10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Milwaukee, WI (2025)

The Milwaukee metropolitan area is home to over 1.5 million people and is the largest metro area in Wisconsin. It also contains over a dozen colleges and universities.

Keep reading to learn more about the best universities and colleges near Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Featured Colleges in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Milwaukee metropolitan area contains several public and private schools. We've featured some of the best universities and colleges near Milwaukee, Wisconsin below.

1. Alverno College

Alverno College is a private Catholic college in Milwaukee. It offers undergraduate degrees to women, but its graduate programs are co-ed.

Degrees are available in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Health Care
• Liberal Arts

Alverno College was founded in 1887 and today enrolls just under 3,000 students. Instead of giving letter grades, the college uses an ability assessment system.

2. Carroll University

Carroll University is a private Presbyterian university in Waukesha, a large city that borders Milwaukee to the west. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Students can earn degrees through the university's four colleges and schools:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Health Sciences
• School of Education and Human Services
• Sullivan School of Business and Technology

When the university was established in 1846, it was Wisconsin's first four-year higher education institution. It currently enrolls just over 3,000 students, most of whom are undergraduate students.

3. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private Lutheran university in the Milwaukee suburb of Mequon. It's part of the Concordia University system and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Degrees are available on campus and online in fields such as:

• Business and Management
• Education
• Health Sciences and Biomedical Sciences
• Theology

Concordia University Wisconsin was founded in 1881. Today, the university enrolls nearly 5,000 students and runs one of the only pharmacy schools in the state.

4. Maranatha Baptist University

Maranatha Baptist University is a private Baptist university in Watertown, a city less than an hour west of Milwaukee. It offers associate through doctoral programs in person and online.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Ministry and Biblical Studies

The university was established in 1968 as a Bible college. It currently enrolls just under 1,000 students across its seven colleges and schools.

5. Marquette University

Marquette University is a private Catholic research university in Milwaukee. It offers undergraduate programs in person and graduate programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Biomedical and Health Sciences
• Business
• Engineering
• Social Sciences

Marquette University was founded in 1881 as an all-male institution but became co-ed in 1909. Today, it enrolls over 11,000 students, most of which are undergrad students.

6. Milwaukee School of Engineering

The Milwaukee School of Engineering is a private university in Milwaukee. It offers bachelor's and master's programs.

The university primarily offers engineering degrees, but students can also earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Computer Science
• Management
• Nursing

The university was established in 1903. It currently enrolls over 2,500 students, the majority of which are undergraduate engineering majors.

7. Mount Mary University

Mount Mary University is a private Catholic university in Milwaukee. It offers undergraduate degrees to women and graduate programs to both women and men.

Degrees are available to students in fields such as:

• Education
• Fashion Design
• Health Sciences
• Psychology

Mount Mary University was founded in 1872. Today, it enrolls nearly 2,000 students, primarily women in undergraduate programs.

8. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a public research university in Milwaukee. It offers degrees from the associate to the doctoral level in person and online.

Students can earn degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Health Sciences
• Psychology

The university was originally established in 1885 and became part of the University of Wisconsin system in 1956. It currently enrolls over 22,500 students.

9. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a public university in Whitewater, a city less than an hour away from Milwaukee. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs on campus and online.

Degrees are available in fields such as:

• Business
• Education
• Social Sciences
• Visual and Performing Arts

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater was founded in 1868 and became part of the University of Wisconsin system in 1971. Today, it enrolls over 11,000 students.

10. Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Milwaukee. It offers bachelor's degrees and master's degrees.

Students can earn their degrees in areas of study like:

• Business
• Education
• Nursing
• Psychology

The university was established in 1973. It currently enrolls just under 1,100 students, the majority of whom are undergraduate students.

What Is the Biggest School Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

The largest school near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In 2002 it had an enrollment of 22,676 students.

How To Choose the Right College Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin

When trying to choose a college near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there are a few things to consider. These include:

• Does the college have a good program for your major?
• Where is the college located?
• How much is tuition?
• What financial aid is available?

Paying for Your Degree Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Most students pay for their college degrees using financial aid like scholarships, federal grants, student loans, and work-study opportunities.

To find out what you qualify for, start by filling out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Start Your Degree Near Milwaukee, Wisconsin Today

There are a handful of excellent universities and colleges near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Check out the featured programs above to find the perfect fit for you today!