8 Best Universities In Milwaukee For International Students 2025

Milwaukee is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 8 universities in Milwaukee, Medical College of Wisconsin and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are the top-performing schools in Milwaukee. This list covers both public and private institutions in Milwaukee.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Milwaukee?

Applying to the universities in Milwaukee involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Milwaukee to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Milwaukee?

Tuition fees at Milwaukee’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 15,800 USD to 48,300 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 7,500 USD to 50,400 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Milwaukee!

As we cover the best universities in Milwaukee for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Milwaukee for International Students

Medical College of Wisconsin was established in 1893 and is Wisconsin’s first medical school. The college offers graduate programs in different areas of medicine, pharmacy, and biomedical sciences. It is also known for its cutting-edge research and contributions to the improvement of the state’s medical education and healthcare services.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is the largest educational institution in the city. It is located strategically, with students just minutes away from the comfort of Lake Michigan and the metropolitan downtown. The university already has an excellent international reputation when it comes to its research outputs.

Located in the upper central part of the USA, Marquette University is a Jesuit institution that is rooted deeply in the Catholic faith. When first established, Marquette College selected only male applicants from its selection pool. Finally, in 1909, Marquette accepted its first female applicant, which is a significant event that lead to Marquette being the first coeducational Catholic institution in the whole world! Due to its long history in the Wisconsin area, this institution has grown to be the largest private university in the whole state, and in academics, Marquette University offers high-level research and academic fieldwork in liberal arts, business, engineering, education, law, and other STEM disciplines.

Milwaukee School of Engineering is a specialized private institution. It offers a limited selection of undergrad and master’s programs; most of these courses focus on engineering. Because of its small population, the community is close-knit and attentive training is given to each student. MSOE is well-ranked, placing 9th among undergrad engineering programs in the US.

Herzing University is focused on providing outstanding education to local and international students. With campuses located in several states and online programs, the university aims to make education accessible and help students attain their career goals. Its future-oriented programs have also attracted students as the curriculum are explicitly designed and aligned to meet the demands of various industry sectors.

Alverno College is a private Catholic institution that offers liberal arts programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It is an exclusive higher education school that admits only women into its campus. The college was established in 1887 and has since generated countless competent professionals and experts. Today, it continues to provide top-class education and innovative programs to prospective and current students who will become world citizens and leaders.

Established by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mount Mary University has provided 30 undergraduate majors and 10 graduate programs to the youth since 1913. What makes Mount Mary University is that their undergraduate programs are only open to women, while their graduate programs are open to all genders. Despite this, the school still has 1,200 students enrolled and studying inside its 80-acre campus. Additionally, its recreational department is not lacking with NCAA Division III sports teams and over 35 student organizations. Different services are also available to its community, providing them with meal plans, financial aid, ministry services, and housing just to name a few.

As its name suggests, the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design specializes in the different fields of art and is the only university of its kind in the state. Students here take a mandatory number of credits in Liberal Arts subjects, such as writing or history. Among its facilities, it has a specialized supply store and three art galleries. The university also offers unique opportunities to students, like paid internships or being able to take classes at other universities that belong to the AICAD.