2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Wisconsin

1

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Green Bay, WI

University Of Wisconsin Green Bay tops our 2026 list of the best value general education schools in Wisconsin. Located in the city of Green Bay, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $23,250. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Green Bay generally make around $42,768. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

2

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Stevens Point. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. General Education graduates carry a median of $24,161 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $54,168. That is a strong return on a $24,161 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

3

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at University Of Wisconsin Whitewater, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. General Education graduates carry a median of $25,306 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater generally make around $45,767. Set against $25,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Platteville, WI

A rank of #4 makes University Of Wisconsin Platteville one of the best values for general education. Set in the town of Platteville, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $25,000. General Education graduates of University Of Wisconsin Platteville earn a median of $51,662 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin Madison one of the best values for general education. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $59,877. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #6 spot for general education value this year. Located in the city of Milwaukee, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $30,990. General Education graduates of University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee earn a median of $43,867 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $30,990 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the town of Menomonie, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $25,821. Early-career general education graduates make about $55,787. Set against $25,821 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

8

Maranatha Baptist Bible College
Watertown, WI

Maranatha Baptist Bible College came in at #8 for value in general education this year. Maranatha Baptist Bible College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Watertown. In-state tuition and fees average $21,550. General Education graduates of Maranatha Baptist Bible College earn a median of $56,298 early in their careers. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

9

Edgewood College
Madison, WI

Edgewood College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Edgewood College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Madison. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,860. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $26,750. General Education graduates of Edgewood College earn a median of $55,541 early in their careers. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Edgewood College admits about 76% of applicants.

10

Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University earned the #10 position for value in general education this year. Marquette University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Milwaukee. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. General Education graduates carry a median of $24,122 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $60,443. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants.