10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in Wisconsin 2025

You may already know that Wisconsin universities offer an array of bachelor's degrees through 100% online delivery. The same convenient format applies to master's degree programs as well.

This offers prospective graduate students the chance to earn an advanced degree faster and cheaper. Check out this article to help you identify the cheapest master's degree online without sacrificing program reputation or educational quality.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin

These are 10 Wisconsin universities committed to offering affordable online master's programs through online education. The list only includes institutions that offer graduate degrees 100% online or in a hybrid format.

1. University of Wisconsin - Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) offers a range of degrees, with Library and Information Studies costing the most ($1,100 per credit hour). Other programs cost much less, typically around $850 per credit hour. This might also be an attractive option for out-of-state students since there is no additional charge for non-Wisconsin residents.

• Average cost per credit hour: $850
• Financial aid: The university offers over a dozen named scholarships for online or on-campus students.
• Accreditation: Higher Learn Commission (HLC)

2. University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

You can find several cheap online master's degrees at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay (UW-Green Bay). These cover various academic fields, such as cybersecurity, public administration, nursing, social work, and supply-chain management. It also has an online doctoral program in educational leadership.

• Average cost: $10,114 per year
• Financial aid: You can lower costs by taking out loans, doing work study, or obtaining veteran's benefits.
• Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

While some programs at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UW-Oshkosh) cost over $1,000, you can find affordable programs for about $750 per credit hour. It offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) along with degrees in clinical nursing, public administration, educational leadership, and more.

• Average cost per credit hour: $750
• Financial aid: They permit students to do work-study internships and apply for private loans.
• Accreditation:HLC

4. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

Most of this university's affordable master's programs involve online delivery or hybrid coursework. This includes biotechnology, criminal justice, healthcare administration, sport administration, and other fields. You can further reduce tuition costs by applying for university scholarships, ranging from about $300 to $1,000 per semester.

• Average cost per credit hour: $715
• Financial aid: It offers several scholarships, including one from the Women in Trucking Foundation.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Wisconsin - Superior

The University of Wisconsin-Superior (UW-Superior) grants several online master's degrees. This covers lucrative career fields like data science, special education, information technology, and four other advanced education programs. The Master of Science (MS) in Counseling helps prepare graduates for licensure in that field.

• Average cost per credit hour: $520
• Financial aid: Students can receive tuition assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA).
• Accreditation:HLC

6. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

This institution offers two high-quality and affordable online master's programs for Wisconsin graduate students. These are MS degrees in the fields of community and organizational leadership and sustainable and resilient food systems. There are ways to further reduce costs through various funding outlets, but students must first complete the FAFSA to qualify.

• Average cost per credit hour: $540 to $875
• Financial aid: Complete the FAFSA to receive federal and state financial aid.
• Accreditation:HLC

7. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UW-Whitewater) grants online graduate degrees in subjects like computer science, applied kinesiology, special education, early childhood education, data analytics, and business education. It also has an MBA program, which ranks high in veteran education.

• Average cost per credit hour: $695
• Financial aid: UW-Whitewater encourages full-time students to pursue graduate assistantships and graduate research grants.
• Accreditation:HLC

8. University of Wisconsin - Stout

This reputable online graduate school keeps tuition at $524 for full-time enrollment. It has nine degree programs altogether, allowing Wisconsin graduate students to study education, healthcare administration, conservation biology, sustainable management, and manufacturing engineering. You can also explore online graduate certifications for Six Sigma black belt training.

• Average cost per credit hour: $524
• Financial aid: Students can pursue scholarships and grants after completing the FAFSA
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Franklin University

Franklin University offers competitive tuition costs and an accelerated MBA degree. MBAs are often more expensive, which means Franklin's one-year program allows students to reduce their expenses substantially by finishing faster. Everything is 100% online ?and you do not need to submit standardized test scores for admission.

• Average cost per credit hour: $670
• Financial aid: The university promises a 'locked-in' tuition rate, and encourages students to apply for institutional, state, and federal aid.
• Accreditation: HCL

10. University of Wisconsin - Parkside

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UW-Parkside) offers nine MBA concentrations in human resources, accounting, marketing, and supply-chain management. It also offers an MS in Sports Management. Although you can complete your degree through part-time enrollment, UW-Parkside suggests finishing your MBA degree in about 12 months of full-time work.

• Average cost per credit hour: $707.80
• Financial aid: You can apply for the FAFSA, seek student employment, or apply for private scholarships.
• Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Here is how we rank these affordable higher education opportunities for online students in Wisconsin. The criteria include program accreditation, affordability, and reputation.

• Accreditation: Graduate programs must have accreditation from a respected review board.
• Affordability: The total cost of tuition should be lower than about $10,000 per year.
• Program reputation: We consider graduate programs with well-known reputations, such as the University of Wisconsin.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin

Check out these frequently asked questions covering topics like financial aid, program costs, online degree viability, and more.

How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost in Wisconsin?

The cost will depend on the degree specialization, whether you go to a private or public school, and other factors. Some universities, like UW-Stevens Point, offer lower tuition rates at less than $500 per credit hour. Others may charge over $1,000 per credit hour for MBA degrees and other technology-focused subjects.

Is There Financial Aid for Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin?

Yes, almost every university on our list offers scholarships, assistantships, and grants. The FAFSA works for graduate school programs, giving you the chance to secure federal support to offset educational costs. Some schools also allow students to pursue Stafford Loans, Pell Grants, and other helpful resources.

Are Online Master's Degrees Cheaper Than In-Person Programs?

It depends on the institution. Some Wisconsin universities charge the same tuition rate for online degrees versus in-person learning. Others may charge a slightly higher or lower rate for online learners.

If you use the aforementioned rankings, it will be easier to identify a cost-competitive option in Wisconsin. These programs are not only more affordable but also grant accredited master's degrees that pay well by leading to successful careers upon graduation.

How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?

Most online master's degrees take two years to complete. However, you can do it faster by enrolling in an accelerated program. Not every field offers this option, but there are many that encourage students to get a head start on graduate work while still finishing their bachelor's degree.

Find an Online Master's Degree

Learn.org furnishes several articles designed to help you find cheaper higher education opportunities. Please use our resources to explore many online master's programs at affordable public universities all over the country.