Best Colleges in Wisconsin for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Wisconsin College Guide – What You Need to Know

Get Matched With Wisconsin Programs

Currently, 25% of Wisconsin residents have earned a college degree. In an effort to increase that number, the University of Wisconsin launched its eCampus program which provides degree programs completely online. An arm of the program is the Flex Option. This facet of the program provides assessment testing for adults to test out of training in skills they have already been proven to master.

Working adults, many with children, need the luxury of a flexible learning environment. The best Wisconsin online programs offer career counseling and an online library. At the top of the list of top-rated online Bachelor’s degree programs are Maranatha Baptist University and the University of Wisconsin (UW).

The most highly rated UW eCampus locations are:

  • Stout
  • Green Bay
  • La Crosse
  • Stevens Point
  • Whitewater

What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Wisconsin?

The most common fields of study chosen in Wisconsin colleges are:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Wisconsin


It’s difficult to measure the value of an education. Although many have found success without a college degree, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) consistently reports that degrees increase lifetime earnings. BLS data shows that a bachelor’s degree can increase average weekly earnings from $907 to $1,173, a 29% average increase.

Furthermore, BLS tracking shows that a Bachelor’s degree drops the average individual’s unemployment rate from 3.6 to 2.7%.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*

Compare Popular Online Wisconsin Programs

Best Associate Degrees in Wisconsin


Are you interested in earning a degree fast so that you can begin applying for entry-level positions as soon as possible? Or maybe you want to get some of your general education requirements out of the way to make a bachelor’s degree program more affordable? Whatever your circumstances, consider enrolling in one of Wisconsin’s two-year associate degree programs. You can quickly gain the knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce and/or pursue more advanced degrees in the future.

Northwood Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
2,818
Graduation Rate
63%
Net Price
$9,803
Grads Salary
$37,100
Moraine Park Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
4,061
Graduation Rate
54%
Net Price
$9,072
Grads Salary
$38,800
Fox Valley Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
11,711
Graduation Rate
55%
Net Price
$10,804
Grads Salary
$41,100
Lakeshore Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
2,420
Graduation Rate
51%
Net Price
$8,495
Grads Salary
$39,300
Western Technical College-La Crosse
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
4,165
Graduation Rate
49%
Net Price
$9,188
Grads Salary
$40,400
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
2,640
Graduation Rate
55%
Net Price
$10,115
Grads Salary
$37,200
Chippewa Valley Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
7,367
Graduation Rate
47%
Net Price
$10,050
Grads Salary
$41,900
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
10,763
Graduation Rate
43%
Net Price
$10,207
Grads Salary
$38,600
Nicolet Area Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
1,258
Graduation Rate
50%
Net Price
$7,414
Grads Salary
$35,700
Waukesha County Technical College
College Type
2-year, Public
Campus Housing
No
Student Population
6,952
Graduation Rate
40%
Net Price
$9,714
Grads Salary
$39,000
Full Ranking Report

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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Wisconsin


The state of Wisconsin offers some excellent options for four-year bachelor’s degrees. Whatever your field of interest, you will be able to find a program that consists of a curriculum that is accredited and approved. Enrolling in one of the state’s bachelor’s programs will also help you gain the professional attention you need to be successful in the future. Whether you intend to apply for employment immediately or you plan to pursue an advanced degree after graduation, earning an undergraduate degree is the perfect way to prepare.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
44,257
Graduation Rate
88%
Net Price
$14,030
Grads Salary
$74,100
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
10,531
Graduation Rate
71%
Net Price
$12,302
Grads Salary
$62,400
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,255
Graduation Rate
65%
Net Price
$14,276
Grads Salary
$66,100
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,989
Graduation Rate
62%
Net Price
$12,522
Grads Salary
$64,000
Cardinal Stritch University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,896
Graduation Rate
53%
Net Price
$17,698
Grads Salary
$73,000
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,271
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$14,706
Grads Salary
$67,600
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,954
Graduation Rate
57%
Net Price
$11,656
Grads Salary
$62,500
University of Wisconsin-Stout
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,413
Graduation Rate
60%
Net Price
$14,951
Grads Salary
$64,900
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
15,314
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$12,278
Grads Salary
$63,200
Beloit College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
978
Graduation Rate
78%
Net Price
$24,419
Grads Salary
$66,300
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Wisconsin


Here, you can find some of the best advanced degrees available in Wisconsin. Students seeking advanced knowledge and training in a wide variety of fields, from business and law to medicine and engineering, will have no problem identifying the perfect master’s or doctoral programs for them in the state. These programs are ideal for individuals most interested in research and education, as graduates often find work as researchers and educators within their chosen fields. Some benefits of earning advanced degrees include making more money, receiving more frequent promotions, and experiencing more job security.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
44,257
Graduation Rate
88%
Net Price
$14,030
Grads Salary
$74,100
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
10,531
Graduation Rate
71%
Net Price
$12,302
Grads Salary
$62,400
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,255
Graduation Rate
65%
Net Price
$14,276
Grads Salary
$66,100
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,989
Graduation Rate
62%
Net Price
$12,522
Grads Salary
$64,000
Cardinal Stritch University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
1,896
Graduation Rate
53%
Net Price
$17,698
Grads Salary
$73,000
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,271
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$14,706
Grads Salary
$67,600
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,954
Graduation Rate
57%
Net Price
$11,656
Grads Salary
$62,500
University of Wisconsin-Stout
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
8,413
Graduation Rate
60%
Net Price
$14,951
Grads Salary
$64,900
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
College Type
4-year, Public
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
15,314
Graduation Rate
56%
Net Price
$12,278
Grads Salary
$63,200
Marquette University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit
Campus Housing
Yes
Student Population
11,819
Graduation Rate
84%
Net Price
$34,732
Grads Salary
$75,200
Full Ranking Report
Read More about MBA's in Wisconsin

Cost of Wisconsin College Education & Salaries


College Cost Analysis - Wisconsin vs National


Average Wisconsin Tuition and Fees at Four-Year Institution

The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents sets tuition prices and fee schedules. Fee recommendations are submitted by individual student bodies for Chancellor review, followed by approval by the Board of Regents. Tuition and fees are due at time of registration or students may be able to enter a credit agreement. UW Online Colleges, as with on-campus students, are considered full-time when registered between 12 and 18 credits. New students are also subject to non-refundable placement test fees as well as other new student fees.

Wisconsin In-state - $8,697

National Average – $9,580

Wisconsin Out-of-state – $25,063

National Average – $27,437

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Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Financial aid programs have made it possible for multitudes of undergraduate students to attend secondary institutions. Grants and loans are available for those proving financial need. The largest grant program is the Pell Grant. Federal loan programs are also available.

Federal grants were received by 46% of Wisconsin’s undergraduate students. That accounts for 80,894 Pell grants. Grants and loans combined accounted for 69% of the federal financial aid awarded in the University of Wisconsin (UW) system.

The State of Wisconsin also provides financial aid for students in the UW education system. Wisconsin state sources accounted for 8% of student aid in 2017. Institutions in the UW System provided 10% while 12% was acquired from private and other community sources.

On a national level, 85% of full-time students seeking a Bachelor’s degree attained financial aid. Public institution students received 83% while private nonprofit and for-profit schools received 89% and 87%, respectively. The number of students receiving financial aid has grown dramatically since 2001 and seems to be rising steadily.

Financial Aid Wisconsin Nationally
Received Federal Grants 37% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,490 $10,927

Best Scholarships for Wisconsin


Money is often a deciding factor for college-bound individuals. Postsecondary tuitions climb annually, increasing the financial pressure. Along with financial aid, national and state scholarships are available. Many public and private institutions in Wisconsin offer a variety of scholarship opportunities. Requirements are based on academic history, the field of study, family background, financial need, and other factors.

The following is a list of some of the best opportunities for college scholarships in Wisconsin.

KFC_logo

HS

The Kohler Foundation Scholarships

http://www.kohlerfoundation.org/scholarships/
Amounts: Up to $100,000 over 4 years
Deadline: March 1
The Kohler Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit, philanthropic organization that focuses on art preservation and supporting the performing arts in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin and beyond. The foundation awards two scholarships annually with a maximum award of $100,000 distributed over four years. The two scholarships are the Herbert V. Kohler Scholarship, awarded to a student based on outstanding leadership abilities and the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship for artistic ability. Eligible students must be county residents but are not required to attend a Wisconsin institution.

WRA_logo

WSA

The WRA Education Foundation Scholarship

https://www.wirestaurant.org/education-foundation/scholarships
Amounts: $1,000 to $2,250 (35 Awards)
Deadline: April 1
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association (WRA) awards the WRA Education Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is geared toward the hospitality industry and is awarded to students enrolled in a Wisconsin culinary or hospitality programs. Applicants must be enrolled, with a minimum of six credit hours, in a program focused on the restaurant and hospitality industries. Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Food Science, and others are acceptable, with a goal of entering the hospitality industry. Each year 35 scholarships are awarded to Wisconsin residents. Applications must include official high school transcripts and a letter of recommendation. It is preferred that the recommendation is written by a hospitality or food service professional or instructor.

GLHF

The Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundations

http://www.glhf.org/what-we-do/scholarships
Amounts: $250-$3,000
Deadline: March 15
The Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation’s (GLHF) mission is to improve the quality of the lives of those diagnosed with bleeding disorders. GLHF offers programs that “educate, support and advocate” for those affected by these disorders, including family members. The Foundation awards scholarships to Wisconsin residents who suffer from bleeding disorders. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts along with three letters of reference, and a 500- to 750-word essay outlining their educational goals and summarizing the challenges they face from their disorder.

RLMS_logo

RLMS

The Roma Lodge Merit Scholarship

https://www.romalodge.com/members/roma-lodge-merit-scholarship
Amounts: $4,000 (1 Award); $500 (3 Awards)
Deadline: March 30
The Roma Lodge is a fraternal organization. Members share an appreciation for their Italian heritage and the contributions of Italian-Americans to the nation. Roma Lodge awards four scholarships to children of Lodge members each year. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors that have been accepted for full-time college enrollment. Applications must include high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores, along with two letters of recommendation from professionals.

WAES

The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship

http://www.heab.state.wi.us/academicexcellence/hard_copy.html
Amounts: $2,250 per year for 4 years
Deadline: September 30
Earning the highest GPA in a Wisconsin private or public school entitles students the Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship. One student is chosen from each high school in the state. Recipients must be accepted and attend a Wisconsin post-secondary institution to qualify; WI Technical College, University of Wisconsin, or other eligible institution within Wisconsin. Students must be enrolled by September 30th of the year awarded.

ISAG

The Indian Student Assistance Grant

http://heab.state.wi.us/docs/finadmin/forms/form-indian.pdf
Amounts: $250 to $1,100
Deadline: Varies
Wisconsin residents with a high school diploma or equivalent who are of 25% or more Native American descent (or are members of a recognized tribe) are eligible for the Indian Student Assistance Grant. The grant, issued by the Higher Educational Aids Board, is available to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in colleges and universities, including tribal colleges, in the state of Wisconsin. Grants are distributed according to financial need and can be renewed for up to 10 semesters.

WMURG

The Wisconsin Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant

http://heab.state.wi.us/programs.html
Amounts: $250 to $2,500
Deadline: FAFSA Deadline
Wisconsin Minority Undergraduate Retention Grants are awarded to minority undergraduate students who are Wisconsin residents. Applicants must be African American, Native American, Hispanic, and Southeast Asian from Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos. Grant amounts are issued according to financial need. Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible Wisconsin postsecondary institution. These Retention Grants can be renewed for up to eight semesters.

WWAFS_logo

WWAFS

The Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship

https://www.lawrence.edu/mfhe/www_core_sub_admiss/Everyone/WBPW%20Guidlines%202012.pdf
Amounts: Up to $1,000
Deadline: Varies
Female students, age 25 and older, who have been accepted to a Wisconsin college or university are eligible for the Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship. Recipients are chosen based on financial need, employment history, volunteer activity, and career goals. The number of recipients and monetary value varies annually, with a maximum of $1,000 awarded.

WWAFS

The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Scholarship

https://www.wisconsincattlemen.com/resources/scholarships
Amounts: $500
Deadline: Varies (Previously Feb. 18)
The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Scholarship (WCA) is awarded to graduating high school seniors accepted and planning to attend an eligible Wisconsin institution. The scholarship is available to Wisconsin residents who have some background in the beef, veal, or dairy industries. Preference is afforded to students planning to major in an agricultural field in a Wisconsin-based school and family members of WCA members. Several scholarships are awarded annually.

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