College in Wisconsin 101: Where to Apply & How to Pay

February 8, 2018

We know selecting a college for an undergraduate degree can feel overwhelming. There are so many different options and things to consider. At Unison, we strive to be your go-to source for big upcoming life decisions, but also a no-judgement zone for financial questions, big or small.

Whether college applications are in your near future, or a year or so out, we have a few things that we think will make your prep a little easier:

1. A list of some of the reputable Wisconsin universities.
2. An opportunity to earn a $2,000 college scholarship. Apply here!
3. Plus, resources for financial aid and scholarships.

Experts at Education

Take a look at UW-Milwaukee’s School of Education if teaching sparks your interest. Charted at number two for education programs in the state, the school will give you a big city experience that isn’t too far from home (and even closer to Miller Park and the new downtown arena for the Bucks). Be sure to check out St. Norbert College or UW-Madison that also provide an exceptional education for aspiring teachers.

Best for Business

Universities.com positions UW-Whitewater at number three on their list of best business programs in our state. Their College of Business and Economics offers 25 different programs with the top three most popular including accounting, finance, and marketing. Alumni and students comment that the school offers great preparation by providing opportunities to practice interviewing on campus; plus, the football team has a great following. Consider touring UW Oshkosh which is also known for its outstanding business program.

Exceptional for Engineering

High on the list for engineering schools located in Wisconsin, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) ties for number 10 in U.S. News’ list of Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs for 2018. This private school is in the city’s urban downtown and just a few blocks from Lake Michigan and the Historic Third Ward. While you’re at it, check out UW-Madison’s remarkable engineering program.

Focused on Fitness

If a kinesiology degree or therapy emphasis is in your future, head to UW-La Crosse for a campus tour. UW-La Crosse is ranked in the top 100 on Niche’s 2018 Best Colleges for Kinesiology and Therapy in the country. The campus is also near the Mississippi River and bluffs, which makes it perfect for lovers of outdoor recreation. Don’t forget about UW-Eau Claire and Carthage College while you’re researching.

Great for Journalism and Mass Communication

Niche ranks St. Norbert College at number two for best communication colleges in the state. The private university is known for its gorgeous campus, excellent professors, and unique home-town feel. While you’re looking, consider UW-Milwaukee’s communications program as well.

Legit for Law School

Known for their pre-law program, Marquette University provides an excellent foundation and preparation for students looking to excel in the field. Marquette has earned the badge best law college in the state from Universities.com. Plus, what could be more fun than attending one of Marquette’s basketball games as a student?

Magnificent for Music

If music is your passion, put Lawrence University at the top of your campus tour list. Known for their Conservatory of Music, Lawrence University is ranked at number 58 on U.S. News’ 2018 list of National Liberal Arts Colleges. About a quarter of Lawrence’s student body completes degrees at the conservatory, and the college also prides itself on being a test-optional university.

Awesome for Nurses

Future nurses, put UW Oshkosh on your list of colleges to consider. UW Oshkosh’s College of Nursing is charted on Nursing School Almanac’s Top 100 list of nursing schools in the U.S. Plus, the school has the highest pass rate in the state of 96 percent for the National Council Licensure Exam which is required to become a registered nurse. Take a look at Viterbo University, Bellin College of Nursing, or Fox Valley Technical College for other amazing nursing programs in the state.

Terrific for the Trades and Associate Degrees

If focusing on a trade like welding, construction, or agriculture or earning an associate’s degree to become a software developer or dental hygienist seems like a better fit, there are a handful of reputable colleges around the state for you. Take a campus tour at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC), or Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) and see all of the options for a technical diploma or associate’s degree.

Adulting is Hard … But We Can Help

While you’re determining which school you will apply to in the fall, now is also the time to start having those financial discussions. The team at Unison is always here to help answer your financial questions, big or small. Meet with one of our knowledgeable Member Advisors to discuss a savings game-plan and get started with a checking account you can access online while at college.

If you know where you’re headed, now is the time to apply for scholarships! This year we will be honoring five students with $2,000 John Aman Memorial Scholarships. For more information on the scholarship or application visit our scholarship page. Applications are due no later than March 17, 2018.

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