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Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin

📅 Jan 31, 2025  •  🕒 3 min read

Wisconsin offers a range of affordable online colleges that provide flexible education options for students from diverse backgrounds. These programs are ideal for working adults, transfer students, and those balancing multiple responsibilities.


Top Affordable Online Colleges in Wisconsin

  • Viterbo University (La Crosse, WI)
  • Programs: Undergraduate and graduate degrees in healthcare, STEM, and business.
  • Features: Online tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling.
  • Highlights: Accelerated programs and credit transfer options.

  • Lakeland University (Plymouth, WI)

  • Programs: 54 virtual programs (12 bachelor's, 1 master's).
  • In-State Tuition: $28,576/year.
  • Highlights: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation.

  • Maranatha Baptist University (Watertown, WI)

  • Programs: 4 online bachelor's programs.
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%.
  • Graduation Rate: 55%.

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI)

  • Programs: 492 online programs, blending liberal arts and professional studies.
  • Features: No residency-based tuition difference, online tutoring, and practicums.
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%.

  • University of Wisconsin-Stout (Menomonie, WI)

  • Programs: 2 bachelor's and 10 master's programs online.
  • Features: Flexible learning with in-person requirements met locally.
  • Online Enrollment: 3,907.

  • University of Wisconsin-Superior (Superior, WI)

  • Programs: Bachelor's (120 credits) and master's (2 years).
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%.
  • Tuition Aid: $5,517 average aid.

  • University of Wisconsin-Platteville (Platteville, WI)

  • Programs: Online bachelor's and graduate programs in business, STEM, and healthcare.
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%.

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Milwaukee, WI)

  • Programs: 243 total degrees available online.
  • Features: Same tuition for in-state and out-of-state learners.
  • Average Aid: $6,491.

  • University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (Eau Claire, WI)

  • Programs: 2 bachelor's and several graduate options.
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%.
  • Graduation Rate: 67%.

  • University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (La Crosse, WI)

    • Programs: 7 online programs (2 bachelor's).
    • Tuition: $7,585/year (in-state); $16,404/year (out-of-state).
    • Admission Rate: 73%.
  • University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Stevens Point, WI)

    • Programs: 3 bachelor's and 2 master's programs.
    • Features: Academic support services like tutoring and career counseling.
  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (Whitewater, WI)

    • Programs: Online bachelor's and master's programs.
    • Online Enrollment: 4,715.
  • University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (Green Bay, WI)

    • Programs: 3 bachelor's and 4 master's programs.
    • Focus: Tailored academic advising and affordability.
  • University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (Oshkosh, WI)

    • Programs: 9 online degrees (3 bachelor's).
    • Tuition: $6,422/year (in-state); $13,955/year (out-of-state).
    • Admission Rate: 76%.
  • University of Wisconsin-Parkside (Kenosha, WI)

    • Programs: 2 bachelor's and 3 master's programs.
    • Features: Local placements for clinical requirements.

Why Choose Wisconsin for Online Education

  • Flexible Options: Programs like the UW Flex Option allow students to start any month and study at their pace.
  • Cost Savings: Online students avoid transportation and housing costs.
  • Tuition Reciprocity: Wisconsin residents may qualify for reduced tuition in neighboring states (e.g., Minnesota).
  • Free Courses: Universities like UW-Madison offer MOOCs (free online courses) covering unique subjects.

Scholarships and Grants for Wisconsin Students

  • Wisconsin Grant Program: Up to $3,150 for need-based undergraduates at UW or technical colleges.
  • Roma Lodge Scholarships: $4,000 for children of Roma Lodge members.
  • Zonta Club of Madison Award: $1,500 for female students excelling in public affairs.
  • NATAS-Upper Midwest Scholarships: Up to $2,000 for students pursuing video journalism or media production.
  • Presbyterian Church Scholarships: $3,000 for full-time sophomores, juniors, or seniors maintaining a 2.5 GPA.

Cost of Online Colleges in Wisconsin

| Level | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | |-------------------------|----------------------|--------------------------| | 4-Year Public College | $16,194 | $21,327 | | 2-Year Public College | $4,382 | $7,336 |

Wisconsin's tuition rates are lower than the national average, making it an affordable choice for online learners.

Summing it up

  • Wisconsin's online colleges offer flexibility, affordability, and variety for students.
  • Programs cater to diverse needs, from bachelor's degrees to graduate certifications.
  • Scholarships and reciprocity agreements help reduce costs further.
  • Top-ranked institutions, such as UW-Madison and UW-La Crosse, provide high-quality online education.

By choosing Wisconsin's online schools, students can achieve their academic goals while balancing other commitments.


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