Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Madison
864 computer science graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
54 computer science graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
69 computer science graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 25+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Wisconsin-Madison leads with 83% graduation rate
- 3.Wisconsin software developers earn median $103,360 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Madison, Milwaukee
- 5.Cost of living index: 95.2% of US average (below average)
Computer Science Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 25 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 1,503 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Madison, Milwaukee, with major employers including Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual.
With a median software developer salary of $103,360 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 95.2% compared to the US average, Wisconsin offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers compared to higher-cost coastal markets.
The top computer science programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Wisconsin-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Wisconsin Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | 85.4 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, WI | Public | $7,974 | 92% | 54 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,455 | 97% | 53.1 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI | Public | $6,827 | 99% | 49.6 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | Public | $6,812 | 92% | 48.7 |
| 6 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $46,385 | 77% | 48.6 |
| 7 | Carthage College | Kenosha, WI | Private | $36,500 | 91% | 45.4 |
| 8 | Lakeland University | Plymouth, WI | Private | $30,900 | 86% | 45.1 |
| 9 | Wisconsin Lutheran College | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $34,520 | 93% | 44.3 |
| 10 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Oshkosh, WI | Public | $6,806 | 89% | 43.7 |
| 11 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI | Public | $7,645 | — | 43.1 |
| 12 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | Public | $6,767 | 79% | 43 |
| 13 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | Kenosha, WI | Public | $6,582 | — | 40.2 |
| 14 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | 40 |
| 15 | Beloit College | Beloit, WI | Private | $58,042 | — | 39.2 |
| 16 | Carroll University | Waukesha, WI | Private | $36,400 | — | 38.8 |
| 17 | Lawrence University | Appleton, WI | Private | $55,149 | — | 37.8 |
| 18 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | Public | $7,330 | — | 37.7 |
| 19 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls | River Falls, WI | Public | $6,837 | — | 37.1 |
| 20 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $47,690 | — | 34.9 |
| 21 | Concordia University-Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | Private | $33,750 | — | 34.3 |
| 22 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI | Private | $43,532 | — | 31.6 |
| 23 | Ripon College | Ripon, WI | Private | $50,400 | — | 31.6 |
| 24 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | Superior, WI | Public | $6,826 | — | 31 |
| 25 | Edgewood College | Madison, WI | Private | $34,850 | — | 30.8 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | UW Madison | U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | U of Wisconsin-Platteville | U of Wisconsin-Whitewater |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,644 | $7,974 | $8,455 | $6,827 | $6,812 |
| Graduation Rate | 83% | 92% | 97% | 99% | 92% |
| Annual Graduates | 864 | 54 | 69 | 46 | 47 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% | 73% | 88% | 87% | 83% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 85.4/100 | 54.0/100 | 53.1/100 | 49.6/100 | 48.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 25 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,352 in the Wisconsin market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 864 | 85.4 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 87 | 54.4 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $7,974 | 92% | 54 | 54.0 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 6 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Wisconsin reaching $134,368 or more.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 188 | 85.4 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 69 | 53.1 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $6,812 | 92% | 10 | 48.6 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Wisconsin are at University of Wisconsin-Parkside ($6,582/year), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ($6,767/year), University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ($6,806/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Wisconsin's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Wisconsin-Parkside, a 4-year degree costs approximately $26,328 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,352, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Wisconsin (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Parkside | $6,582 | $26,328 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $6,767 | $27,068 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $6,806 | $27,224 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science programs in Wisconsin, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,644 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 864 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 85.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 864 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 85.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (864 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,974 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 54 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 54.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 54 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 54.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (54 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UW-La Crosse offers a dual degree program that allows students to complete both a Bachelor's in Computer Science and Master's in Software Engineering in five years instead of six. The Master of Software Engineering program focuses on hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and includes a 12-credit capstone project where several alumni have successfully commercialized their projects into multi-million dollar businesses.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,455 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 69 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 53.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 69 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (69 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UWM's Computer Science program is ABET-accredited and offers cutting-edge research opportunities in areas like artificial intelligence, cryptography, and computational robotics. The program prepares students for a field projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, faster than average for all occupations.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •four years of mathematics (including one-and-a-half years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one-half year of trigonometry)
- •four years of natural science (including biology, chemistry, and physics)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,827 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 46 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 49.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 46 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (46 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UW-Platteville offers a Computer Science program with a unique CS+Business emphasis that combines technical computing skills with business management education, preparing students for computing jobs in the business world. The program includes comprehensive capstone projects and covers core areas from algorithms to cybersecurity.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 47 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 48.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 47 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (47 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UW-Whitewater's Computer Science program achieves 100% placement rates for graduates while offering hands-on research opportunities and specializations in high-demand fields like AI, data science, and cybersecurity. Students learn from active researchers and benefit from comprehensive career support including mock interviews and industry guest speakers.
Admission Prerequisites
- •English: 4 units
- •Math: 3 units
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 100% of Computer Science majors were placed in their respective fields or enrolled into a graduate-level program a year after graduation (2022-23)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Madison, Milwaukee
- You're seeking lower cost of living than coastal states (95.2% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Epic Systems or Rockwell Automation
- You prefer Wisconsin's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Wisconsin's 25)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Wisconsin
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Explore computer engineering programs in Wisconsin
Explore information technology programs in Wisconsin
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Computer Science in Wisconsin FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Wisconsin salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.