Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
17 cybersecurity graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
8 cybersecurity graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
3 cybersecurity graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 10+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Wisconsin-Whitewater leads with 92% 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)
Cybersecurity Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 10 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 42 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 cybersecurity programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 10 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity 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 Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | Public | $6,812 | 92% | 55 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Oshkosh, WI | Public | $6,806 | 89% | 48.9 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, WI | Public | $7,974 | 92% | 48.7 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI | Public | $6,827 | 99% | 45 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | 41.1 |
| 6 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | Public | $6,767 | 79% | 39.9 |
| 7 | Herzing University-Madison | Madison, WI | Private | $12,360 | 39% | 35.1 |
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | Public | $7,330 | — | 33.2 |
| 9 | Herzing University-Kenosha | Kenosha, WI | Private | $12,360 | 52% | 32.9 |
| 10 | Herzing University-Brookfield | Brookfield, WI | Private | $12,360 | 22% | 24.9 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | U of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | U of Wisconsin-Platteville | U of Wisconsin-Stevens Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,812 | $6,806 | $7,974 | $6,827 | $7,112 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 89% | 92% | 99% | 86% |
| Annual Graduates | 17 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% | 87% | 73% | 87% | 90% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 55.0/100 | 48.9/100 | 48.7/100 | 45.0/100 | 41.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 6 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Herzing University-Madison. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,352 in the Wisconsin market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $6,806 | 89% | 8 | 48.9 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $6,812 | 92% | 1 | 44.0 |
| #3 Herzing University-Madison | $12,360 | 39% | 8 | 35.1 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 5 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-Platteville. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Wisconsin reaching $134,368 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $6,812 | 92% | 17 | 55.0 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $7,974 | 92% | 3 | 48.7 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Platteville | $6,827 | 99% | 1 | 45.0 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Wisconsin are at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ($6,767/year), University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ($6,806/year), University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ($6,812/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Wisconsin's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a 4-year degree costs approximately $27,068 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,352, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Wisconsin (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $6,767 | $27,068 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $6,806 | $27,224 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $6,812 | $27,248 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity 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-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 17 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 55.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 17 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This interdisciplinary Master of Science in Cybersecurity draws on faculty from both information technology and computer science programs, with curriculum aligned to National Centers of Academic Excellence standards jointly sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency. The program provides extensive hands-on learning through collaboration with the Cybersecurity Center for Business, offering real-world case studies and business partnerships.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •System Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
- •Introductory Programming
- •Intermediate Programming (Security Engineering emphasis only)
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: Cybersecurity Engineer $136,000, Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator $160,000
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,806 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 48.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 8 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (8 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is a collaborative effort of UW-Extension and eight University of Wisconsin campuses, offering a 100% online degree designed to produce graduates with skills that meet current market demands. The program features four tracks of study that allow students to tailor the degree to match their interests and career ambitions.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Introduction to Computer Science - which must include programming content
- •calculus or statistics
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 34 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,974 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 48.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 3 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (3 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 allowing students to complete both a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Cybersecurity focus and a Master of Software Engineering in just 5 years instead of the typical 6 years. The program provides comprehensive cybersecurity education covering fundamental concepts, network security, sociological aspects, and program implementation with both online and accelerated options available.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.85
- 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)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 45.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 1 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 45.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (1 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 both undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity programs with flexible online options, featuring four specialized emphasis areas and hands-on experiential learning. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals with 89% placement rate and strong starting salaries.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.00
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 34 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $63,936
- Job Placement: 89%
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,112 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 41.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 1 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 41.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (86%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program combines talent and resources from eight University of Wisconsin campuses with faculty from diverse fields including computer science, engineering, political science, communications, economics and mathematics. The curriculum was developed with input from industry leaders and offers three yearly start dates for maximum flexibility.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Introduction to Computer Science (which must include programming content)
- •Calculus or Statistics
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1299Penetration Tester opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
Security Architect
SOC 15-1212Security Architect opportunities in Wisconsin with strong job growth.
SOC Analyst
SOC 15-1212SOC 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 10)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
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Explore information technology programs in Wisconsin
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Cybersecurity 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.