The Best Business Schools Near Milwaukee for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools Near Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks #1 near Milwaukee on a 97.9 Program Score, with a 90% graduation rate.
- Northwestern University graduates the most students on this list (95%), from #2.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- The #1 program is also the lowest-tuition program on the list, so the best value and the best score are the same school.
- Programs analyzed in Milwaukee
- 92
- Schools ranked
- 10
- Ranked schools in the metro
- 1
- Farthest school
- 82 mi
Only one business school in Milwaukee has a complete record in the federal data this site ranks on (Marquette University), too few for a ranking of the metro alone. So this list looks past the metro: it keeps that school and adds the nine closest schools that do have one, in Wisconsin and Illinois, for ten in all, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes.
University of Wisconsin-Madison leads with a 97.9 Program Score and a 90% graduation rate. The nearest school from beyond the metro is University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI), about 70 miles from central Milwaukee; the farthest, Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL), is about 82 miles away.
Business Schools Near Milwaukee, Compared by Score
Wisconsin-Madison leads at 97.9, and Concordia-Chicago closes the chart at 57.4. Longer bars rank higher.
Our Methodology for Ranking Business Schools Near Milwaukee
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Business Schools Near Milwaukee, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Business Schools Near Milwaukee, ranked by outcomes.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
- Grad rate
- 90%
- Admit rate
- 45%
- In-state
- $10,006
- Out-of-state
- $40,506
At $10,006 a year in-state, University of Wisconsin-Madison is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 97.9 Program Score on a 90% graduation rate.
- Program Score 97.9, #1 of 10
- 90% graduation rate
- $10,006 in-state vs $40,506 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public institution in Madison, WI. Its Business program ranks #1 of the 10 analyzed here with a 97.9 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 81.3 group average. The program graduates 90% of its students, above the 70% average across the ranked schools. Wisconsin-Madison admits 45% of applicants, more selective than the 64% average for the group. That is more open than the 8% rate at Northwestern, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 51,044 students.
On cost, Wisconsin-Madison charges $10,006 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $40,506 out-of-state rate. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $10,006 at Wisconsin-Madison to $67,158 at Northwestern. The spread makes the program a clearer value for WI residents than for out-of-state students. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 95%
- Admit rate
- 8%
- In-state
- $67,158
- Out-of-state
- $67,158
Northwestern University graduates 95% of its students, above the 70% average across this ranking, on a 95.1 Program Score.
- Program Score 95.1, #2 of 10
- 95% graduation rate
- $67,158 tuition
- Most selective program here
Northwestern University is a private, nonprofit institution in Evanston, IL. Its Business program ranks #2 of the 10 analyzed here with a 95.1 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 81.3 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 2.8 points behind top-ranked Wisconsin-Madison. The program graduates 95% of its students, above the 70% average across the ranked schools. Northwestern admits 8% of applicants, more selective than the 64% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 95%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 23,856 students.
On cost, Northwestern charges $67,158 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $10,006 at Wisconsin-Madison to $67,158 at Northwestern. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 73%
- Admit rate
- 82%
- In-state
- $52,230
- Out-of-state
- $52,230
Loyola University Chicago graduates 73% of its students, above the 70% average across this ranking, on an 85.8 Program Score.
- Program Score 85.8, #3 of 10
- 73% graduation rate
- $52,230 tuition
- Admits just 82% of applicants
Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #3 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 85.8 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 81.3 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 73% of its students, above the 70% average across the ranked schools. Loyola University Chicago admits 82% of applicants, less selective than the 64% average for the group. That is more open than the 8% rate at Northwestern, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 95%. The university enrolls 17,384 students overall.
On cost, Loyola University Chicago charges $52,230 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $10,006 at Wisconsin-Madison to $67,158 at Northwestern. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 74%
- In-state
- $42,495
- Out-of-state
- $42,495
Elmhurst University graduates 70% of its students, above the 70% average across this ranking, on an 82.9 Program Score.
- Program Score 82.9, #4 of 10
- 70% graduation rate
- $42,495 tuition
- Admits just 74% of applicants
Based in Elmhurst University, IL, Elmhurst is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #4 of the 10 ranked here, earning an 82.9 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 81.3 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 70% of its students, above the 70% average across the ranked schools. Elmhurst admits 74% of applicants, less selective than the 64% average for the group. That is more open than the 8% rate at Northwestern, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 3,997 students.
On cost, Elmhurst charges $42,495 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $10,006 at Wisconsin-Madison to $67,158 at Northwestern. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
North Park University
Chicago, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 58%
- Admit rate
- 69%
- In-state
- $36,070
- Out-of-state
- $36,070
At $36,070 a year in-state, North Park University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding an 80.4 Program Score on a 58% graduation rate.
- Program Score 80.4, #5 of 10
- 58% graduation rate
- $36,070 tuition
- Admits just 69% of applicants
North Park University is a private, nonprofit institution in Chicago, IL. Its Business program ranks #5 of the 10 analyzed here with an 80.4 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 81.3 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 58% of its students, below the 70% average across the ranked schools. North Park admits 69% of applicants, less selective than the 64% average for the group. That is more open than the 8% rate at Northwestern, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,557 students.
On cost, North Park charges $36,070 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $10,006 at Wisconsin-Madison to $67,158 at Northwestern. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Wheaton College
Wheaton, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 85%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $45,420
- Out-of-state
- $45,420
Wheaton College graduates 85% of its students, above the 70% average across this ranking, on an 80.2 Program Score.
- Program Score 80.2, #6 of 10
- 85% graduation rate
- $45,420 tuition
- Admits just 87% of applicants
Wheaton College is a private, nonprofit institution in Wheaton, IL. Its Business program ranks #6 of the 10 analyzed here with an 80.2 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 81.3 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 85% of its students, above the 70% average across the ranked schools. Wheaton College admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 64% average for the group. That is more open than the 8% rate at Northwestern, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,874 students.
On cost, Wheaton College charges $45,420 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $10,006 at Wisconsin-Madison to $67,158 at Northwestern. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 83%
- Admit rate
- 81%
- In-state
- $50,070
- Out-of-state
- $50,070
Marquette University reports that 82% of its College of Business Administration students complete an internship, and human resources majors can add an E-Lead leadership concentration.
- Program Score 78.9
- 83% graduation rate
- $50,070 tuition
- E-Lead leadership concentration
Marquette University offers a bachelor's degree in human resources through its College of Business Administration, where students are admitted directly and start business classes on day one. The page describes study of employee relations, compensation, benefits and workplace law, plus a Business Leadership concentration within the major. Students can join the E-Lead program in sophomore year, completing leadership courses and experiences that earn a concentration in leadership. The college reports that 82% of its students take part in its internship program, and juniors are paired with a Milwaukee-area executive in a one-on-one mentoring program. Human resources majors can choose from more than 50 study abroad programs in close to 30 countries, and the school says most graduates go straight into the workforce.
The ranking reflects a Program Score of 78.9 out of 100. Federal data show an 83% graduation rate and an 81% admit rate at this Milwaukee university of about 11,700 students. Tuition is $50,070 for in-state and out-of-state students alike, as Marquette is a private nonprofit. The program fits students who want a values-based business education in a city with employers close at hand and who value mentoring and structured leadership training.
Judson University
Elgin, IL · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 60%
- Admit rate
- 48%
- Tuition
- Varies by program
Judson University ranks #8 of the 10 business programs in this analysis, with a 77.8 Program Score and a 60% graduation rate.
- Program Score 77.8, #8 of 10
- 60% graduation rate
- Online option available
Judson University is a private, nonprofit institution in Elgin, IL. Its Business program ranks #8 of the 10 analyzed here with a 77.8 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 81.3 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 60% of its students, below the 70% average across the ranked schools. Judson admits 48% of applicants, more selective than the 64% average for the group. That is more open than the 8% rate at Northwestern, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 960 students. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
For prospective students, the draw here is genuine selectivity paired with an online option.
Hebrew Theological College
Skokie, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 50%
- Admit rate
- 57%
- In-state
- $14,750
- Out-of-state
- $14,750
At $14,750 a year in-state, Hebrew Theological College is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 76.1 Program Score on a 50% graduation rate.
- Program Score 76.1, #9 of 10
- 50% graduation rate
- $14,750 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Hebrew Theological College is a private, nonprofit institution in Skokie, IL. Its Business program ranks #9 of the 10 analyzed here with a 76.1 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 81.3 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 50% of its students, below the 70% average across the ranked schools. Hebrew Theological College admits 57% of applicants, more selective than the 64% average for the group. That is more open than the 8% rate at Northwestern, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 95%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 182 students.
On cost, Hebrew Theological College charges $14,750 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $10,006 at Wisconsin-Madison to $67,158 at Northwestern. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
Concordia University-Chicago
River Forest, IL · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 36%
- Admit rate
- 93%
- In-state
- $36,430
- Out-of-state
- $36,430
At $36,430 a year in-state, Concordia University-Chicago is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 57.4 Program Score on a 36% graduation rate.
- Program Score 57.4, #10 of 10
- 36% graduation rate
- $36,430 tuition
- Admits just 93% of applicants
Concordia University-Chicago is a private, nonprofit institution in River Forest, IL. Its Business program ranks #10 of the 10 analyzed here with a 57.4 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 81.3 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 36% of its students, below the 70% average across the ranked schools. Concordia-Chicago admits 93% of applicants, less selective than the 64% average for the group. That is more open than the 8% rate at Northwestern, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 36% to 95%. The university enrolls 4,770 students overall.
On cost, Concordia-Chicago charges $36,430 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $10,006 at Wisconsin-Madison to $67,158 at Northwestern. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools Near Milwaukee
The median school on this list graduates 72% of its students. The highest rates belong to Northwestern University (95%) and University of Wisconsin-Madison (90%). The top graduation rate is not at the #1 school, because the score also weighs selectivity, cost, and earnings.
- #2 Northwestern University95% graduation rate
- #1 University of Wisconsin-Madison90% graduation rate
- #6 Wheaton College85% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools Near Milwaukee?
On this list, 3 schools admit fewer than half of applicants, the most selective being Northwestern University at 8%.
- #2 Northwestern University8% admitted
- #1 University of Wisconsin-Madison45% admitted
- #8 Judson University48% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Schools Near Milwaukee
This list holds 1 public and 9 private nonprofit schools.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools Near Milwaukee
Enrollment on this list runs from 182 at Hebrew Theological College to 51,044 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Of the 10, 2 enroll 20,000 students or more and 6 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools Near Milwaukee Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Wisconsin-MadisonWisconsin-Madison | $96,148 | $16,600 |
| #2 | Northwestern UniversityNorthwestern | $108,498 | $34,420 |
| #3 | Loyola University ChicagoLoyola University Chicago | $97,667 | $36,340 |
| #4 | Elmhurst UniversityElmhurst | $76,678 | $23,165 |
| #6 | Wheaton CollegeWheaton College | $80,258 | $26,059 |
| #8 | Judson UniversityJudson | $93,396 | $19,224 |
Graduates of Northwestern earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $108,498; the lowest figure here is $76,678 at Elmhurst.
Wisconsin-Madison, the highest-ranked of these schools (#1), comes in at $96,148.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $16,600 a year at Wisconsin-Madison to $36,340 at Loyola University Chicago.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
How Far the Business Schools Near Milwaukee Are
Distances are straight-line miles from central Milwaukee, measured from the average location of Milwaukee's business schools in federal records, so the drive is longer. University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI is about 70 miles away; Judson University in Elgin, IL is about 70 miles away; Northwestern University in Evanston, IL is about 72 miles away; Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, IL is about 73 miles away; Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, IL is about 75 miles away; North Park University in Chicago, IL is about 76 miles away; Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL is about 80 miles away; Concordia University-Chicago in River Forest, IL is about 81 miles away; Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL is about 82 miles away.
For a residential degree the distance matters less than residency: a public school across the metro charges Milwaukee students its out-of-state rate unless a regional exchange applies, so read the out-of-state column on each card before comparing prices.
What the Business Schools Near Milwaukee Cost
Undergraduate in-state tuition on this list runs from $10,006 a year at University of Wisconsin-Madison to $67,158 at Northwestern University, before aid. Over a four-year bachelor's that is roughly $40,024 against $268,632 in tuition alone.
Master's rows show no price: the federal tuition figure for those schools is the undergraduate rate, so ask each graduate business office for its per-credit rate instead.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Studying Business Online From Milwaukee
Two of the ranked schools (Marquette University and Judson University) run a confirmed online option. An accredited online degree carries the same standing as the campus one, since accreditation attaches to the school rather than the format, and for a student in Milwaukee it removes the distance on this list entirely.
- #7 Marquette UniversityMilwaukee, WI
- #8 Judson UniversityElgin, IL
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions About Business Schools Near Milwaukee
What is the best business school near Milwaukee?
By Program Score, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI) ranks first, with a 97.9 score. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes from federal data, so it rewards a school that does all four well rather than one that wins on price alone.
How many business programs are there in Milwaukee?
92 accredited bachelor's and master's business programs in Milwaukee report to IPEDS. One school has the complete record needed to rank, which is why this list adds the nearest schools beyond the metro.
What is the closest ranked business school to Milwaukee?
Outside Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI) is the nearest school with a complete record, about 70 straight-line miles from central Milwaukee. Inside Milwaukee, Marquette University is ranked on this list as well.
Can I study business online from Milwaukee?
Yes. Two of the ten schools on this list offer the program online, including Marquette University and Judson University. Accreditation attaches to the school, not the format, so the online degree carries the same standing.