Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Stout
51 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
17 network administration graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
3 network administration graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 9+ accredited network administration programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Wisconsin-Stout leads with strong% 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)
Network Administration Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 9 accredited network administration programs, producing approximately 84 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 network administration programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Stout, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Network Administration 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 Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | Public | $7,330 | — | 57.4 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | Public | $6,812 | 92% | 55 |
| 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 | Herzing University-Kenosha | Kenosha, WI | Private | $12,360 | 52% | 32.9 |
| 9 | Herzing University-Brookfield | Brookfield, WI | Private | $12,360 | 22% | 24.9 |
Top 5 Network Administration Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Wisconsin-Stout | U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | U of Wisconsin-Platteville | U of Wisconsin-Stevens Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,330 | $6,812 | $7,974 | $6,827 | $7,112 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | 92% | 92% | 99% | 86% |
| Annual Graduates | 51 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% | 83% | 73% | 87% | 90% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 57.4/100 | 55.0/100 | 48.7/100 | 45.0/100 | 41.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Network Administration in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 5 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Stout, 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 network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Stout | $7,330 | N/A% | 51 | 57.4 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $6,812 | 92% | 1 | 44.0 |
| #3 Herzing University-Madison | $12,360 | 39% | 8 | 35.1 |
Top Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 5 master's-level network administration 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 Network Administration 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 Network Administration Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration programs in Wisconsin are at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ($6,767/year), University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ($6,812/year), University of Wisconsin-Platteville ($6,827/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 Network Administration Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Network Administration 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-Whitewater | $6,812 | $27,248 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Platteville | $6,827 | $27,308 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Network Administration Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 network administration 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-Stout
Menomonie, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,330 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 51 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 57.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 51 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (51 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UW-Stout's Computer Networking & Infrastructure Engineering program combines hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs with industry-experienced faculty and embedded certification examinations. The program is ranked among the top 15 network management programs in the Midwest and holds NSA CAE designation, preparing students for high-paying careers in the rapidly growing computer networking industry.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 17 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 55.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 17 network administration graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 55.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 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.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,974 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 3 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 48.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 3 network administration 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.
Why Choose This Program
UW-La Crosse's Information Systems program offers hands-on experience with computer networks and database applications while providing extensive internship opportunities that are typically paid and often lead to employment. The program combines technical foundations with business core knowledge, preparing students for well-paid positions such as business analyst, network analyst, and database administrator.
Admission Prerequisites
- •algebra/trigonometry or pre-calculus courses in high school
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 29 credits
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,827 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 45.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 1 network administration 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.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,112 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 86% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 41.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- 1 network administration 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 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
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Network Administration Programs in Other States
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Network Administration 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.