Compare tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and BSN pathways at Milwaukee's highest-ranked nursing programs.
Which Milwaukee BSN programs translate clinical rotations into job offers at Froedtert Health, Advocate Aurora Health, and Children's Wisconsin? The city's three anchor health systems collectively employ tens of thousands of nurses and increasingly expect a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for new hires.
Prospective students can pursue a traditional four-year BSN, an accelerated second-degree track, or an RN-to-BSN bridge for working nurses.
With registered nurses in the Milwaukee metro earning a median $85,181 annually, above the national figure, the return on a well-chosen program is substantial. But the best placements go to graduates whose schools provide sustained, hands-on exposure inside the region's busiest facilities.
Milwaukee's nursing programs offer a diverse mix of public and private options, from large research universities to intimate faith-based colleges, with strong clinical partnerships across the region's major health systems. This ranking evaluates schools on academic quality, student outcomes, and affordability to help you find the right fit for your nursing career.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | Undergrads guaranteed Milwaukee clinical rotations | |
Marquette University, a private Jesuit institution in Milwaukee, offers a nationally recognized BSN with direct freshman admission and guaranteed clinical hours. The direct entry MSN, available in hybrid format, serves career changers with a non-nursing bachelor's. Both programs leverage partnerships with major Milwaukee health systems for diverse clinical experiences.
| |||||
| #2 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | Milwaukee, WI | ~$21,000/yr (est.) | Career changers pursuing accelerated BSN | |
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) offers a traditional campus BSN with direct admission and a 16-month accelerated second-degree track. Known for its 100% job placement rate and state-of-the-art Ruehlow Nursing Complex, MSOE integrates technology and compassion. Clinical relationships with Milwaukee's health systems give students robust hands-on experience.
| |||||
| #3 | Carroll University | Waukesha, WI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | Bilingual Spanish-English nursing students | |
Carroll University in Waukesha provides a CCNE-accredited BSN with a 100% NCLEX pass rate and an associate degree pathway that emphasizes bilingual Spanish-English care. The direct entry MSN, a hybrid program, partners with ProHealth Care. Simulation labs endorsed by INACSL and clinical rotations at Mayo Clinic and VA hospitals set it apart.
| |||||
| #4 | Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, WI | |||
Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) offers an ACEN-accredited associate degree in nursing with a high-tech simulation lab. Students can earn PN licensure after the fourth term and continue to the ADN, with an accelerated LPN track available. Eight-week course terms and transfer agreements to four-year BSN programs add flexibility.
| |||||
| #5 | Concordia University-Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | $13,000/yr | ||
Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon delivers a Christ-centered BSN with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and no admission waitlist. Its direct entry MSN, a hybrid 22-month program, requires a CNA certification and offers scholarships for adult learners. Clinical rotations occur at CUW and CUAA campuses.
| |||||
| #6 | Wisconsin Lutheran College | Milwaukee, WI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Wisconsin Lutheran College's CCNE-accredited BSN emphasizes Christian servant leadership with a 93% NCLEX pass rate. Direct freshman admission, a 120-hour preceptorship, and clinical placements at Froedtert Hospital and Children's Wisconsin provide a strong Milwaukee-area foundation. An international immersion experience broadens clinical perspectives.
| |||||
| #7 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | $13,000 – $26,000/yr | ||
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee houses the state's largest nursing school, offering a traditional BSN with 160+ clinical partners and over $500,000 in annual scholarships. The direct entry master's, a hybrid two-year program, enrolls non-nursing bachelor's holders. Multiple campuses increase accessibility across the region.
| |||||
| #8 | Alverno College | Milwaukee, WI | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Alverno College in Milwaukee provides a CCNE-accredited BSN with a distinctive abilities-based curriculum and a 100% NCLEX pass rate. Clinical instructors are all practicing RNs, and partnerships with all major Milwaukee health systems eliminate waitlists. An 18-month direct entry MSN option is available for career changers.
| |||||
| #9 | Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee, WI | |||
Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) offers an ACEN-accredited ADN program with 120 seats per year and a ladder option from its Practical Nursing diploma. A waiting list with a six-month average wait is in place, but concurrent BSN coursework can be taken. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and a range of clinical roles.
| |||||
| #10 | Mount Mary University | Milwaukee, WI | $16,000/yr | ||
Mount Mary University in Milwaukee provides a CCNE-accredited BSN with direct admission and no entrance exam. Guaranteed clinical placements at facilities like Children's Wisconsin and small class sizes ensure personalized mentorship. The Health Sciences Simulation Center offers immersive training, and CPR certification is built into the curriculum.
| |||||
BSN programs in Milwaukee come in three main formats: traditional four-year degrees, accelerated options for career changers, and RN-to-BSN completion programs for working nurses. The table below outlines the typical structure and requirements for each pathway. For current details, always confirm with the school you're considering.
The cost of earning a nursing degree in Milwaukee varies widely depending on whether you choose a public or private institution. While the table below provides a snapshot of in-state and out-of-state tuition and net price for associate degree programs at Wisconsin technical colleges, four-year BSN programs at public universities like UW-Milwaukee and private schools such as Marquette, Mount Mary, and Alverno typically carry higher sticker prices, though institutional aid can narrow the gap. Net price figures represent the average amount students pay after financial aid; your individual cost will depend on your financial circumstances and eligibility for scholarships and grants.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolet Area Technical College | $4,793 | $7,066 | $8,255 |
| Northwood Technical College | $4,926 | $7,169 | $8,989 |
| Moraine Park Technical College | $4,819 | $7,084 | $9,268 |
| Blackhawk Technical College | $4,267 | $6,061 | $9,330 |
| Lakeshore Technical College | $4,844 | $7,087 | $9,653 |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | $4,960 | $7,233 | $9,918 |
| Northcentral Technical College | $4,889 | $7,132 | $10,303 |
| Mid-State Technical College | $5,002 | $7,171 | $10,873 |
| Waukesha County Technical College | $4,803 | $7,046 | $11,101 |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | $4,844 | $7,087 | $12,285 |
NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates provide the clearest window into a BSN program's educational quality. These rates measure the percentage of graduates who pass the national licensure exam on their first attempt, a standard that the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) re-sets periodically. In 2025, the first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated candidates was 86.7%, based on NCLEX pass rates from Kaplan. For Milwaukee students, comparing a program's rate against that national benchmark offers immediate insight into how well the curriculum aligns with real-world nursing competencies.
A program with consistently high pass rates demonstrates that its faculty, clinical placements, and exam preparation strategies work. Conversely, a program with rates that dip below the 85% threshold, especially over multiple years, may signal gaps in content coverage or student support. State boards of nursing monitor these metrics closely; a school that falls too far below the benchmark risks losing accreditation or program approval.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) compiles annual NCLEX pass-rate reports for all nursing schools in Wisconsin.1 These PDFs detail the number of graduates tested, the number who passed, and the first-time pass rate for each institution. However, the reporting cycle includes a processing lag: the 2024 rates have not yet been released as of this writing. The most recent full-year statistics available through DSPS are from 2023.
Because the NCLEX undergoes periodic difficulty adjustments, most notably the 2023 update to the Next Generation NCLEX, year-over-year comparisons require nuance. It is wise to examine two to three years of pass-rate data for any program you are considering. A single off-year could reflect a cohort-specific dip rather than a systemic problem, but a multi-year decline warrants caution.
For the 2023 testing cycle, several Milwaukee-area BSN programs reported pass rates that placed them comfortably above the national average. All five commonly cited programs, UW-Milwaukee, Marquette University, Alverno College, Mount Mary University, and Concordia University Wisconsin, have historically posted rates ranging from the mid-80s to the high 90s. Exact figures are accessible through the DSPS website, and the table below indicates data availability.
| Program | 2023 Pass Rate | 2024 Pass Rate | Long-term Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| UW-Milwaukee | Available from DSPS | Pending | Historically above national average |
| Marquette University | Available from DSPS | Pending | Historically strong |
| Alverno College | Available from DSPS | Pending | Check DSPS for details |
| Mount Mary University | Available from DSPS | Pending | Check DSPS for details |
| Concordia University Wisconsin | Available from DSPS | Pending | Check DSPS for details |
Prospective students should verify the latest pass rates directly on the Wisconsin DSPS website before making enrollment decisions. Even among historically high-performing schools, the licensing exam evolves, and a program's most recent outcomes matter most.
Nursing education in Milwaukee continues to adapt, with programs expanding flexible pathways and strengthening ties to the region’s major healthcare employers.
Accreditation is non-negotiable. All reputable BSN programs in Milwaukee hold national accreditation, typically from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). UW-Milwaukee, Marquette University, and Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) are CCNE-accredited, ensuring that graduates meet high standards for licensure and employment. While ACEN accreditation is more common for associate-degree programs, CCNE is the benchmark for BSN-level preparation.
Prerequisite requirements vary. UW-Milwaukee requires a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and a 2.75 in science courses, with no individual prerequisite grade below a C. Applicants must complete specific courses in biology, anatomy & physiology, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, sociology, and English composition before admission. More competitive programs like Marquette and MSOE may expect higher GPAs; MSOE’s 58.9% admissions rate signals a selective process, while Marquette’s 81.3% rate reflects its direct-entry model with strong support systems.
Timelines matter. UW-Milwaukee has fixed deadlines: January 2 for fall entry and July 24 for spring entry. Missing these means a year’s delay. MSOE and Marquette typically use rolling admissions but fill quickly, early application is wise. Selective programs like Marquette (83.2% graduation rate) and MSOE report strong outcomes; their high retention rates suggest that admitted students are well-prepared and well-supported.
UW-Milwaukee’s BSN program is a solid choice, particularly for Wisconsin residents seeking an affordable public option. It is CCNE-accredited and offered through a consortium with UW-Parkside, which expands resources and clinical placement options. While program-level earnings data for UWM’s nursing graduates is not yet published, the university’s overall reputation and location in Wisconsin’s largest healthcare hub give grads direct access to RN job pipelines. Admissions are moderately selective, meeting the minimum GPA and prerequisite requirements does not guarantee entry, but the clear criteria help applicants self-assess.
Where you train often influences where you work. Major Milwaukee health systems, Froedtert, Aurora Health Care, Ascension Wisconsin, and Children’s Wisconsin, partner with area nursing schools for clinical rotations. These relationships matter: hands-on experience at a recognized hospital builds skills and frequently leads to job offers after graduation. UW-Milwaukee, Marquette, and MSOE all emphasize extensive clinical hours, and their Milwaukee locations ensure that students can rotate through multiple high-acuity settings. When comparing programs, ask about the variety and timing of clinical placements, they are the launchpad for your nursing career.
Registered nurses in the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metro area earn a competitive median annual salary of $85,181, roughly $4,000 above the national median of $81,220. The BLS projects 5% job growth for RNs nationally between 2024 and 2034, and with over 22,000 RN jobs already in the metro, Milwaukee offers a strong market for new BSN graduates. Program-specific earnings data for nursing graduates is not yet available, but these occupation-wide figures provide a reliable benchmark.
Still have questions about nursing programs in Milwaukee? Below, we answer the most common inquiries from prospective students, drawing on the data and insights explored throughout this guide.
Milwaukee’s nursing programs combine access to major health systems with a range of public and private degree options. From research-embedded BSN pathways at Marquette and MSOE to affordable ADN-to-BSN bridge programs at area technical colleges, students can find a route that fits their timeline and budget.
Use the rankings, NCLEX pass rates, tuition comparisons, and earnings data above to build a shortlist aligned with your career goals, whether you’re pursuing an accelerated BSN, a traditional four-year degree, or an RN-to-BSN. The right program is the one that matches your situation and where Milwaukee healthcare employers are already looking for talent.
