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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WIPublic
Milwaukee: The extended campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee$8,455
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad rate
79.5
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best machine learning degree programs: U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engin..., U of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,767 to $58,042/year
U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers the most affordable option at $8,455/yr
Machine Learning degree programs available: 3 master's, 1 doctoral in Wisconsin
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Major employers: Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual, Exact Sciences
Tech hubs in Madison and Milwaukee
Hakia Research 2026
Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning programs
We rank 19 accredited machine learning 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.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology$103,360
Are Machine Learning Degree Programs in Wisconsin Worth It?
Yes. The best machine learning degree programs in Wisconsin deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $103,360 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $27,224/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Machine Learning Degree Rankings in Wisconsin
Compare the top-ranked Machine Learning programs in Wisconsin by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Machine Learning Programs in Wisconsin
15
Programs ranked
$29,944
Avg tuition/yr
88%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Wisconsin ranks among the nation's top destinations for machine learning education, with 15 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 9 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engin..., U of Wisconsin-Green Bay, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Wisconsin machine learning 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 $29,944/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 machine learning degrees in Wisconsin, these top-ranked machine learning schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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$6,767
Tuition/yr
79%
Grad rate
59.8
Hakia Score
#5
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WIPublic
$6,827
Tuition/yr
99%
Grad rate
50.9
Hakia Score
Show all 15 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Concordia University-Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | Private | $33,750 | — | 50.5 |
| #7 | Beloit College | Beloit, WI | Private | $58,042 | — | 49.3 |
| #8 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | Public | $7,330 | — | 49.0 |
| #9 | Carroll University | Waukesha, WI | Private | $36,400 | — | 48.4 |
| #10 | Lawrence University | Appleton, WI | Private | $55,149 | — | 47.4 |
| #11 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | 46.0 |
| #12 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Oshkosh, WI | Public | $6,806 | 89% | 43.2 |
| #13 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI | Private | $43,532 | — | 40.2 |
| #14 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $47,690 | — | 36.8 |
| #15 | Ripon College | Ripon, WI | Private | $50,400 | — | 35.8 |
Best Master's Machine Learning Programs in Wisconsin
3
Programs ranked
$7,368
Avg tuition/yr
94%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 3 master's degree programs in machine learning, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U of Wisconsin-Whitewater, U of Wisconsin-River Falls, 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 $7,368/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 machine learning schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WIPublic
Milwaukee: The extended campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee$8,455
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad rate
79.5
Hakia Score
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University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WIPublic
UW-Whitewater campus resources, safety and success$6,812
Tuition/yr
92%
Grad rate
53.9
Hakia Score
Best Doctoral Machine Learning Programs in Wisconsin
1
Programs ranked
$47,690
Avg tuition/yr
0%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Wisconsin is home to 1 doctoral programs in machine learning, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Marquette are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Wisconsin PhD holders earning a median of $129,200, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Madison, Milwaukee region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Wisconsin programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing machine learning degrees in Wisconsin, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Machine Learning Degree Costs & Tuition in Wisconsin
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $27,224/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $68,060/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,806/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $163,344 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $40,836 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Machine Learning Students in Wisconsin
State Aid Programs
Wisconsin residents pursuing machine learning degrees benefit from multiple layers of financial support. The Wisconsin Grant provides need-based grants specifically for Wisconsin residents attending University of Wisconsin System institutions, making advanced technical education more accessible. Additionally, all students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) via StudentAid.gov, which offers loans, grants, and work-study opportunities regardless of residency status. The UW System's commitment to affordability ensures that students can pursue rigorous machine learning programs without prohibitive debt burdens.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Wisconsin institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards for high-achieving machine learning students. The University of Wisconsin System actively promotes transfer-friendly pathways through the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA), allowing community college students to transition seamlessly to four-year machine learning bachelor's programs while maintaining financial aid eligibility. Students should explore both need-based and merit-based opportunities at their chosen institution, as cost alone shouldn't deter talented students from pursuing machine learning careers in Wisconsin's growing tech sector.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator, Wisconsin
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a machine learning 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.
Machine Learning Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a machine learning degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$147,619
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
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,003,304
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$155,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return5.5%
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
Machine Learning Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Wisconsin metro areas
Madison$114K
Milwaukee$109K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Madison | $114K |
| Milwaukee | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Machine Learning Graduates in Wisconsin
Find machine learning jobs in Wisconsin. These major employers across Wisconsin metro areas are actively hiring machine learning degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Machine Learning Jobs in Madison
WIEpic Systems
healthtech
Exact Sciences
biotech
American Family Insurance
insurance
University of Wisconsin-Madison
education
Machine Learning Jobs in Milwaukee
WINorthwestern Mutual
finance
Rockwell Automation
manufacturing
Johnson Controls
tech
Kohl's
retail-tech
Transfer Pathways for Machine Learning Degrees in Wisconsin
State Transfer System
Wisconsin's transfer system is streamlined and student-friendly, particularly for those starting at community colleges and transferring to four-year universities. The Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) guarantees that general education credits completed at any Wisconsin institution automatically transfer to another, eliminating the need for credit-by-credit negotiation. With 21 two-year institutions in Wisconsin and 50 four-year institutions, students have flexible pathways to machine learning degrees. Gateway Technical College ranks as the state's top affordable associate's program and serves as an excellent entry point for students seeking foundational computer science and mathematics coursework before transferring to bachelor's programs. Many Wisconsin two-year schools partner with UW System institutions to offer guaranteed admission agreements for students meeting defined GPA requirements.
How Transfers Work
For machine learning specifically, students can start with general computer science and mathematics courses at institutions like Gateway Technical College, then transfer credits seamlessly to bachelor's programs at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, or University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, all ranked among Wisconsin's best for machine learning education. The Wisconsin Grant financial aid program supports both community college students and four-year university students, ensuring affordability throughout transfer pathways. For detailed transfer policies and articulation agreements, visit the University of Wisconsin System transfer page. To explore related transfer-friendly programs, check data science in Wisconsin, computer science in Wisconsin, and artificial intelligence in Wisconsin, all disciplines that benefit from Wisconsin's integrated transfer framework.
Why Pursue a Machine Learning Degree in Wisconsin?
Industry & Workforce
Wisconsin has established itself as a solid hub for machine learning education, with 25 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 240 bachelor's completions, 81 master's completions, and 6 doctoral completions in machine learning during 2023, demonstrating strong workforce pipeline development. This breadth of offerings means students have multiple pathways to enter the field, from affordable community colleges to research universities. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee alone has produced 156 completions, making it one of the most prolific machine learning education centers in the region.
Salary Outlook
Wisconsin's machine learning programs benefit from proximity to major employers and tech hubs. Cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and the Fox Valley region host major employers including Advocate Aurora Health, UW Health, Epic Systems, Kohl's, and Northwestern Mutual, all seeking machine learning talent. Wisconsin's affordability advantage is particularly compelling: average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions stands at $7,030, with top-ranked programs like University of Wisconsin-Platteville charging just $6,827. Students can access the Wisconsin Grant, a need-based grant program for Wisconsin residents at UW System institutions, making education even more accessible. For more context on national opportunities, explore best machine learning bachelor's programs nationwide and machine learning programs in comparable states like California to understand Wisconsin's competitive positioning.
17 Programs
Machine Learning Program Availability in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 17 accredited machine learning programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Madison, Milwaukee.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Machine Learning Job Market & Salary Data in Wisconsin
Employment Outlook
Wisconsin's machine learning job market is anchored by a diverse employer base spanning healthcare, technology, and retail sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wisconsin's technology and data-focused roles continue to expand as major employers increasingly invest in AI and machine learning capabilities. The state's three primary metropolitan areas. Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Madison, and Green Bay, represent the strongest job markets for machine learning professionals. Milwaukee, the state's largest metro, serves as a central hub for healthcare technology and financial services, while Madison is a secondary tech center with growing opportunities in software and data science. These regions benefit from proximity to major employers and a strong network of educational institutions.
Salaries by Metro
Wisconsin produces 327 total completions annually across machine learning programs, with 240 bachelor's degrees leading the pipeline (IPEDS Data). The state's 25 institutions offering machine learning programs create a competitive educational landscape that directly supports workforce development. Career pathways are strengthened by the Wisconsin Grant program, which provides need-based financial aid to Wisconsin residents at University of Wisconsin System institutions, lowering barriers to entry for talented students. For comprehensive labor market analysis and salary trends, the College Scorecard provides institution-specific employment outcomes, helping prospective students understand post-graduation opportunities in Wisconsin's dynamic tech environment.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Wisconsin$67,184$149,872
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Machine Learning Programs in Wisconsin
Online Programs
0 available in Wisconsin
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$24,502/yr$27,224/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Machine Learning Programs in Other States
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Minnesota
- Total Programs
- 36
- Median Tuition
- $12,800
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Iowa
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $33,400
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 64
- Median Tuition
- $32,700
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Michigan
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $19,400
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 179
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 73
- Median Tuition
- $9,000
Best Machine Learning Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Machine Learning Degree Programs in Wisconsin: FAQ
What are the best machine learning degree programs in Wisconsin?
The best machine learning degree programs in Wisconsin based on our methodology are: 1) University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (97% graduation rate), 2) Milwaukee School of Engineering, and 3) University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Wisconsin offers 17 total accredited programs across 8 public and 9 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 15 bachelor's programs.
How much do machine learning degree programs cost in Wisconsin?
Machine Learning degree program costs in Wisconsin vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $27,224/year, while private institutions average $59,893/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $6,806/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $108,896 at public schools to $239,571 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can machine learning degree graduates earn in Wisconsin?
Machine Learning professionals in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $103,360, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $67,184, while senior roles exceed $149,872. Salaries vary by metro area: Madison ($113,696), Milwaukee ($108,528) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online machine learning degree programs in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin offers 0 accredited online Machine Learning programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire machine learning degree graduates in Wisconsin?
Major Machine Learning employers in Wisconsin include Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual, Exact Sciences, Generac. The Madison and Milwaukee metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Wisconsin universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Wisconsin's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a machine learning degree program worth it in Wisconsin?
A machine learning degree program in Wisconsin offers strong ROI with a $103,360 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $27,224/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($116,797), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do machine learning degree programs take in Wisconsin?
Standard completion times for machine learning degree programs in Wisconsin are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Wisconsin university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for machine learning degree students in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin machine learning degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Wisconsin state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Wisconsin's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Wisconsin salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.