Top 3 Information Systems Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
158 information systems graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Madison
47 information systems graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
Milwaukee School of Engineering
40 information systems graduates annually, 77% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 17+ accredited information systems programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee leads with 97% 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 Systems Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 17 accredited information systems programs, producing approximately 518 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 systems programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee School of Engineering, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 17 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Systems 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 Systems Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,455 | 97% | 79.5 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | 65.4 |
| 3 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $46,385 | 77% | 59 |
| 4 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $47,690 | — | 57.9 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, WI | Public | $7,974 | 92% | 57.6 |
| 6 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Oshkosh, WI | Public | $6,806 | 89% | 52 |
| 7 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | 50.9 |
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI | Public | $7,645 | — | 48.9 |
| 9 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | Public | $6,767 | 79% | 48.8 |
| 10 | Lakeland University | Plymouth, WI | Private | $30,900 | 86% | 44.2 |
| 11 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | Kenosha, WI | Public | $6,582 | — | 42.5 |
| 12 | Carroll University | Waukesha, WI | Private | $36,400 | — | 41.3 |
| 13 | Marian University | Fond Du Lac, WI | Private | $32,472 | — | 40.1 |
| 14 | Ottawa University-Milwaukee | Brookfield, WI | Private | $11,976 | — | 39.5 |
| 15 | Concordia University-Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | Private | $33,750 | — | 38.7 |
| 16 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $6,750 | — | 38.7 |
| 17 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI | Private | $43,532 | — | 33.9 |
Top 5 Information Systems Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | UW Madison | Milwaukee School of... | Marquette | U of Wisconsin-La Crosse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,455 | $9,644 | $46,385 | $47,690 | $7,974 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | 83% | 77% | N/A% | 92% |
| Annual Graduates | 158 | 47 | 40 | 86 | 29 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88% | 43% | 60% | 87% | 73% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Public |
| Score | 79.5/100 | 65.4/100 | 59.0/100 | 57.9/100 | 57.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Systems in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 14 bachelor's-level information systems programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Marquette University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,352 in the Wisconsin market.
A bachelor's in information systems typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Systems Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Systems Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 158 | 79.5 |
| #2 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 52 | 69.8 |
| #3 Marquette | $47,690 | N/A% | 86 | 57.9 |
Top Information Systems Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 8 master's-level information systems programs. Leading institutions include University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Wisconsin reaching $134,368 or more.
Top 3 Information Systems Master's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 47 | 65.4 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 50 | 68.7 |
| #3 Milwaukee School of... | $46,385 | 77% | 40 | 59.0 |
Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems programs in Wisconsin are at University of Wisconsin-Parkside ($6,582/year), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex ($6,750/year), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ($6,767/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 Information Systems Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Systems 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-Milwaukee... | $6,750 | $27,000 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $6,767 | $27,068 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Systems Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information systems 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-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,455 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 158 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 79.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 158 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (158 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology is offered through the UW Flexible Option competency-based program, allowing students to build on existing IT knowledge and skills while working on their schedule. Graduates have advanced their careers as Web Developers, Systems Administrators, Security Analysts, Database Administrators, and in IT Support Services roles.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •English: 4 units
- •Math (Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2 or equivalent): 3 units
- •Natural Sciences: 3 units
- •Social Sciences: 3 units
- •Academic Electives: 4 units
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,644 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 47 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 65.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 47 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (47 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $46,385 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 77% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 40 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 59.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 77% graduation rate
- 40 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 59.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $47,690 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 86 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 57.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 86 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 57.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (86 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Marquette's Information Systems program offers direct admission to the College of Business Administration and combines technology with business strategy in a values-based education environment. Students benefit from strong industry partnerships, 82% internship participation, and learn in the state-of-the-art O'Brien Hall opened in 2023.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 124 credits
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 82% of students participate in internship program
- Top Employers: Accenture, Amazon, Baker Tilly, Deloitte, EY (Ernst & Young), Generac Power Systems, Johnson Controls, Milwaukee Tool, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), Target Corp., US Cellular
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,974 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 29 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 57.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 29 information systems graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (29 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's Information Systems program offers comprehensive training in business analytics and technology management with near 100% job placement and higher than average starting salaries. The program provides hands-on experience with dedicated student facilities and covers cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence and data analytics.
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: near 100 percent over the years
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 17)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Wisconsin
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Information Systems Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Information Systems 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.