Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin
Wisconsin experienced one of its strongest years for economic growth in 2024, according to a May 2025 Milwaukee Business News report. The retail trade, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors contributed the most new jobs to the state economy. Many jobs in these and other growing fields require a college degree.
Online schools in Wisconsin offer in- and out-of-state prospective students an excellent and relatively affordable education. Explore the best online colleges in the state and jumpstart your career.
Wisconsin at a Glance
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are 49 nonprofit four-year schools in Wisconsin.
- Per the U.S. Census Bureau, about 35% of adults in the state hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- In fall 2023, nearly 43% of students at Wisconsin institutions were enrolled in online courses, according to NCES.
- Per NCES, in fall 2023, there were nearly 80,000 students aged 25 and older enrolled at Wisconsin colleges.
10 Best Online Schools in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- Stevens Point, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Online programs from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point provide field-specific training to prepare enrollees for careers in their chosen industry. The school offers five online programs and enrolls 3,173 distance learners based throughout the country. The flexibility of online learning allows current professionals to complete assignments around their work schedule.
Online enrollees who take opportunities to connect with peers may leverage their network to access job opportunities after graduation. Degree-seekers can collaborate on original research projects and pursue experiential learning opportunities such as internships. Career services prepare students to obtain a job in their field after graduation.
Degree-seekers can access career services for help choosing the best professional path. By attending job fairs and career workshops, learners can create a plan to reach their professional goals after graduation.
Program costs vary based on the student's field. Applicants can discuss the exact cost of earning a degree with an admissions counselor. Enrollees often pursue institutional funding and scholarships from third-party organizations.
56%
$ 7,112
74%
$16,132
- Acceptance Rate
- 90%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,263
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- La Crosse, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Learners with busy schedules can access flexible academic options through University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's online programs. In addition to programs at its La Crosse campus, the school offers seven academic options in an online format. The institution enrolls 3,129 online degree-seekers.
The school fosters a strong online learning community, featuring collaborative opportunities. Participants learn alongside colleagues and communicate through email, chat, and discussion boards. In addition to completing internships, students can conduct original research to gain professional experience and impress employers after graduation. To assist distance learners, the institution delivers resources including academic advising in a virtual format. Enrollees can attend career workshops and job fairs to explore their professional options.
To reduce the financial burden of higher education, eligible students can apply for financial aid. Many organizations, such as professional associations, offer scholarships to learners in certain fields. To fund their education, 78% of the institution's enrollees receive financial aid.
55%
$ 9,773
87%
$18,813
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 10,459
- Institution Type
- Public
Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Milwaukee, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
With programs in various fields, Wisconsin Lutheran College's online degrees help enrollees gain the education they need to succeed in many professional roles. Of the school's academic programs, 13 are available in an online format. Students who want to work full time while in school often choose online programs, which feature higher levels of flexibility than on-campus options.
Distance learners who take opportunities to connect with peers may leverage their network to access job opportunities after graduation. Experiential learning opportunities include internships and original research projects. Students can access academic advising to ensure they remain on track to graduate. Learners find support and guidance as they near the end of their program and have the option to participate in career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Some classes require additional fees. An admissions counselor can help applicants calculate their exact program cost. In addition to institutional funding, enrollees can apply for private scholarships based on their field and background.
13%
$34,520
73%
$34,520
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,027
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Madison, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
For online students, University of Wisconsin-Madison delivers top-quality distance programs that meet the same educational standards as in-person programs. Based in Madison, the school educates 8,064 remote enrollees through four online programs. Working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities often choose online programs.
Like on-campus students, those pursuing a degree online receive opportunities to develop connections with classmates and instructors. Learners receive opportunities to collaborate on research projects with professors, bolstering their resume and preparing for careers in their field. Enrollees can discuss their professional prospects with departmental academic advisors and the institution's career counselors. Students nearing degree completion can use options including career workshops and mock interviews to improve their qualifications and expand their professional network.
Financial aid counselors help applicants understand their funding options and more easily afford higher education. The federal government supports enrollees with financial need through loans, grants, and work-study programs. The school indicates that 61% of students receive financial aid.
24%
$11,216
96%
$40,612
- Acceptance Rate
- 45%
- Students Enrolled
- 52,097
- Institution Type
- Public
Cardinal Stritch University
- Milwaukee, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Cardinal Stritch University's online offerings deliver exceptional academic quality and increased scheduling flexibility. Based in Milwaukee, the school offers 12 online programs for distance students. Of the institution's enrollees, 532 study in an online format.
Degree-seekers can access support and resources through the online learning community. Participants learn alongside colleagues and communicate through email, chat, and discussion boards. Students can complete research projects to contribute to the field while improving their resume in preparation for their job search. To assist distance learners, the institution delivers resources including academic advising in a virtual format. Professional resources include mock interviews and resume assistance.
The federal government provides funding to support students with financial need. Many organizations, such as professional associations, offer scholarships to learners in certain fields. The institution reports that 100% of all enrollees receive some form of aid.
44%
$34,744
63%
$34,744
- Acceptance Rate
- 93%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,332
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Wisconsin-Superior
- Superior, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of Wisconsin-Superior's offerings include top-quality academic programming, which learners can access in person or online. Busy students with personal or professional responsibilities often pursue one of the public institution's nine online programs. These programs often require no set class times or in-person components, making them ideal for learners with other responsibilities.
Online enrollees can participate in forum discussions and group projects. Academic opportunities often include research projects, internships, and independent studies. Learners can benefit from consulting departmental advisors to ensure they are on track to meet their academic goals.
Along with third-party scholarships, degree-seekers can apply for institutional funding to make earning a degree more affordable. To understand their financial aid options, students can contact the institution's financial aid office. Financial aid helps 76% of the school's enrollees cover their educational costs.
61%
$ 6,826
72%
$14,739
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,823
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
- Platteville, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a leader in online education. With seven online programs, the school provides a variety of academic options for its 1,475 online enrollees. Working professionals and learners with personal responsibilities often choose online programs.
Distance learners can connect with peers and professors through forums and email. Degree candidates can pursue internships and complete research projects to develop field-specific skills and enhance their resume. Enrollees can access institutional resources such as academic and career guidance, which help individuals succeed in their program and profession. Career workshops provide opportunities for students to explore their job prospects before graduation.
Financial aid counselors assist applicants with locating the best funding options to minimize student debt and reduce the financial burden of earning a degree. Enrollees often receive scholarships from third parties such as professional organizations and private donors. Of the school's students, 86% receive financial aid of some type.
32%
$ 6,827
80%
$15,786
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 6,696
- Institution Type
- Public
Marian University
- Fond Du Lac, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Students who plan to attend school online can consider Marian University's remote academic programs. With 25 online programs, the private school also offers on-campus programs in Fond Du Lac. To succeed in their online program, the institution's 422 distance learners can take advantage of virtual resources, such as digital library materials.
In the virtual classroom environment, enrollees can request individual assistance from instructors. After completing general education requirements, learners take advanced classes in their area of interest. Students consult with academic advisors to choose elective classes that align with their academic and professional goals. Enrollees can also collaborate with faculty members on research projects and independently pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities relevant to their studies.
To reduce the financial burden of earning a degree, applicants should explore their funding options and contact the financial aid office. Students can apply for need-based and merit-based awards.
45%
$32,472
62%
$32,472
- Acceptance Rate
- 67%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,319
- Institution Type
- Private
Lakeland University
- Plymouth, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Enrollees at Lakeland University can study on campus or through online academic programs. Learners can earn a degree through the school's 14 online programs without relocating or commuting to campus. Working professionals often choose to study online so they can complete coursework on evenings and weekends.
Online enrollees who take opportunities to connect with peers may leverage their network to access job opportunities after graduation. Many employers accept internships as professional experience, which can make candidates more competitive for positions. Institutional resources, including career services and academic advising, help students succeed in their online program. Learners find support and guidance as they near the end of their program and have the option to participate in career workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs.
Students should expect to pay varying fees and costs based on their program and course selections. Applicants can contact an admissions counselor for details about program costs. Enrollees often pursue institutional funding and scholarships from third-party organizations.
38%
$30,900
67%
$30,900
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,786
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
- Kenosha, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
An excellent choice for online students, University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers high-quality remote academic programs. Delivering five online programs in various fields, the school educates 2,055 online enrollees, in addition to those studying on campus in Kenosha. The flexibility of online programs can benefit learners with personal and professional responsibilities.
Degree candidates can connect with peers and professors through forums and email. Learners can pursue internships and complete research projects to develop field-specific skills and enhance their resume. Institutional resources include academic and career guidance, which help enrollees stay on track to graduate and prepare for the workforce. Mock interviews allow students to practice their interpersonal skills and improve their chance of landing a job after graduation.
Financial aid counselors help applicants understand their funding options and more easily afford higher education. Enrollees often receive scholarships from third parties such as professional organizations and private donors. The school reports that 81% of its students receive some form of financial aid.
70%
$ 6,582
69%
$15,224
- Acceptance Rate
- 98%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,948
- Institution Type
- Public
Who Accredits Online Schools in Wisconsin?
Attending an accredited school means you can expect quality academics and faculty. In Wisconsin, the Higher Learning Commission — a private agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education — is the primary accrediting agency for colleges and universities.
The process of institutional accreditation evaluates a school’s curricular offerings, faculty, resources, and graduation outcomes. Attending an accredited institution enables you to receive federal financial aid and qualify for credit transfers between schools.
How Much Does College Cost in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin residents can save significantly on their education by attending a public undergraduate or graduate school. The figures above also suggest that public online colleges in Wisconsin are a great choice for out-of-state undergraduates who want to avoid the higher-than-average cost of a private school education.
Wisconsin residents who want to further reduce their cost of attendance can explore financial aid through the state’s Higher Education Aids Board:
- Talent Incentive Program Grant: This grant program awards $600-$1,800 to students from low-income backgrounds. The grant renews annually based on learners’ academic performance and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results.
- Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant: Students from minority backgrounds enrolled at least half time may qualify for $250-$2,500 annually. Submit the FAFSA to apply.
- Academic Excellence Scholarship: Wisconsin awards up to $2,250 per year to full-time degree-seekers who graduated near or at the top of their high school class. Recipients can use the scholarship at any college or university in Wisconsin.
Career Opportunities in Wisconsin
$48,930
Median annual wage in WI (May 2024)
+7.1%
Projected job growth in WI (2022-2032)
3.1%
Unemployment rate in WI (August 2025)
Although the median annual salary in Wisconsin aligns with the national median, the high projected job growth and low unemployment rate make the state attractive to recent college graduates. You can increase your chances of getting a well-paying, in-demand job by preparing for a career in one of Wisconsin’s fastest-growing fields or industries:
- Biohealth
- Renewable energy
- Advanced manufacturing
- Water technology
Researching the state’s biggest employers can also help you choose a major. In and around Madison, the state capital, the healthcare, education, and insurance industries employ tens of thousands of people.
Popular Cities for Recent Grads
Milwaukee
- Some of Milwaukee’s biggest employers include Advocate Aurora Health and BMO Harris Bank.
- In recent years, the city has invested in eco-friendly infrastructure projects.
- Companies with headquarters in Milwaukee include Harley-Davidson and Kohler.
Oshkosh
- Residents enjoy a cost of living 7% lower than the state average, per the Economic Research Institute.
- The city’s largest employers include the Oshkosh Corporation, healthcare providers, and local government.
- Oshkosh offers small business grants, special financing, and tax credits.
Madison
- Major employers include education, software, and insurance organizations.
- Business owners can apply for city grants to train employees in the latest skills and best practices.
- The city features a low 2.7% unemployment rate, according to the BLS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wisconsin is home to 13 public universities within the University of Wisconsin system. The state government also funds 16 public community and technical colleges. Members of a federally recognized tribe may explore educational opportunities at two tribal colleges.
Prospective students can also explore 22 private colleges and universities. They include Beloit College, Edgewood University, and Marquette University.


