Online learning can help you do both through the use of the internet and a computer, without stepping foot inside a classroom. Furthering your education has never been easier with the help of multiple accredited, highly prestigious colleges and universities now offering online classes for students that enroll with them. Each college and university has been thoroughly researched to ensure that the quality of their programs exceeds the student’s needs and wants from an e-learning platform.
Online learning provides students with a way to learn at their own pace, from home through a variety of different online classes. With the use of the classes, the student can then earn their degree without having to stop working or finding childcare. Some students prefer to go to an accredited college online to ensure that they can work without having to visit the college campus. Many opportunities are offered through top ranking colleges that provide both on-campus and online learning through their degree programs. However, it is important to note that for some degrees, on-campus classes may be required.
What are the best online Wisconsin colleges?
Our rankings are achieved through three different components. We want to provide the high quality satisfaction that you expect. We rate based on institutional excellence, student satisfaction with the college and the return on investment. Using a variety of data points we are able to pinpoint which colleges are best suited for students. We use the graduation rate, reputation, students test scores upon entering, the student-to-faculty ratio and endowment of the college. These points allow us to choose which colleges meet the exceptional qualities that students look for when choosing which to pursue for their degrees.
2018 Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
1
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Madison started off as a land-grant university and has been in operation for more than 168 years. It’s known as a leader in research today and during its time 38 separate Pulitzer Prize winners have attended the school. Located in the northern part of Wisconsin, the school offers a wide range of degree offerings to those seeking many different majors and minors.
Program Features
The University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a wide range of online courses for those seeking different majors, minors, continuing studies and others.
- Business
- Education
- Health and Teacher Certifications
- English
- Ethnic Studies
- Math and Science
- Social Science
A handful of other majors are offered through the distance learning programs available through the e-learning classroom center.
Notables
A regionally accredited school, it is well-known by many large companies and corporations. Helping students achieve success, they’ve been expanding their campuses, providing online courses and helping many students achieve their dreams and jobs through the power of learning with various tools and technology advancements. Each class is taught through a prestigious professor with years in the teaching industry, as well as working in their specific study program. This provides students with not only someone to look up too, but also a master at the particular topic that they’re taking at the school.
2
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Overview
Founded in 1909, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, provides notable majors and minors to students from all places of the country. It is a leading, comprehensive and accredited college offering four year degree plans for various course studies. Providing Bachelor’s, Master’s and two Doctoral Studies degrees. Organized into five different schools, the course offerings span a wide range, providing a different campus depending on the degree plan that the student chooses to sign up with.
Program Features
The OLC or Online Learning Courses provided through the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse are not extremely expansive, but they continue to improve their online school system through a series of trial and errors with students. Since online learning has gained popularity, they’ve offered a few different options for those searching for online class options. While they do not offer full degrees through the OLC program, students in various majors and minors can opt to take their classes through the use of the OLC system once enrolled with their program. Some course offerings include:
- Math
- English
- Social Sciences
- Finance
- Business
Notables
Distinguished for the quality of the online education programs, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers free resources and guides to those interested in online learning, as well as enrolling within the school system. With a highly skilled sports team, the school continues to strive to be one of the top schools within the Wisconsin school system.
3
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Overview
A public liberal arts university located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, it was founded in 1916 and is part of the University of Wisconsin System. Offering both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, it is noted as a post baccalaureate comprehensive institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Consisting of 28 major buildings make up this campus spanning across 333 acres of land, with an extra 168 acres that is used for environmental research. Located in the Chippewa Valley, it is right next to the Chippewa River.
Program Features
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire provides a number of degree options for those seeking an online learning environment. With both post and pre degrees, students can choose which one works the best depending on their unique situation. Some of the degree offerings online include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
- Master of Science in Data Science
- Master of Education
- Master of Business Administration
- Foundations of Business Certificate
- Communications Sciences
- Director of Special Education
- Continuing Education Online Courses
Notables
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire welcomes a wide range of students from different backgrounds. They have high standards within their sports teams, being on the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. This is also the sit where Martin Luther Jr. made a speech to John F. Kennedy. Home to many turning points in history, memorials are set up around the campus that tells of each one.
4
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a four-year, residential college. Accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, it is also part of the University of Wisconsin System. Located in Whitewater, Wisconsin, it holds spots for over 12,000 students each term. With over 45 majors and 13 graduate programs, it provides over a thousand courses to students wishing to take classes. Opened in 1868, it is an older college that has expanded throughout the years.
Program Features
Online degrees are offered to those students interested in distance learning. Both graduate and undergraduate programs are offered in their online course section. Students wishing to take online classes would have to enroll with the University prior to signing up for the degree program of choice. The degrees offered online include:
- MS in Environmental Safety and Health
- MBA
- Library Media
- Alternative Education Programs Licensure
- Business
- Marketing
- Liberal Studies
- Political Science
- Law Enforcement Bachelor Degree Program
- Early Childhood Education
Notables
On campus, there is a historic schoolhouse that first started the site for the current school’s campus system. With a handful of student programs and a strong sports program, multiple students are dedicated to staying active within the University and their school courses. Academics programs offered by the school provide high honors, honors and other notable students with recognition throughout the year, including the online course students.
5
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Overview
Concordia University Wisconsin is a private liberal arts college that is located in Mequon, Wisconsin. Part of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod system within Wisconsin, it provides students with the tools needed to succeed in life, including mind, body and spirit. Accredited through the NCA, it provides over 75 majors and minors, as well as 17 different graduate programs and adult education programs. They also provide 3 doctoral programs and e-learning programs for those interested in distant learning.
Program Features
With a full online learning center, students within to take both online courses or online degrees may pursue them through the student online center. All of the online courses are taken through their online system, with many different degree programs to choose from such as certificates, Associates, Bachelor’s and Masters. Some of these offerings include:
- Business
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Counseling
- Health Services
- Occupational Therapy
- Informational Technology
- Theology
Notables
One of the most prestigious and most known part of the college is the CUW School of Pharmacy. One of only two Pharmacy schools in Wisconsin, it yields a high number of student seeking this degree program. The university is organized into five different schools, and students seeking specific degree programs will find their program in one of the five.
6
Viterbo University
Overview
A private Roman Catholic and Franciscan liberal arts university, it is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Founded back in 1890, it currently has built onto the campus, providing students with over 70 undergraduate degree programs, four master’s and one doctoral. A handful of associates and certification programs are also available. According to the U.S. News and World Report back in 2014, Viterbo was named as one of the top regional universities in the Midwest.
Program Features
Viterbo currently offers a few different distant learning e-degrees for those wishing to pursue a degree online. They have a dedicated online section to those learners, while also providing specific courses to other on-campus students that wish to take some of their classes online, rather then in the classroom setting. Some of the offerings include:
- Accounting
- BSN Completion
- Organizational Management
- Management Info Systems
- Associate of Arts and Science
- Healthcare Management
- Professional Studies
- MBA in Healthcare Leadership
Notables
With a large sports section, Viterbo likes to keep students involved with many sports and activities offered on the campus. Additionally, they recognize students that do well academically within the school. Growing with time, the school has only gained more recognition from other Wisconsin school systems and continues to strive to provide higher education learning levels for students going to school in the system.
7
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Overview
Located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offers many different degree programs for students that are looking to come to school with them. A public university that is part of the University of Wisconsin System, they have accredited programs of interest. They specialize in audiology, providing associates, bachelors and master degree options for the major. Opened in 1894, the school has since become a large part of the area with a sprawling campus and numerous classrooms, including an e-learning platform.
Program Features
Classes and entire courses are offered through the e-learning platform from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Depending on what classes you’re taking, you may be able to take them online. If you’re searching for a specific certification or degree, these can also be taken online, depending on what they are. The current list of offerings for degrees are:
- Health and Wellness Certificate
- Add-On Teaching Certifications
- Paralegal Certification
- Certificate in Project Management
- Health Information Management Technology
- Health and Wellness Management
- Business at Night
- American Studies
- RN to BSN
- 9 Doctoral and Master’s Degree Programs (childhood education, health, sciences and more)
Notables
The campus houses four colleges, with the e-learning college provided through the internet. Three off-site satellite stations are provided for those learning in this particular field. The University also works with a steady stream of local businesses and places to ensure that students receive the best education possible. Some of the affiliates include the Museum of Natural History, Central Wisconsin Economic Research Bureau, Waste Education Center and the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium.
8
Edgewood College
Overview
Edgewood College is a private liberal arts college in the Dominican Catholic sector. Located in Madison, Wisconsin, it overlooks the shore banks of Lake Wingra and sits on just 55 acres of land. The college offers mostly undergraduate programs to students, but does have a handful of Master’s programs for those seeking continuing education. The school is somewhat small, as compared to larger universities in the area but they do provide a large e-learning platform for students that wish to take distant learning.
Program Features
Edgewood College provides a large assortment of online classes and courses for students to take while distant learning. The online platform allows students to work at their own time and at their own pace. They offer a number of courses, such as:
- Business Master’s Degrees
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership
- Teacher License in English or Bilingual
- Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Leadership
Notables
One of the most notable details about Edgewood College is that they have a student newspaper titled, On the Edge, which provides in depth information on what is going on throughout the campus. Edgewood College has struggled in the past to keep students enrolled within the programs they offer. However, with expansion, new students came providing the school with a way to reach out to even more. With a full student body of over 2,000 students, it continues to be a strong college.
9
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Stout is a University in the University of Wisconsin System. Enrolling close to 10,000 students, it is a four year college that is located in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Founded in 1891 and named after the founder, James Huff Stout, the college has a deep history behind it. Back in 2007, the University was designated the “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University but the Board. This is because it provides focused programs relating to the field. With just under 100 degree offerings, it provides many options for students.
Program Features
The online sector of the University of Wisconsin-Stout provides mostly all of their degree options for those wishing to do distant learning. There is an online platform designed with students in mind, so that they’re able to sign up for their courses without having to visit the campus in order to do so. Some of the course offerings for distant learning include:
- Career, Technical Education and Training
- Digital Marketing and Marketing Technology
- Management
- Family and Consumer Sciences
Notables
Once taught through the Manual Training Movement, the school developed a new system of teaching to ensure that students were getting the benefits of learning through a varied teaching method. They provide an English as a Second Language Institute, which is a big part of the college and the courses that they provide to the students, especially those coming from other countries for learning opportunities.
10
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Overview
The third largest University in Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is part of the University of Wisconsin System. The enrollment is close to 14,000 students and counting. With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, students can choose the career path that is for them. Opening in 1871, the school has since increased in size and became part of the system that provides even more benefits to keep the school running.
Program Features
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers eight different online degree offerings. Currently, they do not offer others and continue to seek out ways to increase and improve their e-learning platform. Classes for other degrees are not offered on the online platform. Some of the offered degrees include:
- Leadership and Organizational Studies
- Fire and Emergency Response Management
- Aviation Management
- Public Safety
- Leadership Development
- Organizational Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Human Services
Notables
The site of riots, marches, and other movements, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has an extensive historical heritage. The campus sits on 173 acres, providing enough space for the many opportunities at the school. On-campus housing is also available for students that wish to live on campus while taking their courses.
11
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Overview
Being led by a Phoenix mascot, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay provides many bachelors and master’s degree options for students. Part of the University of Wisconsin System, it was founded in 1965 and merged there after to become a part of the larger system of Universities throughout the state. Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, it originally had a focus on environmental sustainability but currently offers many other degree plans.
Program Features
Offering a handful of degree and certification opportunities online, you can expect to sign up for some of the classes that you wish to take through distant learning. However, the campus offers many others for those wishing to go to the campus to take the courses. Some of the online learning courses and plans include:
- Integrative Leadership Studies – Applied Studies, Arts
- Business Administration
- Human Development
- Psychology
- Associate of Arts and Sciences
- Certificates in – Emergency Management, Environmental Sustainability and Nonprofit Management
Notables
Nicknamed Eco U, it provides classes that are organized as problem-focused interdisciplinary units in each of the classrooms. Much of the acreage of the campus is dedicated to environmental areas, research and providing park-like settings. The campus houses other points of interest that some may find different, such as a golf course, performing arts center, gallery and more.
12
Marian University of Wisconsin
Overview
Formally known as the Marian College of Fond du Lac, it is a Roman Catholic liberal arts university that is located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Founded back in 1936, it continues to provide the needed tools for students to succeed. Smaller than some of the other universities, there are only around 200 staff and 2,000 students that attend the school each semester. However, they have a strong degree program, offering numerous major and minors to students.
Program Features
Inspired by other advancements in online learning environments, Marian University offers its own online curriculum to students that wish to take distance learning. With many undergraduate and graduate programs offered through the e-learning platform. These programs include:
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- RN-BSN
- Homeland Security
- Community Health and Human Services
- Psychology
- Nurse Educator Certificate
- At-Risk and Alternative Education
- Special Education
- Religious Education
- Educational Technology
Notables
The majority of the students attending this college are women, though men are welcome to enroll in the program offerings. Under half of the students live on campus, while many of the students enrolled are enrolled with the e-learning platform providing online courses and degrees. With increasing enrollment on campus, the college has increased their size, added buildings and continue to work with sponsors for extra space and support.
13
Herzing University
Overview
Herzing University is a private, nonprofit college offering various degree options for those choosing a career in a specific field. Many of the degree offerings have a focus in nursing, technology, healthcare and business. Starting in 1965 as a computer training institute, it quickly took ground and expanded the degree options that are offered to the students of the area. It continued to grow and currently provides classes for over thousands of students. With 11 on-site campuses and online division, they provide plenty of continuing education options.
Program Features
Herzing University provides associates, bachelors and masters degrees for students looking to further their education through an online platform. Offering a wide array of course and degree options, students can learn at their own pace through the use of the online school. Some of the course offerings that the University provides includes:
- Business
- Healthcare
- Legal Studies
- Technology
- Nursing
- Public Safety
Notables
Many of the campuses within the network are stationed around the US, with one of them being in Wisconsin. You can find others in Georgia, Ohio and Alabama. Herzing University is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditation for those taking the business classes through the school. This comes from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. All classes are accredited for students to further their careers once they’ve finished the degree program.
14
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Overview
A liberal arts college that is affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the Wisconsin Lutheran College provides students with many learning opportunities through the use of their many campuses, as well as online programs. Enrolling around 1,000 students, the campus continues to grow with time. Located on the border of Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, there are buildings to the campus located in each location.
Program Features
Online classes consist of adult education accelerated programs. Both online and evening classes are offered to those that live busy lives but want to further their careers or take a different approach. There is only one program currently offered to students that wish to further their education through the use of the e-learning platform. However, the school hopes to increase the offerings with time.
- Business Management and Leadership
Notables
Accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, as well as the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, students are recognized for their degree efforts once graduating from their program of choice. The campus is located on just 40 acres of land, with buildings, dorms and other areas of interest for the students that attend the college. Pre-professional programs are the main focus for the school, providing the ground work for a graduate to enter into a more prestigious college to finish, such as pre-dental, pre-medical, pre-law and others.
15
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Overview
Known as UWM, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee provides students with a chance to visit a larger campus and choose from many different major and minors. It is a public urban research university that is located in the busy city of Milwaukee. The largest university in the metropolitan area, it is a part of the University of Wisconsin System, as well as the second largest in Wisconsin alone. There are only two universities throughout the state that have doctoral granting privileges and UWM is one of them.
Program Features
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee provides various course and class opportunities for students that wish to further their education but in an online setting. With multiple options, the student can choose which works for them or do a combination of online and on-campus learning, or completely online. Some of the online course offerings for UWM include:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Communication
- History
- Information Science and Technology
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Architectural Studies
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Comparative Literature
Notables
With an enrollment of almost 30,000 students, the campus is booming, as well as the online e-learning platform. Home to the only graduate school of freshwater science throughout the entire country, as well as Wisconsin’s only school for architecture. With close to 300 degree program offerings, there are plenty of courses to choose from. It has the highest research activity in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, spending over $60 million.
16
Cardinal Stritch University
Overview
A private Roman Catholic University that is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Cardinal Stritch University offers multiple courses on many different campuses located around Wisconsin. Outreach programs are also offered to those that want to work into a new career through the use of affordable, beneficial options. The largest Franciscan University in the nation, it works with students to create a better overall experience and learning process. Many graduates come from this college with knowledge and confidence.
Program Features
Cardinal Stritch University offers many different online learning programs for those interested in furthering their education. Learning at your own pace, without having to visit the campus can be done when applying for the few online learning degree options that the college offers. These online options include:
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Educational Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy Completion
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- RN to BSN
- Bachelor of Science in Management
Notables
Opening their doors in 1937, it first started as a way to train the sister’s to become effective teachers within the area. However, with expansions and changes, the campus quickly grew to provide more direction and degrees to students wishing to further their education. Additionally, the college is accredited and provides furthering education in Master’s degrees for students that want to continue in the specified field of choice, whether it is on-campus or through the e-learning platform.
17
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Overview
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is part of the University of Wisconsin System and is located in the River Falls area. Part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, it is right next to the busy cities. Sitting on 226 acres of land, it has 32 buildings, two lab farms and additional acreage providing more space for students and staff. With over 6,000 students enrolled in both graduate and undergraduate programs. The school also offers global programs and study abroad programs.
Program Features
Online education is limited at this University, only offering two graduate certificates. However, there are a wide range of non-credit classes offered through the online program. There are close to 100 students that sign up for the non-credit classes through the University each semester. Some of the classes, as well as degree offerings online include:
- Technology for Educators
- Alternative Education
- Community Based Classes
- Education Based Classes
- English, Math and Other Simple Classes
Notables
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls created the St. Croix Institute for Sustainable Community Development. This provides the community with ways to research and sustain valuable resources through the use of learning and development in the area from the college. First used as a Normal School in 1871, it has since grown in size to provide continuing education for students.
18
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a public university located in Platteville, Wisconsin. It is part of the University of Wisconsin system that offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree options for students. With 3 colleges on campus and seven distance education programs, they provide a wide range of options for students wishing to enroll within their University. They also have many sororities and fraternities that are organized right on the campus, providing students with an extra to get involved with.
Program Features
Currently, there are five master’s programs offered 100% online.Specific classes also can be taken using the online platform for those students enrolled in specific degree plan offerings. Enrolling in the classes online can be done through the student portal or with a counselor. Some of the class offerings for online include:
- General Psychology
- Leadership and Management
- Introduction to Marketing
- Financial Accounting
- Criminal Law
- Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
Notables
The University is where numerous Wisconsin assemblymen and senators went to college. Additionally, Mike Hintz, an NFL player also attended college here prior going professional. The strong sports teams, organized activities and other offerings make this school an ideal one for students that wish to stay involved in their school and community.
19
Marquette University
Overview
Marquette University was established back in 1881 and has since grown into a massive school that’s regularly recognized as a top-tier college for students with a range of interests. The school is located in the heart of Milwaukee and offers a good range of majors and minors for students from all walks of life. It’s not an online college specifically, but does cater to students that enjoy learning online.
Program Features
Marquette University doesn’t offer any full online degrees, but it does make many of its class offerings available online. It’s possible to go through many courses without attending the University, but ultimately students will have to show up on campus to finish out a degree. The school offers a huge range of majors and minors with over 100 to choose from. Students can take up the following degrees and many more.
- Accounting
- Real Estate
- Finance
- Education
- Engineering
- Pre-Dentistry
Notables
Marquette University is a massive college with courses spanning 11 different colleges, it’s ranked 50th in the best value schools and is well-known for being a good investment for students looking to further their education. Marquette became the first Catholic University that accepted women back in 1909 and is well-known as a Catholic University today.
20
Maranatha Baptist University
Overview
The Marantha Baptist University is a Baptist University that is located in Watertown, Wisconsin. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and distant learning degrees for students interested in online learning. Many of the classes offered are varied with some in the arts, English, biology, counseling, church music and science studies, social, management, business and more.
Program Features
Full degrees are not found through the e-learning platform but many of the offered courses can be taken through the use of the online learning platform. Those students taking the classes can sign up for on-campus or online learning, depending on their preference. The courses that are offered to students online include:
- Bible, Church Ministries and Missions
- Business, Computer and Digital Media
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- English
- Health and Nursing
- Handful of Graduate Courses
Notables
Regionally accredited by the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission, the students can participate in courses recognized by the Association. Teaching classes are recognized through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and provide certification. The Nursing Department is approved through the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing Department and accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education to provide thorough evaluation for graduating nurses. The University is also a member of many Associations, such as the National Christian College Athletic Association and National Collegiate Athletic Association.