Top 3 Information Technology Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Madison
868 information technology graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
54 information technology graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
50 information technology graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 23+ accredited information technology 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)
Information Technology Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 23 accredited information technology programs, producing approximately 1,446 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 technology programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 23 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Technology 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 Technology Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | 85.4 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, WI | Public | $7,974 | 92% | 53.9 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,455 | 97% | 51.6 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI | Public | $6,827 | 99% | 49.1 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | Public | $6,812 | 92% | 48.7 |
| 6 | Carthage College | Kenosha, WI | Private | $36,500 | 91% | 45.3 |
| 7 | Lakeland University | Plymouth, WI | Private | $30,900 | 86% | 45.1 |
| 8 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $47,690 | — | 43.6 |
| 9 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Oshkosh, WI | Public | $6,806 | 89% | 43.6 |
| 10 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | 43.3 |
| 11 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI | Public | $7,645 | — | 43.1 |
| 12 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | Public | $6,767 | 79% | 41.7 |
| 13 | Ottawa University-Milwaukee | Brookfield, WI | Private | $11,976 | — | 37.9 |
| 14 | Carroll University | Waukesha, WI | Private | $36,400 | — | 37.7 |
| 15 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls | River Falls, WI | Public | $6,837 | — | 37.1 |
| 16 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | Kenosha, WI | Public | $6,582 | — | 36.5 |
| 17 | Concordia University-Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | Private | $33,750 | — | 35.5 |
| 18 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Flex | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $6,750 | — | 32.7 |
| 19 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | Superior, WI | Public | $6,826 | — | 31 |
| 20 | Edgewood College | Madison, WI | Private | $34,850 | — | 30.8 |
| 21 | Herzing University-Kenosha | Kenosha, WI | Private | $12,360 | 52% | 30.6 |
| 22 | Herzing University-Madison | Madison, WI | Private | $12,360 | 39% | 28.5 |
| 23 | Herzing University-Brookfield | Brookfield, WI | Private | $12,360 | 22% | 22.6 |
Top 5 Information Technology Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | UW Madison | U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | U of Wisconsin-Platteville | U of Wisconsin-Whitewater |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,644 | $7,974 | $8,455 | $6,827 | $6,812 |
| Graduation Rate | 83% | 92% | 97% | 99% | 92% |
| Annual Graduates | 868 | 54 | 50 | 41 | 47 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% | 73% | 88% | 87% | 83% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 85.4/100 | 53.9/100 | 51.6/100 | 49.1/100 | 48.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Technology in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 22 bachelor's-level information technology programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,352 in the Wisconsin market.
A bachelor's in information technology typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Technology Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Technology Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 868 | 85.4 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 123 | 56.6 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $7,974 | 92% | 54 | 53.9 |
Top Information Technology Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 6 master's-level information technology programs. Leading institutions include University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marquette University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Wisconsin reaching $134,368 or more.
Top 3 Information Technology Master's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 211 | 85.4 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 50 | 51.6 |
| #3 Marquette | $47,690 | N/A% | 24 | 41.1 |
Most Affordable Information Technology Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information technology 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 Technology Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Technology 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 Technology Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information technology 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)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 868 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 85.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 868 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 85.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (868 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,974 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 54 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 53.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 54 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 53.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (54 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Information Systems program at UW-La Crosse offers near 100% job placement with higher than average starting salaries, preparing students as skilled IT professionals ready to apply technology-based solutions to solve strategic business problems. The program covers cutting-edge areas including artificial intelligence, business analytics, and information security.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.50
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: near 100 percent over the years
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,455 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 50 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 51.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 50 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 51.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (50 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UW-Milwaukee offers the only Information Science and Technology degree of its kind in the UW System with competency-based learning options and one of only five SAP University Competence Centers worldwide. The program provides hands-on experiential learning through the Nonprof-IT program and combines technical IT skills with management and business knowledge.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,827 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 41 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 49.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 41 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.1 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (41 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 Computer Science program offers hands-on experiential learning with an 89% placement rate and $63,936 average starting salary. The program combines theoretical computer science with practical programming and analysis while addressing business, ethical, and moral aspects of computing.
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $63,936
- Job Placement: 89%
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Technology Graduates: 47 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 48.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 47 information technology graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 48.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (47 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (83% 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 23)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Wisconsin
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Explore computer engineering programs in Wisconsin
Information Technology Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Information Technology 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.