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Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: U of Wisconsin-Madison, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engin...
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,386 to $58,042/year
Gateway Technical College offers the most affordable option at $4,386/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 3 associate's, 10 master's, 2 doctoral in Wisconsin
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online data science degree programs in Wisconsin
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Wisconsin community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
3 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
Data Science 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 Data Science programs
We rank 33 accredited data science 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
Data Science Degree Rankings in Wisconsin
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Wisconsin by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Science Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in data science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Gateway Technical College, Waukesha County Technical..., Fox Valley Technical College, 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 $4,386/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 data science schools in Wisconsin, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data science degrees in Wisconsin.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 18 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 8 public and 10 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Wisconsin-Madison, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engin..., recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Wisconsin data science 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 $27,933/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, 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 data science degrees in Wisconsin, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Concordia University-Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI | Public | $7,126 | 56% | 65.9 |
| #7 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,772 | 49% | 63.2 |
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 10 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Wisconsin-Madison, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U of Wisconsin-La Crosse, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $103,360, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Madison, Milwaukee creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $7,488/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Wisconsin's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,772 | 49% | 62.0 |
| #7 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,378 | 51% | 59.4 |
| #8 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | Superior, WI | Public | $7,081 | 42% | 56.1 |
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Wisconsin
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $22,385/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $55,963/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,596/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $134,312 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $33,578 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Wisconsin
State Aid Programs
Wisconsin students pursuing data science degrees have access to strong financial aid options through both federal and state programs. The primary state resource is the Wisconsin Grant, a need-based grant program specifically designed for Wisconsin residents attending University of Wisconsin System institutions (Wisconsin Grant). This program complements federal aid available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid). All prospective students should complete the FAFSA to unlock these funding pathways.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond grants and loans, many Wisconsin institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid specifically for data science and STEM majors. The University of Wisconsin System's Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) (Universal Credit Transfer Agreement) guarantees the transfer of general education credits within the system, allowing students to start at more affordable community colleges and seamlessly transition to four-year programs while maintaining financial aid eligibility. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office to explore discipline-specific scholarships, employer partnerships, and graduate assistantship opportunities. Additional resources are available through the College Scorecard, which provides net price calculators for individual institutions. For comprehensive guidance, visit Federal Student Aid to understand loan repayment options and income-driven plans relevant to data science career paths.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Wisconsin
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science 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.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
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
Data Science 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 Data Science Graduates in Wisconsin
Find data science jobs in Wisconsin. These major employers across Wisconsin metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Madison
WIData Science Jobs in Milwaukee
WITransfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Wisconsin
State Transfer System
Wisconsin's transfer system is designed to help seamless academic progression from two-year to four-year institutions. The Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) guarantees that general education credits earned at any public university, college, or technical college in Wisconsin will transfer to other public institutions within the system. This agreement significantly benefits students pursuing data science degrees, as it allows completion of foundational mathematics and general education requirements at 21 two-year institutions before transferring to a four-year program. Students can complete an associate's degree at institutions like Gateway Technical College. Wisconsin's top-ranked associate's program with tuition of $4,386, and then seamlessly transition to bachelor's programs at UW System universities.
How Transfers Work
The transfer pathway is particularly valuable for data science, where strong foundational coursework in calculus, linear algebra, and computer science is essential. Starting at an affordable two-year institution allows students to build these skills while managing costs before pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree at selective institutions like University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Wisconsin Grant, a need-based aid program for Wisconsin residents at UW System institutions, further supports transfer students' educational affordability. For detailed transfer information and articulation agreements, visit the University of Wisconsin System's transfer page. Students should also explore related pathways in Data Analytics in Wisconsin and Computer Science in Wisconsin to optimize their academic progression.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Wisconsin?
Industry & Workforce
Wisconsin has established itself as a strong hub for data science education, with 38 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state's commitment to accessible higher education is evident in its average public in-state tuition of just $7,030 for four-year institutions, making Wisconsin an affordable choice for aspiring data scientists. Students pursuing bachelor's degrees have 20 institutions to choose from, while 12 institutions offer master's programs, providing flexible pathways regardless of career stage (College Scorecard).
Salary Outlook
Wisconsin's major tech hubs, including Milwaukee, Madison, and the Green Bay region, are home to major employers investing in data science talent. Companies like Epic Systems, Kohl's, Northwestern Mutual, and Advocate Aurora Health actively recruit graduates with data science expertise. The University of Wisconsin System dominates program leadership, with UW-Madison producing 350 completions and UW-Milwaukee contributing 157 completions according to recent IPEDS data. For students seeking nationally ranked programs, Wisconsin offers excellent value: University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks among the nation's top data science schools while maintaining modest tuition costs. Prospective students interested in related fields should also explore Data Analytics in Wisconsin and Machine Learning in Wisconsin, which complement data science career preparation.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Wisconsin
Employment Outlook
Wisconsin's data science job market has experienced significant growth, with 38 institutions across the state offering data science programs at various degree levels (IPEDS). The state supports a strong educational pipeline: 481 bachelor's degree completions, 261 master's degree completions, and 23 doctoral degree completions in 2023, positioning Wisconsin as a competitive hub for data science talent (IPEDS). Major metropolitan areas including Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Madison, and Green Bay serve as primary employment centers, with employers actively recruiting graduates from Wisconsin's 20 bachelor's-granting institutions and 12 master's-granting institutions in the data science field.
Salaries by Metro
The state's major employers drive demand for data science professionals across healthcare, insurance, retail, and technology sectors. Companies like Advocate Aurora Health, UW Health, Epic Systems, Kohl's, and Northwestern Mutual maintain significant operations throughout Wisconsin and actively hire data science graduates (BLS State Data). For current salary data and occupational trends specific to Wisconsin, job seekers can reference the Bureau of Labor Statistics' state occupational employment data. The University of Wisconsin System, governed by the UW Board of Regents, anchors the educational infrastructure supporting the data science workforce across Madison, Milwaukee, La Crosse, Platteville, Whitewater, Green Bay, and other regions (University of Wisconsin System). Prospective students should also explore related opportunities in data analytics and machine learning programs throughout Wisconsin.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Wisconsin
Online Programs
3 available in Wisconsin
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
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Data Science Degree Programs in Wisconsin: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Wisconsin?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Wisconsin?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Wisconsin?
Are there online data science degree programs in Wisconsin?
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What financial aid is available for data science 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.