Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Discover the best online colleges in Wisconsin and explore the benefits of studying online. We’ll also cover Wisconsin’s average tuition costs and fast-growing job jobs in the state.

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Updated April 2, 2024

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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.

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In this Article

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. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

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.

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.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Platteville, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$6,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,356

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

33%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,831

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,191

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

6,486

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,356

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Platteville, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,418

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,356

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

33%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,831

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,191

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

6,486

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Whitewater, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$8,146

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,688

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

94%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,436

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,516

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

11,522

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,146

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,688

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Whitewater, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,146

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,688

Acceptance Rate

94%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,436

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,516

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

11,522

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex

Milwaukee, WI4 yearOnline

$6,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

38%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

612

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,750

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex

Milwaukee, WI4 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,750

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,750

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

612

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$7,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,281

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,444

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,090

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

7,234

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,281

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,014

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,281

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,444

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,090

Retention Rate

72%

Students Enrolled

7,234

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Enrollees receive support from online tutors and adult student services coordinators. Per credit tuition covers the cost of textbook rental fees for most programs.

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Mequon, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$32,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

68%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,042

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,042

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

5,063

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,770

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Mequon, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,770

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,042

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,042

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

5,063

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Undergraduates can transfer up to 90 credits into a bachelor's program.

Marian University

Fond Du Lac, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$29,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

72%

Acceptance Rate

37%

Online Enrollment

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.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,509

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,509

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

1,340

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,520

Marian University

Fond Du Lac, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,520

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

37%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,509

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,509

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

1,340

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

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).

Cost of College in Wisconsin in 2021-2022
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

Source: NCES

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.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Wisconsin
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

Source: State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

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.