7 Cheapest Universities in Milwaukee for International Students

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In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Milwaukee, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 8 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Milwaukee, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Milwaukee for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Milwaukee ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Herzing University 15,800 USD - 20,100 USD 55%
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 21,500 USD 38%
Mount Mary University 32,700 USD 6%
Alverno College 38,800 USD - 45,200 USD -12%
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design 39,400 USD -13%
Marquette University 45,900 USD -32%
Milwaukee School of Engineering 48,300 USD -39%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 34,700 USD for universities in Milwaukee.

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1. Herzing University

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.

2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

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.

3. Mount Mary University

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.

4. Alverno College

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.

5. Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design

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.

6. Marquette University

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.

7. Milwaukee School of Engineering

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Milwaukee for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Milwaukee ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Marquette University 7,500 USD - 18,700 USD 42%
Alverno College 8,625 USD - 15,000 USD 34%
Milwaukee School of Engineering 9,000 USD - 24,000 USD 31%
Herzing University 9,440 USD - 28,000 USD 27%
Mount Mary University 11,700 USD - 13,300 USD 10%
Medical College of Wisconsin 18,300 USD - 50,400 USD -42%
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 25,700 USD -99%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 12,900 USD for universities in Milwaukee.

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1. Marquette University

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Marquette University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 7,500 USD to 18,675 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Alverno College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Alverno College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Alverno College is 8,625 USD to 15,000 USD.

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.

3. Milwaukee School of Engineering

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.

The tuition fee at Milwaukee School of Engineering for incoming international master’s students is 9,000 USD to 24,000 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Herzing University

Another affordable university to consider in Milwaukee is Herzing University.

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.

The tuition fee in Herzing University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 9,440 USD.

5. Mount Mary University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Mount Mary University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 11,625 USD yearly.

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.

6. Medical College of Wisconsin

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.

7. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

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.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

Applying to cheap universities in Milwaukee requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Milwaukee?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Milwaukee. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Milwaukee is the Alverno College, which offers Art Education, Biomedical Sciences, and Cosmetic Science to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Alverno College offers Music and Liturgy, Music Therapy, and Education.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Milwaukee for international students was helpful!