Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's most affordable Design and Applied Arts programs show extreme variation in outcomes, with graduation rates spanning from 27.6% at Herzing University-Madison to 89.3% at UW-Madison. The state's 15 programs split between accessible public options starting at $10,044 net cost and private institutions reaching $24,362. UW-Madison stands out as both highly selective with a 49% acceptance rate and the top earner producer at $45,919 annually. Wisconsin's design graduates enter a state economy anchored by companies like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare, where technical design skills meet healthcare technology and manufacturing needs. Public universities dominate the affordable tier, with UW-Parkside, UW-Green Bay, and UW-Stevens Point all maintaining net costs under $14,000. Private colleges like Mount Mary and Wisconsin Lutheran offer smaller class environments but require significantly higher investment. The earnings gap reflects program focus, with UW-Stout's career-oriented approach yielding $36,717 median earnings compared to the statewide range of $26,933 to $45,919.

Programs

$10,044 – $27,514

Net Price Range

$34,766

Avg. Program Earnings

57.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Design and Applied Arts 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-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
4	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
5	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
6	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin	$17,365	$10,142	52.5%	86.3%
7	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295	$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
8	Rasmussen University-Wisconsin Green Bay, Wisconsin	$18,847	$11,982	62.5%
9	Herzing University-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$20,319	$13,420	27.6%	94.5%
10	Northland College Ashland, Wisconsin	$20,780	$42,491	43.3%	68.4%
11	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
12	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092	$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
13	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
14	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
15	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
16	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
17	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
18	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
19	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
20	Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$27,514	$42,268	63.3%	64.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UW-Madison worth the higher cost compared to other Wisconsin design programs?

UW-Madison graduates earn $45,919 annually, nearly $9,000 more than UW-Stout's $36,717 and significantly above the state average. The program maintains an 89.3% graduation rate, the highest among Wisconsin design schools. Despite a $16,928 net cost, students accumulate just $17,875 in debt, less than most other programs in the state.

How do Wisconsin's public design programs compare in affordability?

UW-Parkside leads at $10,044 net cost, followed by UW-Green Bay at $12,878 and UW-Stevens Point at $13,726. All three maintain acceptance rates above 70%, making them accessible options. UW-Stevens Point offers the best graduation rate among the cheapest options at 56%, while UW-Green Bay provides solid earning potential at $26,933.

Is the debt load manageable for Wisconsin design graduates?

Most Wisconsin design programs keep debt reasonable, with UW-Madison at $17,875 and UW-Green Bay at $18,186 leading the low-debt category. However, some programs like Rasmussen University burden students with $29,332 in debt despite moderate net costs. The debt-to-earnings ratio varies significantly, making program selection important for financial outcomes.

Does Wisconsin's job market support design graduates effectively?

Wisconsin's economy includes major employers like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare that value design professionals for user interface work and medical device development. The state's manufacturing sector also creates demand for industrial and product designers. Earnings data shows successful Wisconsin design graduates can achieve $45,919 annually in the right markets and specializations.

Where should students focus if graduation rates matter most?

UW-Madison leads with an 89.3% graduation rate but requires strong academic credentials with only 49% acceptance. Carroll University offers a 69.6% graduation rate with broader access at 72% acceptance. Students should avoid programs like Herzing University-Madison, which graduates only 27.6% of students despite high costs and broad admission standards.

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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.