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
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,418
- Out-of-state$15,356
- In-State$7,831
- Out-of-state$17,191
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled6,486
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Whitewater, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,146
- Out-of-state$17,688
- In-State$8,436
- Out-of-state$18,516
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled11,522
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex
- Milwaukee, WI
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$6,750
- Out-of-state$6,750
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate38%
- Students Enrolled612
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$7,014
- Out-of-state$15,281
- In-State$7,444
- Out-of-state$16,090
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled7,234
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$32,770
- Out-of-state$32,770
- In-State$12,042
- Out-of-state$12,042
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled5,063
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$29,520
- Out-of-state$29,520
- In-State$11,509
- Out-of-state$11,509
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled1,340
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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
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.
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.
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