Best Online Schools and 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 state contains many individuals intent on advancing their education, despite declining enrollment trends since the Great Recession. A part of the state’s master education plan to enroll more students is 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 are looking for. We’ll cover which colleges are offering the best online education in Wisconsin and answer students’ frequently asked questions about paying for an online degree in Wisconsin below.

Prospective students can select from a variety of online schools and colleges in Wisconsin. Most Wisconsin institutions report declining student enrollment due to potential factors like fewer graduating high school seniors and financial obstacles. However, a college degree helps professionals advance their careers and qualify for higher salaries.

The flexibility of online programs allows students to balance their studies with professional and personal obligations. This guide covers the best online colleges in Wisconsin to help students find the right program for their needs. It also covers financial aid opportunities, the importance of accreditation, and programs and resources for adult learners.

Located about 85 miles from Minneapolis, Eau Claire is a populous city and the sixth largest in the state. Postsecondary institutions in Eau Claire include a large public university as well as technical colleges and a private Christian college. Several area schools, including the University of Wisconsin, offer distance education programs serving online students.

The oldest city in Wisconsin, Green Bay offers a selection of different postsecondary institutions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 86 percent of Green Bay Area residents have pursued academic or technical training after high school, and over 21 percent have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher — but the state of Wisconsin plans to bump those numbers even higher. Green Bay’s robust selection of on-campus and web-based studies mirrors the state’s goal to provide more online education programs as one means of creating a better-qualified workforce.

Madison, the State Capital of Wisconsin, is home to 240,000 residents who work and study in what is affectionately called “Mad City”. This vibrant community plays host to 6,000 acres of parkland, 65 craft breweries, 15,000 acres of lakes, and a bustling medical center with physicians that performed the first-ever human heart transplant. Dotted with commercial and arts centers, connected by bicycle trails, and mill centers, Madison values higher education. According to the U.S. Census, more than 53 percent of Madison residents over the age of 25 have completed at least a bachelor’s degree. The city’s rich artistic culture, resplendent lakefront setting, and growing health and biotech sectors make Mad City a destination of choice for students and workers alike.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Wisconsin offers more than 71 colleges and universities, so choosing the right program may feel overwhelming. To narrow their search, students can research accredited programs in the state through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and College Navigator. Students can also find information on accredited Wisconsin schools through the following resource.

Pursuing a degree typically increases a professional’s career opportunities and earning potential. As the following table illustrates, professionals earn higher salaries, on average, with each level of educational attainment they achieve.

Tuition for online schools and colleges in Wisconsin varies by factors like institution type and residency status. Students at public universities in the state typically save on tuition compared to the national average, but private school students in Wisconsin pay higher-than-average tuition rates. The following tables compare average tuition costs in Wisconsin to national averages.

Students should consider education expenses beyond tuition, such as technology and travel costs. The following list outlines several important cost considerations for online students.

Qualifications for in-state tuition vary by program, but they may include graduating from a Wisconsin high school or living in the state for at least one year prior to enrollment. Students may need to provide proof of residency in the form of bank or credit card statements, utility bills, or government-issued ID.

However, some schools allow all online students to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of where they live, so students should research the requirements at each prospective program.

Online students in Wisconsin can take advantage of many financial aid opportunities to help offset the costs of their education, such as loans, scholarships, and grants. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment. We cover several scholarship and grant opportunities for Wisconsin students below.

Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic rigor. Only students attending an accredited school qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only recognize and accept transfer credit and degrees from accredited institutions. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire candidates with an accredited degree.

Wisconsin offers a variety of resources and programs to help adult learners pursue an education. We cover several of these opportunities in the following sections.

Source:U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Online Education, Affordable Colleges

Current and prospective students in Wisconsin can take advantage of a variety of resources to support their studies. The following resources offer information on topics like financial aid opportunities, accredited programs, and educational standards in Wisconsin.