Top 3 Data Analytics Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Madison
415 data analytics graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
Milwaukee School of Engineering
40 data analytics graduates annually, 77% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
23 data analytics graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 15+ accredited data analytics 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)
Data Analytics Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 15 accredited data analytics programs, producing approximately 588 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 data analytics programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Analytics 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 Data Analytics Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | 85.4 |
| 2 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $46,385 | 77% | 52.2 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, WI | Public | $7,974 | 92% | 50.9 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Oshkosh, WI | Public | $6,806 | 89% | 45.6 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | Public | $6,767 | 79% | 45.4 |
| 6 | Carthage College | Kenosha, WI | Private | $36,500 | 91% | 44.2 |
| 7 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI | Public | $6,827 | 99% | 43.2 |
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | 43 |
| 9 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,455 | 97% | 42.4 |
| 10 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI | Public | $7,645 | — | 38.6 |
| 11 | Marian University | Fond Du Lac, WI | Private | $32,472 | — | 37.5 |
| 12 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls | River Falls, WI | Public | $6,837 | — | 36.9 |
| 13 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $47,690 | — | 33.5 |
| 14 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | Superior, WI | Public | $6,826 | — | 31.3 |
| 15 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI | Private | $43,532 | — | 30 |
Top 5 Data Analytics Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | UW Madison | Milwaukee School of... | U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | U of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | U of Wisconsin-Green Bay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,644 | $46,385 | $7,974 | $6,806 | $6,767 |
| Graduation Rate | 83% | 77% | 92% | 89% | 79% |
| Annual Graduates | 415 | 40 | 23 | 15 | 28 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% | 60% | 73% | 87% | 88% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 85.4/100 | 52.2/100 | 50.9/100 | 45.6/100 | 45.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Analytics in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 8 bachelor's-level data analytics programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Carthage College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,352 in the Wisconsin market.
A bachelor's in data analytics typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 415 | 85.4 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $7,974 | 92% | 14 | 49.1 |
| #3 Carthage College | $36,500 | 91% | 6 | 44.2 |
Top Data Analytics Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 10 master's-level data analytics programs. Leading institutions include University of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Wisconsin reaching $134,368 or more.
Top 3 Data Analytics Master's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 107 | 85.4 |
| #2 Milwaukee School of... | $46,385 | 77% | 40 | 52.2 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $7,974 | 92% | 23 | 50.9 |
Most Affordable Data Analytics Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data analytics programs in Wisconsin are at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ($6,767/year), University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ($6,806/year), University of Wisconsin-Superior ($6,826/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 Data Analytics Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Analytics 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-Superior | $6,826 | $27,304 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Analytics Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data analytics 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)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 415 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 85.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 415 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 85.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (415 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Data science is one of the fastest growing career sectors in Wisconsin and across the nation. The program teaches novel and cutting-edge ways to apply computational, mathematical, and statistical thinking to data-rich problems in a wide variety of fields in a responsible and ethical manner.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 96
- •MATH 112
- •MATH 113
- •MATH 114
- •MATH 171
- •MATH 211
- •COMP SCI 200
- •COMP SCI/E C E 252
- •COMP SCI 310
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.000
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $46,385 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 77% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 40 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 52.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 77% graduation rate
- 40 data analytics graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 52.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (77%), program size (40 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (60% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
MSOE's Computer Science program offers hands-on learning with cutting-edge AI, big data, and robotics labs, including access to Rosie GPU supercomputer, while providing real-world experience through industry-sponsored capstone projects. The program achieves exceptional outcomes with 90% of 2023-24 computer science graduates employed, in graduate school, or enlisted in military, and 98% overall graduate placement rate.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 62.4%
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $75,532
- Job Placement: 98% obtained full-time employment, are attending graduate school or actively serving in military
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,974 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 50.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 23 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (23 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 comprehensive 30-credit Master of Science in Data Science program with cutting-edge coursework including big data, machine learning, and deep learning. The program emphasizes ethical decision-making and practical application through a required capstone project.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Elementary Statistics
- •Introduction to Programming
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 81.2%
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,806 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 15 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 45.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 15 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 45.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
This nine-month graduate Data Analytics Certificate offers synchronous online classes with hands-on learning using traditional statistical methods and emerging machine learning models, culminating in a faculty-guided capstone project where students can apply skills to real workplace problems.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75 (4.00 scale) over a minimum of 80 graded credits
Program Details
- Credits: 10.5 credits
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,767 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 45.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 28 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 45.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UW-Green Bay offers both an undergraduate certificate (12 credits) and a fully online Master's degree (36 credits) in Data Science, delivered collaboratively with multiple UW campuses and taught by expert faculty with focus on big data processing and predictive analytics.
Admission Prerequisites
- •elementary statistics
- •introductory computer programming
- •introduction to databases
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Program Details
- Credits: 36 credits
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 15)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Wisconsin
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Explore information technology programs in Wisconsin
Data Analytics Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Data Analytics 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.