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University of Wisconsin-Parkside delivers Computer Science education for just $10,044 annually, making it the most affordable option among Wisconsin's 18 programs. The $16,023 gap between the cheapest public option and most expensive creates stark choices for students. Wisconsin's tech market centers around Epic Systems in Verona, which has become one of the nation's largest healthcare software companies and actively recruits from state universities. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with seven UW system schools clustering between $10,044 and $14,761. Meanwhile, private institutions like Milwaukee School of Engineering command $24,021 but deliver 71.5% graduation rates. The earnings data shows Computer Science graduates across Wisconsin programs typically start around $55,000 to $62,000, reflecting the state's growing tech sector that also includes GE Healthcare and emerging startups in Madison and Milwaukee.
18
Programs
$10,044 – $26,067
Net Price Range
$59,124
Avg. Program Earnings
58.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
2 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
3 $13,405 $8,487 44.1% 95.6%
4 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
5 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
6 $14,754 $8,315 61.5% 85.4%
7 $14,761 $8,212 57.9% 88.5%
8 $16,177 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
9 $18,847 $11,982 62.5%
10 $20,319 $13,420 27.6% 94.5%
11 $21,176 $50,700 59.9% 81.3%
12 $21,315 $35,080 62.7% 93.8%
13 $21,924 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
14 $24,021 $48,421 71.5% 63.5%
15 $24,362 $37,230 69.6% 72.1%
16 $24,563 $55,461 76.4% 72.3%
17 $25,674 $44,432 73.6% 83.6%
18 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Wisconsin's cheapest and most expensive Computer Science programs?

Public UW system schools receive state funding that keeps costs low, with UW-Parkside at $10,044 compared to private institutions reaching $24,362 at Carroll University. The Wisconsin Grant program further reduces costs for in-state students at public universities. Private schools often offset higher sticker prices with financial aid, but the net cost gap remains substantial across the 18 programs.

How do graduation rates vary among Wisconsin's most affordable Computer Science programs?

UW-Platteville leads affordable options with a 61.5% graduation rate despite costing just $14,754 annually. UW-Parkside, the cheapest at $10,044, shows a 39.8% graduation rate that reflects its open access mission. UW-River Falls achieves 60.9% graduation rates at $14,714, demonstrating that several affordable programs maintain strong completion numbers.

Does attending a cheaper Wisconsin Computer Science program affect starting salaries?

Earnings remain relatively consistent across price points, with graduates from $10,044 UW-Parkside earning $56,641 compared to $62,012 from $24,362 Carroll University. UW-Green Bay graduates earn $61,516 despite the program costing just $12,878. The $5,000 to $6,000 salary range suggests that Wisconsin's job market values skills over school prestige.

Where should students focus their applications among Wisconsin's affordable Computer Science options?

UW-Green Bay offers the best value combination at $12,878 with $61,516 average earnings and 53.1% graduation rates. UW-Platteville provides strong graduation rates at 61.5% for just $14,754. Students seeking the absolute lowest cost should consider UW-Parkside at $10,044, though graduation rates require careful consideration.

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