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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Wisconsin

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

The University of Wisconsin system dominates affordable accounting education, with 12 campuses offering net costs between $10,044 and $16,948. UW-Parkside delivers the state's lowest net price at $10,044, while UW-Madison produces the highest-earning graduates at $62,343 annually. This gap reflects Wisconsin's accounting job market, where Epic Systems and other major employers create demand for both entry-level bookkeepers and senior financial analysts. Private options like Bryant & Stratton and Herzing add specialized training but at higher costs. The state's manufacturing base, anchored by companies like Kimberly-Clark and GE Healthcare, provides steady accounting opportunities across corporate finance, cost accounting, and compliance roles. Wisconsin Grant funding helps keep public university costs manageable for in-state students, making the UW system particularly attractive for accounting majors seeking strong return on investment.
30
Programs
$10,044 – $29,237
Net Price Range
$50,423
Avg. Program Earnings
57.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

30 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $44,830 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $12,878 $53,497 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
3 $14,761 $54,904 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
4 $15,374 $57,159 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
5 $16,928 $62,343 $11,205 89.3% 49.1%
6 $13,726 $49,962 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
7 $14,785 $53,308 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
8 $13,405 $48,041 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
9 $14,714 $49,019 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
10 $14,754 $47,729 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
11 $16,948 $54,359 $9,277 67.6% 76.6%
12 $16,177 $49,523 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
13 $15,135 $41,937 $19,944 23.5%
14 $17,613 $41,937 $13,420 50.0% 93.5%
15 $18,847 $44,783 $11,982 62.5%
16 $24,362 $54,644 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
17 $25,674 $57,318 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
18 $18,796 $41,937 $13,420 40.0% 95.1%
19 $22,633 $48,432 $32,350 65.2% 72.4%
20 $24,813 $52,524 $36,500 60.5% 81.8%
21 $29,237 $61,870 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%
22 $20,319 $41,937 $13,420 27.6% 94.5%
23 $22,092 $45,207 $32,286 55.7% 99.5%
24 $26,067 $52,941 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
25 $21,315 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
26 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
27 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
28 $24,659 $20,280 65.7% 75.1%
29 $25,634 $34,850 67.4% 98.6%
30 $16,722 $32,794 50.5% 89.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $52,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

UW-Madison graduates earn $62,343 compared to $41,937 for Bryant & Stratton and Herzing graduates. This reflects the difference between full university accounting programs and career-focused training. UW-Madison's 89.30% graduation rate also indicates stronger academic preparation. The higher earnings often correlate with positions at major Wisconsin employers like Epic Systems.

How do graduation rates vary among Wisconsin accounting programs?

Graduation rates span from 23.50% at Bryant & Stratton to 89.30% at UW-Madison. Most UW system schools achieve rates between 44% and 71%, with UW-La Crosse at 71.20% leading the regional campuses. Private career colleges show mixed results, with Rasmussen at 62.50% outperforming the other private options.

Is the cost difference between public and private programs justified?

Public programs offer better value with net costs averaging $14,500 compared to private programs ranging from $15,135 to $18,847. UW system graduates generally earn more, with most programs producing alumni earning over $47,000. Private programs may offer specialized training but don't show higher earnings outcomes in Wisconsin's job market.

Does location within Wisconsin affect accounting job prospects?

Madison area programs benefit from proximity to state government and Epic Systems headquarters, with UW-Madison graduates earning the highest salaries at $62,343. Milwaukee programs access corporate finance roles, while Green Bay serves manufacturing accounting needs. Rural campus graduates often find opportunities in agricultural accounting and small business services throughout the state.

Where can students find the best value for money in Wisconsin accounting programs?

UW-La Crosse offers strong value with $15,374 net cost, $57,159 graduate earnings, and 71.20% graduation rate. UW-Green Bay provides strong ROI at $12,878 net cost with $53,497 earnings. For the absolute lowest cost, UW-Parkside at $10,044 serves budget-conscious students, though graduate earnings average $44,830.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.