Best Accredited Online Colleges in Wisconsin

With more than 280,000 students enrolled in Wisconsin’s public schools and another 70,000+ pursuing degrees from private institutions, the Badger State is home to many individuals looking to advance their education, despite declining enrollment trends since the Great Recession. The state aims to create more flexible education and transfer options for Wisconsin’s non-traditional students. One answer may be online education, which can offer the flexibility and affordability Wisconsin’s learners need.

Use our ranking of Wisconsin online colleges to find the best accredited college for you. This guide covers the importance of accreditation and includes resources for college-bound Wisconsinites.

Attending an accredited college means you can expect quality academics and faculty. In Wisconsin, the Higher Learning Commission, a private accredited agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), grants accreditation to colleges and universities.

Institutional accreditation evaluates a school’s curricular offerings, faculty members, resources, and outcomes. Attending an accredited school allows you to receive federal financial aid and qualify for credit transfers between schools.

In addition to institutional accreditation, CHEA recognizes programmatic accreditors. Attending an accredited program demonstrates to employers and licensing boards that you have undergone suitable academic training for your chosen career.

There are various programmatic accreditors across industries. For instance, aviation programs receive accreditation from the Aviation Accreditation Board International, and counseling programs can be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Most accredited schools and programs feature their accreditation status on their websites. Ensure that the school or program holds accreditation from an agency recognized by the ED or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The ED and CHEA maintain accreditation databases of recognized agencies and accredited schools.

According to the National Student Clearinghouse, transfer students accounted for 13.2% of undergraduates nationwide as of 2023. You can maximize your time and money by transferring as many college credits as possible. Accredited colleges and universities in Wisconsin may not recognize credits from unaccredited schools.

Each college accepts a different maximum amount of transfer credits. For instance, University of Wisconsin Parkside accepts up to 72 credits, and Concordia University Wisconsin accepts up to 84 credits.

Attending an accredited program is crucial to pursue careers in regulated industries like healthcare, engineering, and education. Particularly for programs that lead to licensure, programmatic accreditation ensures that the curriculum and experiential component meet industry expectations.

For example, nursing programs that get accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Teaching programs may hold National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accreditation.

Without proper research, deciding on a college can be a risky investment. Before choosing a college major, make sure to take into account your career goals, interests, and the following factors:

Institutional and programmatic accreditation are crucial in maintaining academic standards across higher education. By attending an accredited college, you can protect your educational investment and ensure your eligibility for licensure and employability. With CHEA’s directories, you can easily find accredited programs and institutions.

Your instructors play a crucial role in shaping your educational experience. You may want a nursing instructor who has clinical experience in your desired specialty area or a science professor with a robust portfolio of published papers. Study your college’s website and research the instructors to see if their backgrounds align with your academic interests.

Financial aid packages differ at each college, particularly because not every school can receive federal funding. Students can receive state, federal, institutional, and private aid. While independent schools in the 2020-2021 school year distributed $242.5 million in institutional aid to Wisconsin resident undergraduates, University of Wisconsin colleges provided $73.6 million, according to the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

Like colleges, online programs come in many variations. Research each program’s course delivery format to see if it’s fully online or hybrid. Find an online college in Wisconsin that matches your learning style. Remember — certain majors like counseling or teaching require in-person clinical hours, even if you study online.

Colleges support online learners by making tutoring, career, and library resources accessible. Support services vary by school. Research each school’s offerings, which may include student clubs and social events.