Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin

As one of the top public schools in the region, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire provides an excellent education for the in-state tuition cost. Students pursuing a BSN have two options of study: on-campus in Eau Claire or at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. Both locations are staffed by UW-Eau Claire professors, so you can pick whichever site works best for you. UW-Eau Claire also has a high NCLEX pass rate, so any Wisconsin resident should consider applying. 

Viterbo University is a small, private school with just 2,521 students. However, with over 100 years of educating students, Viterbo is also one of the top schools in Wisconsin. The School of Nursing has a BSN and BSN completion program, and the traditional BSN has an impressive 100% job placement rate upon graduation. Nursing students also have the option to study abroad and still complete the degree in four years. Also, for a private school, Viterbo’s tuition is relatively low. 

A liberal arts school founded in the Catholic Dominican tradition, Edgewood College has an incredibly low 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of just 13. The small class sizes are likely part of the reason why Edgewood consistently sees every nursing student pass the NCLEX on their first try.

High school applicants with a GPA of 3.5 and an ACT score of 24 can gain guaranteed admission to the School of Nursing. The nursing program partners with more than 50 clinical sites for students, including four major hospitals in Madison.

Perhaps the best-known school in the state, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been educating students since 1848. Located on a 936-acre campus, nursing students who attend Wisconsin will enjoy a large school. 

You can earn a BSN in nearly any way in Wisconsin, though the traditional BSN is the most popular program. The traditional BSN is a 2+2 program, meaning two years of nursing prerequisite courses before entering the two-year nursing program. Admission is highly competitive, but those accepted will study at an excellent school. 

Concordia University is a private Lutheran college located in Mequon on the shores of Lake Michigan. The school focuses on service and giving back to the community, and students completed 31,289 service hours during the 2021-2022 academic year.

 Along with a beautiful campus, based only a short drive from Milwaukee, Concordia also offers students a low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and is ranked as the safest campus in Wisconsin. While the tuition is high, nursing students earn an average financial aid award of $16,603, cutting into the total cost of the program. BSN students also get access to a simulation lab and enjoy a high NCLEX pass rate. 

Among the top private schools in the region, Marquette University’s high tuition rate is well worth the education. Founded in the Jesuit tradition, Marquette has a prime location in downtown Milwaukee, so students can enjoy a city experience and large inner-city hospitals.

The undergraduate nursing program gives nursing students the chance to study abroad or earn an internship in Washington, DC. Marquette also has an honors nursing program, and students receive a BSN with Honors upon completing the degree. While this might not seem necessary, it can be very useful for students interested in advancing their education and applying to competitive graduate programs. 

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is one of the largest schools in the state, home to 24,000 students. Roughly ¾ of graduates end up working in Wisconsin, which means UWM has an extensive alumni network for nursing school grads to tap into. Nursing options include a traditional BSN, an RN-to-BSN, and an RN-to-MSN. 

According to U.S. News & World Report, the nursing program consistently ranks in the top 15% of nursing schools with graduate programs. The traditional program connects nursing students with more than 160 clinical agencies, and students have the option to study abroad in areas such as Mexico, Kenya, South Korea, and China. 

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a nationally recognized research school located in Fox Valley. Part of the larger UW system, Oshkosh offers quality education with a low in-state tuition rate.

The top nursing program at UW Oshkosh’s traditional undergraduate nursing program has two options: a five-semester program or a year-round program with a hybrid of on-campus and online courses. From start to finish, students can earn their BSN in 3.5-4.5 years, depending on which option they choose. Most recently (2021), UWO  received the AAMN award for the best school in recruiting and retaining men in nursing.

Founded in 1846, Carroll University is the oldest institution of higher education in Wisconsin. Carroll is known for its Pioneer Core, a general education requirement that ensures all students receive a well-rounded education. After completing the Pioneer Core, nursing students can begin their BSN core courses. Along with 160 hours of clinical experience, Carroll University connects nursing students with internships at local healthcare facilities.

While it may not sound like it, Milwaukee School of Engineering is home to an excellent nursing program. The traditional BSN program began in 1995 and uses some of the newest technologies in laboratories and classrooms. An accelerated second degree for current BS or BA holders is also available. Upon graduation, 95% of MSOE students find a job in their field or continue on to graduate school. The cost is high compared to other schools, but the outcome of the nursing program may be worth it to some.