Cheapest Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison computer science graduates earn $75,282 annually while starting with debt loads of just $20,500, making it one of the strongest return-on-investment programs despite net costs reaching $16,928. This earning power reflects Wisconsin's tech sector growth, particularly around Epic Systems in Madison, which has become a major employer for computer science graduates. The cost spread between public and private options spans nearly $20,000, with UW-Parkside offering the lowest net price at $10,044 compared to Viterbo University at $22,633. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight of the top ten cheapest programs coming from the UW system. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Herzing University-Madison's 27.6% to UW-Madison's 89.3%, suggesting that lower costs don't always correlate with completion rates. The state's manufacturing base, anchored by companies like GE Healthcare and Kimberly-Clark, creates steady demand for information systems professionals across traditional industries beyond pure tech roles.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$61,271

Avg. Program Earnings

59.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405	$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
4	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
5	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
6	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
7	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
8	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
9	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
10	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
11	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
12	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin	$17,365	$10,142	52.5%	86.3%
13	Herzing University-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$20,319	$13,420	27.6%	94.5%
14	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092	$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
15	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
16	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
17	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
18	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
19	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
20	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $65,238 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

UW-Madison graduates earn $75,282 compared to $51,972 at UW-Stevens Point, largely due to location and employer access. Madison's proximity to Epic Systems and other major tech employers drives up salaries. The $20,500 debt load at UW-Madison also remains manageable relative to earning potential. Geographic factors play a significant role in Wisconsin computer science career trajectories.

How do Wisconsin's public university costs compare for computer science programs?

In-state tuition ranges from $7,855 at UW-Parkside to $11,205 at UW-Madison, a difference of just $3,350. Net prices show more variation, spanning $10,044 to $16,928 across the UW system. The Wisconsin Grant helps reduce costs for eligible students. Most UW campuses maintain net prices below $17,000 for computer science students.

Is the 27.6% graduation rate at Herzing University-Madison concerning for computer science students?

Herzing's completion rate significantly trails other Wisconsin options, with most UW system schools achieving 50-89% graduation rates. The $20,319 net price at Herzing falls in the mid-range but delivers much lower completion outcomes. Students should weigh the 94.48% acceptance rate against graduation statistics. Alternative UW campuses offer better completion rates at similar or lower costs.

Does location within Wisconsin affect computer science job prospects significantly?

Madison and Milwaukee metropolitan areas offer the strongest tech job markets, explaining higher earnings at UW-Madison and competitive outcomes at UW-Whitewater. Epic Systems alone employs thousands of software developers in Madison. Rural campuses like UW-Superior face geographic challenges in connecting graduates to major employers. However, remote work opportunities have expanded options for graduates from all Wisconsin locations.

Where should students look for the best value in Wisconsin computer science education?

UW-La Crosse delivers strong value with $68,592 graduate earnings against $15,374 net costs and a solid 71.2% graduation rate. UW-Platteville offers similar economics with $62,508 earnings and $14,754 net price. UW-Madison provides the highest earnings but costs $1,554 more annually than La Crosse. Students should balance location preferences with long-term earning potential when choosing programs.

More Computer and Information Sciences, General Rankings

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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.