Wisconsin is home to the 13 schools within the University of Wisconsin System, a network of institutions that span 26 campuses across the state. Dozens of private colleges also offer educational programs, many of which match the state’s top industries. Wisconsin’s top economic sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and tourism. Colleges and universities in Wisconsin provide online programs to accommodate current and future workers in these areas.  The rankings below provide a comprehensive look at the best online colleges in Wisconsin.

Top 5 online schools in Wisconsin: Quick facts

The 10 best online colleges in Wisconsin

Our list of the best online colleges was determined using ZDNet’s ranking methodology. The formula we use combines data from government sources, institutions of higher education, and industry professionals.  We also weighed the number and variety of bachelor’s and master’s degrees offered by each school. Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.

  1. Marquette UniversityMilwaukee, Wisconsin About the school: A Jesuit institution founded in 1881, Marquette offers nearly 180 academic programs. Marquette offers 10 online degrees and one online graduate certificate. 

Acceptance rate: 82%Graduation rate: 81%Price for undergraduate degree: $50,000-$66,000Price for graduate degree: $40,000-$100,000 Student body population: 11,320Student-to-teacher ratio: 13:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: OneNumber of online master’s degree programs: 10Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 1160-1340Minimum GPA: 2.5Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous options; some programs require an on-campus residency 

Accreditation: Marquette University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 2. University of Wisconsin La CrosseLa Crosse, Wisconsin About the school: UW-La Crosse became part of the University of Wisconsin System in 1971. UW-La Crosse incorporates its dedication to “mind and body” into more than 130 academic programs.

Acceptance rate: 74%Graduation rate: 73%Price for undergraduate degree: $11,000-$19,000Price for graduate degree: $16,000-$32,000Student body population: 10,337Student-to-teacher ratio: 19:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: TwoNumber of online master’s degree programs: 18Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 1180-1360Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs

Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin La Crosse is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 3. University of Wisconsin OshkoshOshkosh, Wisconsin About the school: Alongside its online campus, UW-Oshkosh provides academic opportunities to students at three campuses in the state. UW-Oshkosh offers online programs in 14 fields of study.

Explore Best online MBA degrees in 2022 Overwhelmed by MBA options? We rounded up the best online MBA programs to help you decide which one is right for your personal and professional goals. Read now Acceptance rate: 90% Graduation rate: 55%Price for undergraduate degree: $11,000-$21,000Price for graduate degree: $4,000-$20,000Student body population: 14,142Student-to-teacher ratio: 21:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 11Number of online master’s degree programs: EightAvg. SAT range for admitted students: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs

Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 4. Concordia University WisconsinMequon, Wisconsin About the school: One of the schools within the Concordia University System, CUW offers academic programs infused with Lutheran values and beliefs. CUW’s provides online programs in six fields of study.

Acceptance rate: 69%Graduation rate: 59%Price for undergraduate degree: $40,000-$49,000Price for graduate degree: $24,000-$60,000Student body population: 5,204Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 28Number of online master’s degree programs: 62Avg. SAT range for admitted students: N/AMinimum GPA: 3.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous, synchronous, and accelerated programs

Accreditation: Concordia University Wisconsin is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 5. Maranatha Baptist UniversityWatertown, Wisconsin About the school: Established in 1968, MBU integrates its Baptist convictions into its educational programs. Online degrees and certificates at MBU include undergraduate and graduate programs offered through the Maranatha Baptist Seminary.

Acceptance rate: 80%Graduation rate: 57%Price for undergraduate degree: $22,000-$31,000Price for graduate degree: $14,000-$40,000Student body population: 1,066Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 12Number of online master’s degree programs: FiveAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 930-1230Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableCourse delivery method: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Maranatha Baptist University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 6. University of Wisconsin StoutMenomonie, Wisconsin About the school: With more than 98% of its graduates finding employment or continuing their education, UW-Stout embraces industry partnerships throughout the state. UW-Stout operates as a polytechnic university and provides eligible students a laptop. 

Explore Online schools that provide a computer If you’re enrolling in school online, you’re going to need a computer. Here are a few online schools that provide a computer for students. Read now Acceptance rate: 91% Graduation rate: 56%Price for undergraduate degree: $13,000-$21,000Price for graduate degree: $14,000-$35,000Student body population: 7,695Student-to-teacher ratio: 19:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 14Number of online master’s degree programs: 15Avg. SAT range for admitted students: N/AMinimum GPA: Varies by programCourse delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs

Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin Stout is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 7. University of Wisconsin PlattevillePlatteville, Wisconsin About the school: Founded in 1866, UW-Platteville takes pride in its science, technology, and engineering education. With three campuses in southern Wisconsin, UW-Platteville offers online programs in 21 fields of study.

Acceptance rate: 88%Graduation rate: 59%Price for undergraduate degree: $12,000-$21,000Price for graduate degree: $14,000-$37,000Student body population: 6,773Student-to-teacher ratio: 20:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 18Number of online master’s degree programs: NineAvg. SAT range for admitted students: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid programs

Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin Platteville is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 8. Marian UniversityFond Du Lac, Wisconsin About the school: A Catholic institution founded in 1936, Marian offers cooperative and practical learning experiences steeped in spiritual tradition. Marian’s online programs include 17 undergraduate and graduate degrees, licenses, and certificates.

Acceptance rate: 76%Graduation rate: 56%Price for undergraduate degree: $33,000-$41,000Price for graduate degree: $22,000-$56,000Student body population: 1,445Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 12Number of online master’s degree programs: 11Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 800-1080Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous, synchronous, accelerated, and hybrid programs 

Accreditation: Marian University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 9. University of Wisconsin SuperiorSuperior, Wisconsin About the school: Home to four research centers and institutes dedicated to studying Lake Superior and transportation in the region, UW-Superior opened its doors in 1893. Online programs at UW-Superior include two certificates in sustainable management. 

Acceptance rate: 76%Graduation rate: 43%Price for undergraduate degree: $14,000-$20,000Price for graduate degree: $14,000-$30,000Student body population: 2,613Student-to-teacher ratio: 16:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: 14Number of online master’s degree programs: 12Avg. SAT range for admitted students: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.75Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs

Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin Superior is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 10. Wisconsin Lutheran CollegeMilwaukee, Wisconsin About the school: Affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, WLC offers academic programs rooted in Lutheran ideals. Alongside its online adult accelerated degree program, WLC partners with fellow institutions of higher learning in the region to offer dual degrees in 14 fields of study.  

Read this Accelerated bachelor’s degrees: The fastest college degrees Would you like to earn an undergraduate degree but can’t spend four years doing it? An accelerated bachelor’s degree may be for you. Read now Acceptance rate: 98% Graduation rate: 61%Price for undergraduate degree: $36,000-$48,000Price for graduate degree: $20,000-$52,000Student body population: 1,147Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1Number of online bachelor degree programs: OneNumber of online master’s degree programs: NoneAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 1010-1170Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableCourse delivery method: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Wisconsin Lutheran College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

In conclusion

Online schools in Wisconsin offer an array of learning opportunities that meet the demands of the state’s employment landscape. If completing an online degree in Wisconsin is in your future, our guide serves as a great place to start.  Enrolling in an online college in Wisconsin is just a few clicks away.