Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2025

In the 2021-22 school year, over 35,000 students earned their bachelor's degrees in Wisconsin, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Bachelor's degrees can go a long way toward helping you achieve your career goals.

However, not all students can make it on campus to learn. Accredited online degrees can be a great way for those students to complete their higher education. The best online colleges provide high-quality courses in a flexible format that allows students to continue with their other responsibilities.

Since a lot of Wisconsin's colleges and universities offer online college programs, we've curated a list of the best online colleges in Wisconsin.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Wisconsin

Many top colleges in Wisconsin offer online degree programs. We've highlighted some of the best below.

1. Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran school in Mequon, WI. It offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like business administration, education, healthcare, and humanities.

The school is part of the national Concordia University system and is dedicated to helping online students obtain their degrees at a pace that works best for them. Tuition for online bachelor's degrees is $490 per credit and 100% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $34,250

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $12,960

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Wisconsin�Whitewater

At the University of Wisconsin�Whitewater, students can earn bachelor's and master's degrees online. Areas of study include business, communication, liberal studies, and political science.

UWW is a member of the University of Wisconsin system and its online programs are highly ranked. Many of the online programs don't charge an additional fee to out-of-state students, and 80% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,250

Out-of-State: $17,916

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,858

Out-of-State: $19,441

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Retention Rate: 78%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Wisconsin�Stevens Point

The University of Wisconsin�Stevens Point offers online programs from the associate degree through the doctoral levels in fields like business administration, healthcare, information science, and social science.

UWSP helps students reach their career goals by providing support and services to online learners. About 93% of students receive financial aid, and those from Minnesota and a few other midwest states pay a lower out-of-state tuition rate.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,834

Out-of-State: $17,854

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,389

Out-of-State: $18,414

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Retention Rate: 75%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

4. University of Wisconsin�Stout

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through the University of Wisconsin�Stout. Areas of study include cybersecurity, education, information science, and psychology.

The polytechnic university provides the support, resources, and staff to help students reach their professional and personal goals. Like at UWSP, Minnesota and other midwest students pay a lower out-of-state tuition rate at UW�Stout, and 77% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,142

Out-of-State: $18,706

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,668

Out-of-State: $16,730

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Retention Rate: 74%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Wisconsin�Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin�Milwaukee is the second-largest campus in the University of Wisconsin system. It offers over 50 online degrees from the associate through doctoral levels in fields like biomedical science, computer science, nursing, and sociology.

These online courses and programs help students achieve their goals and accelerate their careers. Many of the online degrees have no additional out-of-state tuition rate, and 89% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $10,020

Out-of-State: $22,020

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,701

Out-of-State: $24,132

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: HLC

6. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Students at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, liberal studies, and nursing.

The school's hope is that the flexibility offered by online learning empowers students to complete their education at the right time for them. Around 76% of students receive financial aid, and as with some of the other UW schools, Minnesota and Midwest students pay lower non-resident tuition rates.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,212

Out-of-State: $16,125

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,270

Out-of-State: $18,154

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 72%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

7. University of Wisconsin�Superior

The University of Wisconsin�Superior offers online associate through master's degrees in fields like behavioral science, computer science, education, and public health. The public liberal arts college is located on the shore of Lake Superior and has over 30 years of experience working with nontraditional learners.

It charges the same tuition rate, $330 per credit hour, for all undergraduate online students, regardless of their state of residence. Roughly 81% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,487

Out-of-State: $16,400

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $7,640

Out-of-State: $16,771

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Wisconsin�Green Bay

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through the University of Wisconsin�Green Bay. Areas of study include business administration, healthcare, organizational leadership, and psychology.

All online students, regardless of state of residence, pay the same tuition rate at UWGB. Multiple financial aid options are available, and 80% of students at the school receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,342

Out-of-State: $16,929

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $8,356

Out-of-State: $18,341

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Retention Rate: 70%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: HLC

9. Lakeland University

Lakeland University is a Christian school in Plymouth, WI. It offers online bachelor's and master's programs in fields like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare administration.

Lakeland was among the first universities in the U.S. to offer fully online programs and has been offering online courses for over 20 years. Online bachelor's programs cost $550 per credit hour, and 100% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $32,286

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $12,564

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit

Accreditation: HLC

10. Herzing University

Through Herzing University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, healthcare administration, and information science.

The private school, headquartered in Milwaukee, has a long history of providing online learning experiences that are just as career-focused and personalized as campus-based courses. A variety of financial aid options are available to distance learning students, and 97% of students at Herzing receive student aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $13,420

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,100

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Retention Rate: 55%

Institution Type: Private

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Schools

Although there are several schools in Wisconsin that offer online college programs, there are also many, many more options across the U.S. Below, we've featured a few other popular online schools.

Columbia College

Columbia College offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online in fields like business administration, criminal justice, education, and humanities. The private school is based in Columbia, MO, and is accredited by the HLC.

The college strives to make all students welcome, providing individualized attention and ongoing support to its students. Most bachelor's programs cost $375 per credit hour.

National University

A variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through National University. Areas of study include business administration, computer science, engineering, and liberal arts.

The university, which is geared toward nontraditional learners, is headquartered in San Diego and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Tuition varies based on program type, but most online bachelor's degrees cost $370 per credit hour.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school in Manchester, NH. It offers hundreds of associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online in fields like art, English, healthcare, and information science.

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and has been a pioneer in online learning. Bachelor's degrees have a tuition rate of $330 per credit hour, and the school allows undergraduate students to transfer in up to 90 college credits.

How We Rank Schools

We used both the NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to look for schools that fit the following parameters:

• Location: In our initial list, all schools are based in Wisconsin.
• Accreditation: All schools on both lists hold regional accreditation.
• Type: We only selected four-year public and private nonprofit schools.
• Online education: We focused on schools that offered a variety of high-quality online programs and support services for online students.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Wisconsin

Like with most things, there are benefits and downsides to choosing to earn your degree online. We've highlighted some common pros and cons below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexible scheduling: Most online courses allow you to complete your coursework on your own schedule, so long as it's done by the due date. This means you can continue working or caring for family while in school.
• Work from anywhere: No commute means that you can easily learn from home or while you travel the country.
• Expand your opportunities: By choosing an online college, you aren't bound by the opportunities that your local college offers. You can choose a school from across the state or country that offers the exact major you want.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Requires self-discipline: Because you control your schedule with an online course, you need to commit to get the work done.
• Harder to make connections: Some students find it more difficult to connect with their professors or other students when they don't meet face-to-face.
• Technology-based: While technology has opened many doors for distance learning, it isn't infallible. If your internet goes out or something happens to your computer, you'll have a much more difficult time completing your coursework.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Wisconsin

With so many options, it can be hard to choose the right college. Whatever school you choose needs to be accredited, preferably regionally accredited.

Additionally, you'll want to look for schools that offer your preferred major at the right level. Other things to look for include:

• Admissions requirements: Some schools only require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent, while others base their admissions on things like GPA and test scores.
• Pacing: Some schools offer both full-time and part-time options, while others offer an accelerated pace.
• Reputation: Look at reviews from current and former students as well as rankings lists like those from Learn.org and the annual lists put out by the U.S. News & World Report.
• Cost: Costs can vary significantly between schools. Public schools often have lower tuition rates but not always.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid programs to help both in-person and online students pay for their degrees.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Wisconsin Cost?

Online education in Wisconsin typically ranges from $300 to $500 per credit hour. However, the total cost of your online learning will depend on several factors, including your financial aid.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Wisconsin More Affordable

When looking to increase affordability, it helps to choose a low-cost college. There are many affordable online colleges in Wisconsin.

Additionally, all college students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This allows you to qualify for federal and state aid as well as many institutional programs.

Below, we've listed some resources to help you find an affordable college:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Wisconsin Scholarships & Grants

Several scholarships and grants are available to Wisconsin residents. We've featured some top programs below.

Wisconsin Tuition Promise

The Wisconsin Tuition Promise is an initiative created by the Universities of Wisconsin to ensure underserved Wisconsin students can attend any UW university without paying tuition or fees. Requirements vary by institution. There is no separate application for this program; students just need to submit their FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to full tuition for four years

Deadline: N/A

Wisconsin Grant

The Wisconsin Grant Program provides grant assistance to undergraduate Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time in degree or certificate programs in Wisconsin. This program is based on financial need and students only need to complete the FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to $3,150 per year

Deadline: N/A

Academic Excellence Scholarships

Academic Excellence Scholarships (AES) are awarded to Wisconsin high school seniors who have the highest grade point average in each public and private high school throughout Wisconsin. Students are nominated by their high school and must be attending a Wisconsin college.

Award Amount: Up to $2,250

Deadline: N/A

Top Majors for Wisconsin Graduates

According to the NCES, the most popular fields of study in Wisconsin are:

• Business: With a degree in business, you may be able to pursue careers in areas like accounting, human resources, marketing, and management.
• Healthcare: Bachelor's degrees in healthcare usually include majors like health sciences, healthcare administration, and nursing. To work as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist, you'll need to attend graduate school.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Natural science includes both the biological sciences and the physical sciences. Degrees in natural sciences and mathematics can lead to careers in fieldwork, research, and academia.
• Humanities: The humanities, such as English and literature, foreign languages, and cultural studies, can also often lead to work in research and academia as well as work in roles like artist, journalist, translator, and consultant.
• Engineering: Most colleges offer degrees in specific fields of engineering like civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering, so students can pursue careers in those fields.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Wisconsin

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about accredited online colleges in Wisconsin.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Wisconsin?

Most bachelor's degrees take four years to complete. However, there are accelerated online degrees in Wisconsin that allow you to finish more quickly. Additionally, if you have previous college experience, you may be able to transfer your credits to reduce the amount of work you still need to complete.

Can I Go to Community College in Wisconsin Online?

Many of the technical colleges in Wisconsin offer online programs, such as Fox Valley Technical College, Northwood Technical College, and Blackhawk Technical College.

Are There Online Teaching Degrees in Wisconsin?

Several of the online colleges listed above, including Concordia University and UW-Superior, offer education degrees online. However, while your courses will be online, you will still need to do your student teaching in person.

Are There Healthcare Degrees Online in Wisconsin?

Most of the programs on this list offer online healthcare degrees in fields like healthcare management, healthcare administration, public health, and nursing. RN to BSN programs, for those who already have associate degrees in nursing and their RN license, are especially common.

Does the University of Wisconsin Have Online Degrees?

The University of Wisconsin System has 13 four-year institutions, and many of them offer online degrees. The University of Wisconsin�Madison is the flagship institution, and it offers online bachelor's degrees in business and nursing.

Discover Online Degrees in Wisconsin

Find the right degree path for you by exploring the online colleges in Wisconsin featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their online offerings.