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Key Takeaways
Best computer programming degree programs: U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engin..., U of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,509 to $58,042/year
Chippewa Valley Technical... offers the most affordable option at $4,386/yr
Computer Programming degree programs available: 13 associate's, 3 master's, 1 doctoral in Wisconsin
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online computer programming degree programs in Wisconsin
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Wisconsin community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
13 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual, Exact Sciences
Tech hubs in Madison and Milwaukee
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Programming degree programs near 45+ cities across Wisconsin
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Wisconsin Computer Programming programs
We rank 32 accredited computer programming programs in Wisconsin using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Programming Degree Rankings in Wisconsin
Compare the top-ranked Computer Programming programs in Wisconsin by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Programming Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 13 accredited associate's degree programs in computer programming, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Chippewa Valley Technical..., Fox Valley Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical ..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Wisconsin offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,911/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $56,848 in Wisconsin.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Wisconsin's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Madison, Milwaukee areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer programming schools in Wisconsin, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer programming degrees in Wisconsin.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Show all 12 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Northwood Technical College | Rice Lake, WI | Public | $4,485 | 56% | 83.1 |
| #7 | Waukesha County Technical College | Pewaukee, WI | Public | $4,485 | 44% | 83.0 |
| #8 | Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids, WI | Public | $4,339 | 52% | 82.7 |
| #9 | Lakeshore Technical College | Cleveland, WI | Public | $4,485 | 50% | 81.0 |
| #10 | Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | Public | $4,485 | 45% | 79.7 |
| #11 | Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $4,485 | 25% | 69.9 |
| #12 | Herzing University-Madison | Madison, WI | Private nonprofit | $12,360 | 28% | 61.0 |
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer programming education, with 15 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 10 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engin..., U of Wisconsin-Green Bay, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Wisconsin computer programming programs earn a median salary of $87,856, 11% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Madison, Milwaukee metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,767 to $58,042 annually, with an average of $27,924/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 75%, with the highest reaching 99%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Wisconsin's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer programming degrees in Wisconsin, these top-ranked computer programming schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Computer Programming Degree Costs & Tuition in Wisconsin
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $17,723/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $44,308/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,431/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $106,340 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $26,584 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Programming Students in Wisconsin
State Aid Programs
Wisconsin residents pursuing computer programming degrees have access to several financial aid options to make their education more affordable. The primary state-sponsored program is the Wisconsin Grant, a need-based grant available to Wisconsin residents attending University of Wisconsin System institutions and other eligible schools. This grant helps bridge the gap between federal aid and the actual cost of attendance, with amounts varying based on financial need and enrollment status. All students, regardless of state residency, should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov to determine eligibility for federal Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond grants and federal aid, many Wisconsin institutions offering computer programming degrees provide institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. The University of Wisconsin System participates in the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA), which guarantees transfer of general education credits across UW campuses, helping students save money by completing general education coursework at lower-cost community colleges before transferring to four-year programs. For comprehensive financial planning, prospective students should visit each institution's financial aid office and use the Federal Student Aid portal to compare aid packages. Additional state-specific funding information is available through the Wisconsin Higher Education Board, which administers the Wisconsin Grant program and other assistance initiatives for qualifying residents.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator, Wisconsin
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree in Wisconsin. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Programming Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Wisconsin metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Madison | $114K |
| Milwaukee | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Programming Graduates in Wisconsin
Find computer programming jobs in Wisconsin. These major employers across Wisconsin metro areas are actively hiring computer programming degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Programming Jobs in Madison
WIComputer Programming Jobs in Milwaukee
WITransfer Pathways for Computer Programming Degrees in Wisconsin
State Transfer System
Wisconsin provides streamlined pathways for students to transfer from associate's to bachelor's degree programs through the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA), which guarantees transfer of general education credits within the University of Wisconsin System. The state has 16 community and technical colleges offering associate's degree programs in computer programming, including top institutions like Chippewa Valley Technical College (46 completions), Fox Valley Technical College (36 completions), and Milwaukee Area Technical College (30 completions). Students completing their first two years at affordable institutions like these can seamlessly continue at four-year universities while maintaining academic progress toward their bachelor's degree. This pathway significantly reduces total education costs while maintaining educational quality.
How Transfers Work
The UCTA agreement eliminates barriers to transfer by recognizing general education credit completion, allowing students to focus on major-specific coursework at the university level. Wisconsin's 21 two-year institutions work collaboratively with the 50 four-year institutions across the state to ensure smooth transitions. Students can begin at affordable technical colleges with tuition around $4,386 annually before transferring to universities like University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee ($8,455) or University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ($6,812). This cost-effective approach makes degree completion more accessible. For detailed information on pathways and articulation agreements, visit the UCTA website or explore Best Bachelor's Programs and Most Affordable Programs for target transfer institutions.
Why Pursue a Computer Programming Degree in Wisconsin?
Industry & Workforce
Wisconsin offers a strong ecosystem for computer programming education with 41 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 206 associate's degree completions, 207 bachelor's degree completions, 81 master's degree completions, and 6 doctoral completions in 2023, demonstrating strong educational pathways from entry-level to advanced study. Top programs like University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have graduated 156 completions, making it a national leader in computer programming education. Students benefit from Wisconsin's competitive tuition structure, with average public four-year in-state tuition at just $7,030 compared to out-of-state rates of $15,234.
Salary Outlook
Wisconsin's technology sector is concentrated in vibrant metros including Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Madison, and Green Bay, home to major employers like Epic Systems, Northwestern Mutual, Advocate Aurora Health, and Kohl's. These regional tech hubs create excellent networking and internship opportunities for students. The state's commitment to higher education excellence is evident in its University of Wisconsin System, which includes top-ranked institutions like UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee. Students exploring related fields should consider programs in Software Engineering in Wisconsin, Web Development in Wisconsin, and Computer Science in Wisconsin to complement their programming foundation.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Programming Job Market & Salary Data in Wisconsin
Employment Outlook
Wisconsin's computer programming job market is strong, with 41 institutions across the state offering programming degrees at various levels (IPEDS). The state supports 206 associate's degree completions, 207 bachelor's degree completions, 81 master's degree completions, and 6 doctoral degree completions annually, creating a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. Major metropolitan areas including Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Madison, and Green Bay serve as the primary employment hubs for computer programmers. Public in-state tuition for four-year institutions averages $7,030, making Wisconsin an affordable option for students entering the field (College Scorecard).
Salaries by Metro
The demand for computer programming talent in Wisconsin is driven by diverse industry sectors across multiple regions. Milwaukee and Madison serve as particularly strong job markets, with significant tech company presence and growing opportunities in software development. The state's average public out-of-state tuition of $15,234 reflects competitive market conditions attracting talent from across the nation. For detailed salary and employment trends specific to Wisconsin, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics State Data. Students should explore related fields like Software Engineering in Wisconsin, Web Development in Wisconsin, and Computer Science in Wisconsin to understand the broader career landscape in the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Programming Programs in Wisconsin
Online Programs
3 available in Wisconsin
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Programming Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 44
- Median Tuition
- $8,900
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $21,000
- Total Programs
- 80
- Median Tuition
- $20,000
- Total Programs
- 54
- Median Tuition
- $14,900
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 111
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Computer Programming Degree Programs in Wisconsin: FAQ
What are the best computer programming degree programs in Wisconsin?
How much do computer programming degree programs cost in Wisconsin?
What salary can computer programming degree graduates earn in Wisconsin?
Are there online computer programming degree programs in Wisconsin?
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What financial aid is available for computer programming degree students in Wisconsin?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Wisconsin salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.