Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Wisconsin 2025
Students in Wisconsin can find affordable online bachelor's degrees through several colleges in their state, allowing them to reach their career goals.
Online degrees can be a great way for busy students to pursue higher education. Most online degrees allow students to work on their own schedule, and some even allow them to work entirely at their own pace. This makes it a great option for students who work full-time or have other obligations.
While the cost of earning a degree can be high, plenty of schools offer affordable bachelor's degrees online. Some do this through low-cost tuition rates, while others offer exceptional financial aid options. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online bachelor's degree programs in Wisconsin.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Wisconsin?
The cost of an online bachelor's degree in Wisconsin varies depending on several factors. One is what type of school you attend; the cheapest online bachelor's degrees tend to come from public schools.
At some schools, the type of program you're studying can also affect your tuition rates. Additionally, tuition can depend on what state you live in. Many of the public schools in Wisconsin offer a lower rate to in-state students, but out-of-state students from Minnesota and other Midwest states can often receive a discount on the out-of-state rate.
Finally, financial aid plays a large role in tuition costs. Wisconsin offers the Wisconsin Tuition Promise, which covers tuition costs for undergraduate students with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $55,000 or less. Many individual public schools also offer promise programs.
All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what they qualify for. The programs on this list are all from cheap online colleges that accept financial aid.
Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Wisconsin
Several Wisconsin colleges offer affordable online bachelor's degree programs. We've highlighted some of the most affordable below.
1. University of Wisconsin-Parkside
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is a public university in Somers, WI. It offers several online programs at the bachelor's level in fields like business administration, information technology, psychology, and sociology.
UWP charges in-state students $290.75 per credit and out-of-state students $672.38 per credit, with Minnesota students paying $362.17 per credit and other Midwest students paying $436.13 per credit. UWP also offers the Parkside Promise, which covers tuition costs for eligible in-state residents.
Average in-state tuition: $290.75 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $672.38 per credit
Financial aid: UWP accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid like the Parkside Promise, and accepts private aid.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
2. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
At the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, students can choose from numerous online bachelor's programs. Areas of study include computer science, health information management, psychology, and social work.
This public university is located in Stevens Point, WI. Most online degrees are $307.43 per credit for Wisconsin residents and $683.27 for out-of-state residents, with Minnesota and Midwest students receiving a discount.
Average in-state tuition: $307.43 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $683.27 per credit
Financial aid: UWSP offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
Accreditation: HLC
3. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers multiple bachelor's degrees through online learning in areas like communication, criminal justice, human services, and nursing. UWO is a public institution in Oshkosh, WI.
Tuition varies by program and course level. Several programs charge $233.52 for 100 and 200-level courses and $311.90 for 300 and 400-level courses, regardless of where the student lives. Others are $355.48 for in-state students and $685.22 for out-of-state students.
Average in-state tuition: $294.12 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $459.37 per credit
Financial aid: UWO offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.
Accreditation: HLC
4. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Several online degree programs are available at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Areas of study for bachelor's degrees include early childhood education, human resources, legal studies, and political science.
UWW, located in Whitewater, WI, is a public university. Tuition is program-dependent and ranges from $311.89 to $412 per credit. There is no additional fee for online students from out-of-state.
Average in-state tuition: $355 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $355 per credit
Financial aid: UWW accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional financial aid.
Accreditation: HLC
5. University of Wisconsin-Stout
The University of Wisconsin-Stout is a public institution in Menomonie, WI. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like business information technology, cybersecurity, family and consumer sciences, and special education.
UW-Stout also varies tuition prices based on the program. Tuition starts at $325 per credit and goes up to $409 per credit, with out-of-state students paying the same rate as in-state students for online courses.
Average in-state tuition: $367 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $367 per credit
Financial aid: UW-Stout accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
Accreditation: HLC
6. University of Wisconsin-Superior
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior can find a variety of online education programs at the bachelor's level. Areas of study include behavioral neuroscience, environmental sustainability, journalism, and public health.
This public liberal arts university is located in Superior, WI. It charges all online students $330 per credit for bachelor's degrees, although a couple of programs have slightly higher tuition rates.
Average in-state tuition: $330 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $330 per credit
Financial aid: UWS offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
Accreditation: HLC
7. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a variety of online bachelor's degrees in fields like biomedical sciences, business administration, criminal justice, and information technology. UWM is a public research university in Milwaukee.
Tuition is program-dependent and ranges from $337 to $495 per credit. Some programs have out-of-state tuition, but some do not. The Milwaukee Tuition Promise provides up to four years of tuition for students from families earning less than $62,000 annually.
Average in-state tuition: $416 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $600 per credit
Financial aid: UWM offers institutional aid like the Milwaukee Tuition Promise and also accepts FAFSA and private aid.
Accreditation: HLC
8. University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Several bachelor's degrees are available through distance education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Areas of study include business management, criminal justice, computer science, and human resource management.
UW Platt, located in Platteville, WI, is a public university. It charges $384 per credit for most online bachelor's degrees, with no additional charges for out-of-state students.
Average in-state tuition: $384 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $384 per credit
Financial aid: UW Platt accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
Accreditation: HLC
9. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a public institution in Green Bay, WI. It offers a variety of distance learning programs in areas like business administration, healthcare management, organizational leadership, and public administration.
Tuition for online bachelor's degrees is $387.67 per credit hour. Tuition is the same whether you live in Wisconsin or another state.
Average in-state tuition: $387.67 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $387.67 per credit
Financial aid: UWGB accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
Accreditation: HLC
10. Maranatha Baptist University
Through Maranatha Baptist University, students can earn four bachelor's degrees online. The areas of study are Bible, business, educational studies, and interdisciplinary studies.
Maranatha Baptist University, a private, nonprofit religious school, is based in Watertown, WI. It charges online learners a tuition rate of $430 per credit hour for undergraduate programs.
Average in-state tuition: $430 per credit
Average out-of-state tuition: $430 per credit
Financial aid: MBU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
Accreditation: HLC
How We Rank Schools
To choose the affordable Wisconsin online schools above, we focused on:
- Accreditation: All schools on this list are regionally accredited.
- Affordability: Once we determined which accredited Wisconsin schools offer online bachelor's degrees, we looked at which have the lowest tuition rates.
- Program reputation and quality: In addition to being accredited, all schools are either public or nonprofit to ensure they offer high-quality online programs.
- Online format: Every school offers at least three online bachelor's degrees, and many offer online associate degrees and master's programs as well.
FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Wisconsin
Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about the cheapest online bachelor's degrees in Wisconsin.
What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in Wisconsin?
The cheapest online bachelor's degree in Wisconsin comes from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Tuition here is $290 per credit for in-state students.
However, with financial aid, many of the public schools in Wisconsin are free to eligible students. The exception is the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which does not allow online students to use the promise program. However, UW-Madison and many others are online colleges that accept the Pell Grant, a type of federal financial aid.
What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?
Choosing an affordable online college and applying for financial aid are both excellent ways to lower your tuition costs. Another good way is to find low-cost options for general education credits.
High school students may be able to start taking college-level coursework during their junior and senior years through options like Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These programs allow students to earn college credit for free before they even leave high school.
Many students also start by earning an associate degree through a community college, as community colleges are often cheaper than four-year institutions. Then, you just need to find online colleges that accept transfer credits; many colleges accept credits from accredited institutions.
Is Online College Worth It?
For many students, online college is worth it. Online classes allow students to complete their higher education while still working full-time or caring for family.
If you're concerned that your degree may not be worth the price you pay, look for financial aid options. In addition to federal and state aid through FAFSA, there are many scholarships for online students.
What Other Fees Should I Expect for an Online Bachelor's Degree?
Fees for online degrees can vary significantly between schools. Some schools charge in-person and online students the same tuition and fees. Others may charge online students a digital learning or technology fee, but waive standard on-campus fees.
You can usually find a list of typical program fees on the college or university website. Note that some financial aid programs cover standard fees. You can also look for online colleges with tuition payment plans to help you spread out the costs.
Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees
Start your journey toward reaching your career goals by exploring the affordable online bachelor's degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.