic performance, course rigor, recommendation letters, and extracurricular involvement. This approach gives more weight to what you accomplished over four years in school rather than a few hours on a test.

At test-optional colleges, students with strong grades or unique experiences can still be competitive even if they don't submit test scores. It also makes the process more accessible for students from different academic and financial backgrounds.

Benefits of Applying to Test-Optional Colleges

Test-optional colleges allow you to highlight your strengths without being limited by standardized test results. If you've done well in your classes but didn't take the ACT or SAT (or didn't score as high as you hoped) you can still be a strong applicant.

This option is especially helpful for students who experience test anxiety or have limited access to test prep resources. Some colleges also extend test-optional policies to their scholarship decisions, allowing more students to qualify for financial aid based on their academic performance and other achievements.

Tips for Test-Optional College Admissions

If you're applying to test-optional schools, it's important to focus on the parts of your application that carry the most weight.*Keep your GPA strong and take challenging courses when possible.*Write a thoughtful personal statement that explains your goals, interests, and academic growth.*Ask for recommendation letters from teachers or mentors who can speak to your strengths.*Show involvement in extracurriculars, community service, or work experience.*Check each school's specific admissions and scholarship requirements, since a few programs may still ask for scores.

FAQs About Test-Optional Schools in Wisconsin

If you're thinking about applying to a test-optional college in Wisconsin, you may have questions about what these policies mean for your application. Below are answers to common questions about GPAs, scholarship eligibility, and whether submitting test scores is still an option.

Do Test-Optional Schools Accept Lower GPAs?

Test-optional admissions don't always mean lower GPA standards. Many Wisconsin colleges that no longer require test scores still look closely at your academic history, especially your coursework and grade trends. Some colleges that accept a low GPA review applications holistically, meaning other factors like extracurriculars and personal achievements can also help strengthen your chances.

Are Test Scores Ever Required for Certain Programs or Scholarships?

While most Wisconsin colleges have fully test-optional admissions, some academic programs, particularly in nursing, engineering, or honors colleges, may still require test scores. In addition, a few scholarships might factor in ACT or SAT results when awarding aid. It's important to read each school's admissions and financial aid guidelines carefully to ensure you meet all the criteria for your specific interests.

Will Not Submitting Test Scores Hurt My Chances?

Not submitting your test scores won't negatively impact your application at a test-optional college. Schools have designed these policies to treat applicants fairly, whether or not they choose to include standardized test results. If your academic record and extracurricular background are strong, you'll still be considered a competitive applicant without scores.

Do Test-Optional Policies Apply to Transfer Students?

Test-optional admissions policies are typically designed for first-year applicants, but some colleges extend them to transfer students as well according to College Board. In most cases, transfer applicants are evaluated based on their college coursework rather than high school performance or standardized tests.

If you've completed a certain number of college credits, often around 24 or more, ACT or SAT scores are usually not required, even at schools that otherwise request them for freshmen. Always check the transfer admissions page of each college to confirm current requirements.

Can I Still Submit My Test Scores If I Want To?

Test-optional means just that—you have the option to include scores if you believe they reflect your strengths. Many colleges in Wisconsin will consider your ACT or SAT scores if you choose to submit them, but not submitting them won't hurt your application. This flexibility allows you to decide which parts of your academic profile are most important to highlight.

Explore Degree Programs

Whether you're planning to study on campus or online, Wisconsin's test-optional colleges provide flexible admissions options and a wide variety of degree pathways. Use Learn.org to explore programs that match your goals and take the next step toward earning a degree that fits your future.