When searching for the right online degree programs, students might find that they are overwhelmed by choice. To help narrow the search down, we’ve ranked our top online schools from Wisconsin. These schools have been selected due to their status as non-profit institutions with large selections of online programs that are made available affordably to students.
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Ranking the Top Online Colleges in Wisconsin
#1. University of Wisconsin-Madison
A public research university, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is the flagship of the University of Wisconsin System. Established with the motto “The divine within the universe, however, manifested, is my light”, the University of Wisconsin-Madison was founded in 1848, the same year that Wisconsin achieved its statehood. Ten years prior to its establishment, member of the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature called for the incorporation of the University of the Territory of Wisconsin. These plans were mostly symbolic and did not have any real action behind them until Wisconsin became a state. It was at this point that construction on the school began and the first classes were held in the fall of 1849. In 1904, the University of Wisconsin-Madison began what is now known as the Wisconsin Idea. Created by President Charles Van Hise, the Wisconsin Idea is such that the University of Wisconsin-Madison will provide utility to all people within the state of Wisconsin. The school began to expand during the 20th century adding on a variety of different campuses across the entire state. In 1971, the Wisconsin State University System and the University of Wisconsin System were formalized. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is home to a student body of 44,000 students.
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers students the ability to select from a wide collection of academic programs. Currently, the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers students over 200 different undergraduate degrees as well as over 250 different graduate degree programs. A large selection of these programs is also made available to students entirely online, earning the University of Wisconsin-Madison a place among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $285/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Madison‘s online programs.
#2. University of Wisconsin-Superior
Located in Superior, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Superior is a public university that is part of the University of Wisconsin System. Founded in 1893, the University of Wisconsin-Superior was originally known as the Superior Normal School. The school was founded in order to create a facility that specialized in the training of teachers who would go on to work in the public education system within the state of Wisconsin. In 1909, the Superior Normal School paved the way in teaching education by creating a program that specifically taught teachers how to work with students in kindergarten. After being authorized to grant students Bachelor’s degrees in 1923, the Superior Normal School was renamed to the Superior State Teachers College in 1926. In 1947, Superior State Teachers College was renamed to Wisconsin State College-Superior. This name change was to better reflect the scope of the educational opportunities being made available at the school. In 1964, the school was renamed to Wisconsin State University-Superior and was soon added into the University of Wisconsin System in 1971 resulting in one final name change. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Superior is now home to a student body of over 2,600 students.
Home of the Yellowjackets, the University of Wisconsin-Superior currently offers students the option to enroll in a wide selection of academic programs. At this time, students at the University of Wisconsin-Superior are able to choose from over sixty different undergraduate programs as well as many graduate programs. A selection of these programs is also made available to students entirely online earning the University of Wisconsin-Superior a place among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Superior is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $305/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Superior‘s online programs.
#3. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
The third-largest university in all of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is a public university. A member of the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh was first established in 1871. Originally founded as the Oshkosh State Normal School, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh was first created in order to provide teacher-training to those interested in working in the schools located in the state. In 1927, the Oshkosh State Normal School was renamed to the Oshkosh State Teachers College. This name change reflected the addition of degree programs into the school’s curriculum. In 1951, the school was renamed to Wisconsin State College-Oshkosh when the school was added into the Wisconsin State College System. At this time, the curriculum at the school had been expanded to include more academic programs. In 1964, the school was renamed again to Wisconsin State University-Oshkosh. The name changes stopped in 1971 when the school was renamed to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh after being admitted into the University of Wisconsin System. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has a student body of almost 14,000 students.
Home of the Titans, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh now offers a large catalog of degree programs for students to enroll in. Currently, students at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh can choose from over 200 different undergraduate degrees as well as a large selection of graduate programs. A large portion of these programs is also made available to students entirely online helping the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $360/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh‘s online programs.
#4. University of Wisconsin-Platteville
With the motto “Every Day is a Great Day to be a Pioneer!”, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a public university that is part of the University of Wisconsin System. Located in Platteville, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville was first established in 1866. Formed out of the merger of two different schools in 1959, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville was created when the Wisconsin State College, Platteville and the Wisconsin Institute of Technology were merged together. Dating back to 1866, Wisconsin State College, Platteville, was originally established as the Platteville Normal School. Serving as a teacher-training facility, the Platteville Normal School grew to become the Platteville State Teachers College in 1926 and then the Wisconsin State College, Platteville in 1951. In 1907, the Wisconsin Institute of Technology was established as the Wisconsin Mining Trade School. It operated under this name until 1939, at which point it was renamed to the Wisconsin Institute of Technology. Officially founded in the 1960s, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville quickly expanded its academic offerings and has grown to become one of the premier members of the University of Wisconsin System. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville enrolls around 8,700 students.
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville are able to choose from a large quantity of different academic programs made available at the school. At this time, students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville can choose from dozens of undergraduate and graduate degrees offered at the school. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online earning the University of Wisconsin-Platteville a place among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Platteville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $370/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Platteville‘s online programs.
#5. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Founded in 1868, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a public university and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. Located in Whitewater, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s history dates back to its origins as the Whitewater Normal School. Originally established in order to provide teacher-training to those interested in working within the public education system of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater operated as a teacher-training facility until 1927 when the school was authorized to grant Bachelor’s degrees. Only offering Bachelor’s degrees in education, the school was renamed to Whitewater Teachers College. However, the scope of the type of programs offered at the school was soon expanded and the name of the school was changed to reflect this. Renamed to the Wisconsin State College-Whitewater, the school was later renamed to Wisconsin State University-Whitewater. This name was changed once more after the Wisconsin State Universities System became part of the University of Wisconsin System in 1971. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater enrolls over 12,000 students.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers students many different academic programs from which to enroll. At this time, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers students almost fifty undergraduate degree programs as well as over a dozen graduate degrees. A portion of these programs is also offered to students entirely online, earning the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater a place among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $389/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater‘s online programs.
#6. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Located in Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a public institution and member of the University of Wisconsin system. Established in 1855, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee was founded as the Wisconsin State Normal School. Operating out of downtown Milwaukee, the Wisconsin State Normal School was founded in order to provide people with the opportunity to gain teacher training. In 1927, the Milwaukee State Normal School changed its name to the Wisconsin State Teachers College-Milwaukee after adding college-level programs into its curriculum. Quickly, Wisconsin State Teachers College-Milwaukee became highly-regarded as one of the top teacher’s colleges in the entire state. In 1951, the Wisconsin legislature began an initiative to provide schools with the ability to offer liberal arts degrees. Through this program, Milwaukee State Teachers College began offering students the ability to enroll in Bachelor’s degree programs and the name of the school was changed to Wisconsin State College-Milwaukee. Wisconsin State College-Milwaukee soon merged with the University of Wisconsin-Extension in Milwaukee leading to the creation of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee enrolls a student body of over 26,000 students.
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are able to select from a wide array of academic programs offered to students at the school. Currently, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is offering students over ninety Bachelor’s degree programs, over sixty Master’s degrees, and over thirty Doctorate degrees. Of these programs, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a large selection of them entirely online. Because of this dedication to online learning, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $392/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee‘s online programs.
#7. Viterbo University
Established in 1890, Viterbo University is a private, Roman Catholic university. Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Viterbo University was established by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Originally named the St. Rose Normal School, Viterbo University’s original purpose was to provide teacher training to students who would then go on to educate students in the state of Wisconsin. Operating as a teacher-prep school for over thirty years, St. Rose Normal School began to offer college courses in 1923. This resulted in St. Rose Normal School being renamed to St. Rose Junior College. With more college courses added to the curriculum, St. Rose Junior College began admitting non-religious women into their programs in 1934. Four years later, the school was renamed to Viterbo College in 1937. In 1939, Viterbo College began offering students full four-year degree programs which led to a surge in enrollment. Viterbo College finally began admitting men into its programs in 1970. The school was renamed to Viterbo University in 2000 and began offering doctoral degree programs in 2013. Today, Viterbo University has a student body of almost 2,700 students.
Viterbo University currently offers students a multitude of academic programs from which to enroll in. At the time of this writing, students at Viterbo University can choose to enroll in over seventy different academic programs made available across this Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral offerings. A large selection of these programs is also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Viterbo University has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. Viterbo University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Viterbo University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $470/credit
Click here for a list of Viterbo University‘s online programs.
#8. Ottawa University-Brookfield
Established with the motto “Prepare for a Life of Significance”, Ottawa University-Brookfield is a private university that is part of the Ottawa University System. Officially opened in 1992, Ottawa University-Brookfield was designed to bring the degree programs offered at the other Ottawa University System schools to the people of Wisconsin. Specifically founded in order to work with adult learners, Ottawa University-Brookfield was officially established with distance education and non-traditional delivery formats in mind. Since its founding, Ottawa University-Brookfield has made a name for itself in the Wisconsin area. Based out of Kansas, Ottawa University-Brookfield leverages the curriculums and resources of the flagship campuses located in Ottawa, Kansas, and Surprise, Arizona. Affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, Ottawa University-Brookfield has a religious background but is still very much accepting of people from all religious denominations. Today, Ottawa University-Brookfield is home to a small student body of students located in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Students at Ottawa University-Brookfield are able to choose from a focused selection of academic degree programs made available at the school. At this time, Ottawa University-Brookfield is offering around a dozen different degree programs, many of which are available to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, Ottawa University-Brookfield has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. Ottawa University-Brookfield is a private institution.
Accreditation: Ottawa University-Brookfield is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $499/credit
Click here for a list of Ottawa University-Brookfield‘s online programs.
#9. Lakeland University
Located in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Lakeland University is a private university. Founded in 1862, Lakeland University was established in close affiliation with the United Church of Christ. Established by a group of German immigrants, Lakeland University was originally known as the Missionshaus. Combining aspects of an academy, college, and a seminary, the Missionshaus was soon renamed to the Mission House College and Seminary. After adopting the Mission House College and Seminary name, the school began to shift its focus towards offering more traditional academic programs. Through focusing on providing typical liberal arts degrees, Mission House College and Seminary started to attract many new students into its programming. In 1956, Mission House College and Seminary was renamed to Lakeland College. Staying on the cutting-edge of educational trends, Lakeland College added degree-completion programs. This program acted as the precursor to what was eventually Lakeland College’s online and evening programs. In 2016, the school was renamed to Lakeland University. Today, Lakeland University is home to a student body of almost 4,000 students.
Students at Lakeland University can select from a wide array of academic programs made available at the school. At this time. Lakeland University offers students over thirty different undergraduate degrees as well as a variety of graduate programs. Many of these programs are also made available to students entirely online. By offering these programs to students entirely online, Lakeland University has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. Lakeland University is a private institution.
Accreditation: Lakeland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $505/credit
Click here for a list of Lakeland University‘s online programs.
#10. University of Wisconsin-Stout
Part of the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin-Stout was first founded in 1891. Located in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Stout was originally founded by James Huff Stout. State senator and resident of Menomonie, James Huff Stout founded a series of manual training schools starting with his first in Menomonie. Named The Stout Manual Training School, the school focused on the idea of vocational education. Rather than teaching people only the theory of things, The Stout Manual Training School gave students the opportunity to learn through practice and really engage themselves with the subject matter. This approach proved quite popular and The Stout Manual Training School led to the creation of a variety of different educational institutions. Opening various institutions during the early 1900s, Stout than consolidated his various school into one school known as the Stout Institute. Following the death of James Huff Stout, the school was sold to the state. in 1944, the school was made part of the Wisconsin State Colleges system and was renamed Stout State College and then renamed to the University of Wisconsin-Stout after the school was made part of the University of Wisconsin Stout. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Stout enrolls over 9,400 students.
Home of the Blue Devils, students at the University of Wisconsin-Stout are able to choose from a wide selection of academic programs offered at the school. At this time, the University of Wisconsin-Stout enrolls over fifty different undergraduate degree programs, over two dozen graduate majors, and post-graduate programs. Of these programs, a large selection of them is also made available to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, the University of Wisconsin-Stout has earned a place among the top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Stout is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Stout is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $580/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Stout‘s online programs.
#11. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
A public university, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public university and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. Founded with the motto “Mens Corpusque”, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was first established in 1909. Originally known as the La Crosse State Normal School, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was originally created in order to act as a teacher training facility for the area surrounding La Crosse, Michigan. Only offering two-year programs in teaching, La Crosse State Normal School steadily grew to attract more students from across the state. Over the coming decades, La Crosse State Normal School began to add more and more trappings of a traditional college to its identity. In 1926, La Crosse State Normal School began to offer students Bachelor’s degrees in teaching which led to the school begin renamed to La Crosse State Teachers College. By offering Bachelor’s degrees, La Crosse State Teachers College began experiencing a surge in enrollment. In 1951, La Crosse State Teacher College began offering liberal arts degrees which came with a name change to Wisconsin State College-La Crosse. The school was officially named Wisconsin State University-La Crosse in 1964. Today, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse enrolls a student body of almost 10,700 students.
Home of the Eagles, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers its student body the opportunity to enroll in a large collection of academic programs. At this time, students can choose from over 100 undergraduate degree programs, over twenty graduate programs, and two doctoral programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. By offering these programs online, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $623/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse‘s online programs.
#12. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Established in 1894, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is a public university and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. Originally known as the Stevens Point Normal School, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point was founded during the state initiative to create facilities that would train teachers to work within the schools founded in the state. Teaching only education courses and home economics programs, Stevens Point Normal School admitted its first class of students in September of 1894. Operating in this capacity for decades, Stevens Point Normal School was renamed to Central State Teachers College in 1927 and began offering four-year degrees in teaching. This move to four-year degree programs attracted more students to the school resulting in the addition of more programs including liberal arts degrees. This change in the academic program resulted in the school being renamed to Wisconsin State College-Stevens Point. In 1964, Wisconsin State College-Stevens Point began to offer student graduate degree programs which prompted one final name change to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point boasts a student body of over 9,600 students.
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point currently offers a wide selection of academic programs for students to choose from. At this time, students can pick from over 120 different undergraduate degree programs as well as a large selection of graduate degrees. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online, earning the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point a place among the top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Points is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $629/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point‘s online programs.
#13. University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Located in Somers, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside was first founded in 1968. A part of the University of Wisconsin System, University of Wisconsin-Parkside is one of the newer institutions within the system. Prior to the establishment of University of Wisconsin-Parkside, the University of Wisconsin had a presence in the southeastern portion of the state of Wisconsin. Operating two-year junior colleges in both Racine and Kenosha, students from this area were very eager for the University of Wisconsin to establish a complete university in the area. In 1965, the Wisconsin legislature passed a bill that would consolidate the two extension campuses into one university known as the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Offering students in this part of Wisconsin the ability to attend a university the University of Wisconsin-Parkside quickly experienced a surge in enrollment. As more and more students flocked to the school, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside worked diligently to expand the scope of the academic programs offered at the school. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside is home to a student body of 4,700 students.
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside can select from a sizable library of degree programs made available by the school. Currently, students at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside can choose to enroll in over thirty undergraduate degrees and three Master’s degrees. Many of these programs are also offered to students as part of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside’s distance education program. By offering these programs to students online, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has ranked among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Parkside is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Parkside is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $640/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Parkside‘s online programs.
#14. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
A member of the University of Wisconsin system, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a public university. Founded in 1965, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay was established with the motto “Ad Scientiam Renovandam”. Prior to the official founding of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the school operated as the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Green Bay center. By 1958, the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Green Bay center was on track to enroll more students than another extension center in the entire University of Wisconsin system. By 1965, the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Green Bay center had surpassed the other extension centers in size and it had become quite clear that it was becoming much more than just an extension center. In 1965, legislation was signed that called for the creation of an official university that would alleviate the pressure on the extension center. In 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay began admitting its first class of students. Today, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has grown to be home to over 7,000 students known as the Phoenix.
Today, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers students a wide selection of academic programs from which to enroll in. Students can choose from over forty-five different undergraduate degree programs as well as a litany of graduate degrees. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online earning the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay a place among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $655/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Green Bay‘s online programs.
#15. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Established in 1916, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire‘s motto is “Excellence. Our measure, our motto, our goal.” A public university and member of the University of Wisconsin System, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Originally established as the Eau Claire Normal School, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire was originally founded to provide students with the opportunity to gain the teacher training education that they would need to go on to work within the schools in the state of Wisconsin. In 1927, the state of Wisconsin moved to add Bachelor’s degrees in Education to all the curriculums of the State Normal Schools resulting in Eau Claire Normal School being renamed to Eau Claire State Teachers College. The addition of Bachelor’s programs caused a surge in enrollment. During the 1940s and 1950s, Eau Claire State Teachers College went through a period of rapid growth which resulted in the addition of many new students and many new academic programs. To reflect these changes the school was renamed to Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire. The school was finally renamed to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1971 and now enrolls over 10,000 students.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offers students a wide selection of academic programs from which to choose from. Currently, students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire can choose from over eighty different undergraduate degrees and over a dozen graduate programs. A large number of these programs are also made available to students entirely online helping the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to rank among our top online universities and colleges in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a public institution.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $712/credit
Click here for a list of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire‘s online programs.
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