Top 3 Information Security Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
17 information security graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
8 information security graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
3 information security graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 10+ accredited information security 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)
Information Security Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 10 accredited information security 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 information security 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
Information Security 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 Information Security 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 Information Security 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 Information Security in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 6 bachelor's-level information security 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 information security typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Security 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 Information Security Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 5 master's-level information security 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 Information Security 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 Information Security Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information security 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 Information Security Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Security 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 Information Security Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information security 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)
- • Information Security Graduates: 17 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 55.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 17 information security 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
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary degree drawing faculty from both information technology and computer science programs, with curriculum aligned to the National Centers of Academic Excellence program sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency. The program is fully online with asynchronous learning and addresses the national shortage of cybersecurity professionals in a field with nearly 440,000 additional job openings nationally.
Program Accreditations & Designations
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)
- • Information Security Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 48.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 8 information security 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 UW Oshkosh Master of Science in Cybersecurity is 100% online with a 12-course, 34-credit curriculum designed with input from industry experts, offering four unique specialization tracks to match career interests and current market demands.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0
- 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)
- • Information Security Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 48.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 3 information security 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.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,827 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 45.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 1 information security 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's cybersecurity program requires a minimum grade of C- in all core requirement courses and includes both technical cybersecurity courses and criminal justice components. The program culminates in a cybersecurity project and covers areas from cryptography to network security management.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,112 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Security Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 41.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 1 information security 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.
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 10)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
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Information Security Programs in Other States
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Information Security 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.