Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin
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Studying at an online college in Wisconsin opens up a world of opportunities. The state is home to a number of universities renowned for their commitment to high-quality education, prestigious faculty, and vibrant student life.
Online education in Wisconsin provides flexibility and convenience and offers a variety of programs tailored to the state's fast-growing sectors. Initiatives such as the Wisconsin Tuition Promise and the Milwaukee Tuition Promise make higher education more accessible and affordable for state residents.
In this guide, we'll explore the benefits of studying online in Wisconsin, the cost of higher education in the state, and what the job market is like for graduates.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $349-$850
Out-of-State | $349-$850
Credits to Graduate: 66-134 (undergraduate)
With almost 50 years of distance learning expertise, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville knows how to develop rigorous and affordable online degree programs. UW-Platteville's more than 20 online options include associate and bachelor's degrees in business administration, criminal justice, and applied computing.
Additionally, the BS in professional studies degree-completion pathway features a customizable curriculum with individualized focus areas such as sustainability management and chain and operations management. At the graduate level, distance learners can choose from master's degrees like applied biology, strategic management, and engineering.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $395-$1,198
Out-of-State | $395-$1,198
Credits to Graduate: 60-120 (undergraduate)
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater operates two campuses and ranks among the nation's top regional colleges. You can pursue online bachelor's degrees in a variety of majors, including business analytics, early childcare and education, and management.
The bachelor's in liberal studies and bachelor of applied sciences (BAAS) options offer customizable curricula that students can tailor to meet their career goals. The BAAS program operates as a degree-completion pathway, enrolling students who already hold an AAS.
UW-Whitewater's online master's programs include business, education, and applied biotechnology. Online students pay the same flat tuition for many programs, whether they live inside or outside of Wisconsin.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex
Milwaukee, WI - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,250 (per 12-week subscription)
Out-of-State | $2,250 (per 12-week subscription)
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers self-paced online degrees through the UW Flexible Option. This program for degree completers makes education more affordable, with a flat tuition charged for a 12-week subscription period.
You can take as many courses as you like for a flat fee. Plus, your tuition fees will not increase during your studies, making this an affordable online college for many degree-seekers.
Bachelor's programs focus on degree completion in majors such as business administration, nursing (RN-to-BSN), and information science and technology. Admission requires a certain number of transferable credits or an associate degree.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $338-$515
Out-of-State | $516-$1,019
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
Considered Wisconsin's polytechnic university, the University of Wisconsin-Stout emphasizes hands-on learning and career readiness. Stout Online administers STEM and non-STEM degrees for first-year students and nontraditional learners.
You can pursue fully online bachelor's degrees such as digital marketing technology, cybersecurity, automation leadership, and psychology. You can also add stackable undergraduate certificates to a bachelor's. Online master's programs cover fields like healthcare administration, manufacturing engineering, and conservation biology.
Enrollees receive support from online tutors and adult student services coordinators. Per credit tuition covers the cost of textbook rental fees for most programs.
ROI Value Score: High
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475-$909
Out-of-State | $475-$909
Credits to Graduate: 63-138 (undergraduate)
Affiliated with the Lutheran Church, Concordia University-Wisconsin offers programs from its 200-acre campus on the shores of Lake Michigan. You can also complete associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees entirely online.
Online bachelor's options include business management, applied computer science, nursing, and education. Licensed sonographers and radiologic technology professionals can transfer college credits and apply their work experience to Concordia's bachelor's completion programs.
Undergraduates can transfer up to 90 credits into a bachelor's program.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Maranatha Baptist University
Watertown, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $430
Out-of-State | $430
Credits to Graduate: 64-128 (undergraduate)
Maranatha Baptist University's online programs provide a rigorous and affordable education rooted in Christian values. MBU develops online programs with degree completers in mind and has a generous transfer credit policy.
You can begin your education with one of MBU's six associate degrees or pursue a bachelor's degree in Bible, business, educational studies, or interdisciplinary studies. Online graduate options include master's degrees in various business and education fields. You can also earn seminary degrees online in biblical counseling and intercultural studies.
Students pay the same tuition whether they live in Wisconsin or out of state.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
Marian University
Fond Du Lac, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450-$750
Out-of-State | $450-$750
Credits to Graduate: 120 (bachelor's)
Marian University is a Catholic liberal arts college located in Fond Du Lac. Marian's MPath online platform features student-centered accelerated and degree completion bachelor's programs. You can complete accelerated bachelor's degrees like healthcare administration and criminal justice, and the school also offers a BBA with three concentrations.
Accelerated programs feature seven-week courses and six start dates each year. The degree completion programs enroll students with professional licensure or certification in radiologic technology and dental hygiene.
Graduate students can choose from 12 master's options covering topics like organizational leadership, nursing, and industrial-organizational psychology. Marian accepts up to 96 transfer credits, depending on the bachelor's program.
ROI Value Score: Medium
We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.
We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Cost of College in Wisconsin
The cost of attending college in Wisconsin will vary depending on the college you attend, but tuition rates in Wisconsin tend to be lower than the national average.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students at public four-year institutions in Wisconsin was $8,905 for the 2021-22 academic year. For out-of-state students, the average tuition cost was $27,024.
Private colleges in Wisconsin cost an average of $36,680 in tuition and fees.
While these figures provide a general idea of the cost of higher education in Wisconsin, financial aid options are available to help offset the cost. Students can apply for federal, state, and institutional aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $8,905 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $27,024 |
| Private Four-Year | $36,680 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $4,585 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $6,627 |
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, several sectors are experiencing significant growth, with an increasing demand for skilled professionals in the health, logistics, and even entertainment industries.
Healthcare positions, like nurse practitioners and epidemiologists, are projected to experience Wisconsin's most significant job growth. Other fast-growing jobs include logisticians, statisticians, data scientists, and actuaries.
Online education in Wisconsin supports these fast-growing sectors by offering relevant degree programs and credentials. By pursuing an online degree in a high-growth field, you can position yourself well for a successful career in Wisconsin.
Here are ten fast-growing jobs in the state, their projected job growth between 2020 and 2030, and their education requirements.
| Job | Job Growth 2020-2030 | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 37% | Master's degree |
| Epidemiologists | 33% | Master's degree |
| Logisticians | 33% | Bachelor's degree |
| Statisticians | 32% | Master's degree |
| Data Scientists and Mathematical Science | 26% | Bachelor's degree |
| Medical Scientists | 26% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 24% | Bachelor's degree |
| Music Directors and Composers | 23% | Bachelor's degree |
| Actuaries | 22% | Bachelor's degree |
| Operations Research Analysts | 22% | Bachelor's degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Wisconsin
Can you go to college for free in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has a few tuition-free programs, such as the Wisconsin Tuition Promise and the Milwaukee Tuition Promise.
The Wisconsin Tuition Promise offers free tuition for students whose household adjusted gross income is $62,000 or less. Students enrolled at any of the University of Wisconsin campuses, including online and on-site programs, are eligible.
The Milwaukee Tuition Promise is set to cover up to four years of tuition and additional fees for students whose families have an annual income of less than $62,000. It is available to first-time degree-seeking students attending the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, who are Wisconsin residents.
What is the #1 college in Wisconsin?
The University of Wisconsin, Madison, is widely considered the best college in Wisconsin.
UW has a strong legacy of public service known as the "Wisconsin Idea" that promotes the influence and improvement of people's lives beyond the classroom. It also boasts highly ranked graduate schools, a rich campus life with over 900 organizations, and active participation in NCAA Division I sports.
What is the cheapest online college in Wisconsin?
The most affordable online college in Wisconsin, according to NCES, is the University of Wisconsin system. Tuition rates for the 2023-2024 school year ranged from $7,800 to $10,000 across its various campuses.
Through its consolidation of multiple state-sponsored schools, the University of Wisconsin system offers a range of online degrees recognized for their quality and affordability.
How many online colleges are in Wisconsin?
There are nearly 35 universities with online programs in Wisconsin. The Universities of Wisconsin system's online college, known as Wisconsin Online, allows students to choose programs from 13 of its institutions in the state.
What is the easiest online college to get into in Wisconsin?
The easiest online college in Wisconsin to get into, according to NCES, is the University of Wisconsin, Superior, with an admission rate of 96%.
In addition to considering acceptance rates, prospective students should think about factors like accreditation status, program offerings, tuition costs, graduation rates, available financial aid, and student services like academic and career counseling when deciding on a school.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 27, 2024.
