Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Wisconsin
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Wisconsin3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Wisconsin.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · PublicHonor Roll#1 in Wisconsin
- Net price $17,354 a year
- 90% graduate
- 2
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI · Public#5 in Wisconsin
- Net price $16,210 a year
- 71% graduate
- 3
Carroll University
Waukesha, WI · Private nonprofitTop 20% for graduation
- Net price $15,193 a year
- 71% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $17,354 | $20,484 | $73,792 | 90% |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $16,210 | $22,500 | $60,378 | 71% |
| Carroll University | $15,193 | $27,000 | $58,009 | 71% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.