Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin
BestColleges.com is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
- Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
- Provide specific, corrective feedback.
- Identify critical information that writers may have missed.
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for BestColleges.com as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.
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$15,057
- In-State$7,831
- Out-of-state$17,191
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled6,773
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Whitewater, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,519
- Out-of-state$15,391
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$18,153
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled11,446
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex
- Milwaukee, WI
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$6,750
- Out-of-state$6,750
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled630
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Menomonie, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,014
- Out-of-state$15,281
- In-State$7,298
- Out-of-state$15,774
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled7,695
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- Mequon, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,660
- Out-of-state$31,660
- In-State$11,628
- Out-of-state$11,628
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled5,204
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Maranatha Baptist University
- Watertown, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,800
- Out-of-state$16,800
- In-State$7,120
- Out-of-state$7,120
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled1,066
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Marian University
- Fond Du Lac, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,660
- Out-of-state$28,660
- In-State$11,286
- Out-of-state$11,286
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,445
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- 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.
Explore More College Resources
View All
Best Community Colleges in Wisconsin
by Danika Miller
Updated June 28, 2023
Colleges in Chicago: Full List of Schools
by Thomas Broderick
Updated September 18, 2023
Best Online Colleges in Minneapolis
by Danika Miller
Updated June 11, 2024
View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.