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Key Takeaways
Best network administration degree programs: U of Wisconsin-Stout, U of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Herzing University-Madison
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,506 to $12,360/year
Fox Valley Technical College offers the most affordable option at $4,386/yr
Network Administration degree programs available: 17 associate's, 5 master's in Wisconsin
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
6 online network administration degree programs in Wisconsin
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Wisconsin community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
17 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual, Exact Sciences
Tech hubs in Madison and Milwaukee
Hakia Research 2026
Network Administration degree programs near 45+ cities across Wisconsin
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Wisconsin Network Administration programs
We rank 27 accredited network administration 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.
Are Network Administration Degree Programs in Wisconsin Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Network Administration Degree Rankings in Wisconsin
Compare the top-ranked Network Administration programs in Wisconsin by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 17 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Fox Valley Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical ..., Madison Area Technical Co..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Wisconsin offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,187/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $56,848 in Wisconsin.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Wisconsin's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Madison, Milwaukee areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Epic Systems, Rockwell Automation, Northwestern Mutual hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among network administration schools in Wisconsin, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in Wisconsin.
Show all 17 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire, WI | Public | $4,386 | — | 62.8 |
| #7 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay, WI | Public | $4,386 | — | 62.3 |
| #8 | Moraine Park Technical College | Fond du Lac, WI | Public | $4,375 | — | 61.0 |
| #9 | Western Technical College | La Crosse, WI | Public | $4,378 | — | 58.0 |
| #10 | Northwood Technical College | Rice Lake, WI | Public | $4,524 | — | 55.1 |
| #11 | Mid-State Technical College | Wisconsin Rapids, WI | Public | $4,262 | — | 53.9 |
| #12 | Herzing University-Madison | Madison, WI | Private | $12,360 | 39% | 38.7 |
| #13 | Northcentral Technical College | Wausau, WI | Public | $3,509 | — | 51.7 |
| #14 | Lakeshore Technical College | Cleveland, WI | Public | $4,113 | — | 50.2 |
| #15 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | Fennimore, WI | Public | $4,386 | — | 49.3 |
| #16 | Blackhawk Technical College | Janesville, WI | Public | $3,506 | — | 48.3 |
| #17 | Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | Green Bay, WI | For-Profit | $12,058 | — | 41.4 |
Best Bachelor's Network Administration Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin ranks among the nation's top destinations for network administration education, with 5 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Wisconsin-Stout, U of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Herzing University-Madison, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Wisconsin network administration 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 $6,812 to $12,360 annually, with an average of $10,244/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 51%, with the highest reaching 92%. 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 network administration degrees in Wisconsin, these top-ranked network administration schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Best Master's Network Administration Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 5 master's degree programs in network administration, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Wisconsin-Whitewater, U of Wisconsin-La Crosse, U of Wisconsin-Platteville, 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 $7,098/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 network administration schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Wisconsin
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $6,229/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $15,573/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,557/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $37,376 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $9,344 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Network Administration Students in Wisconsin
State Aid Programs
Wisconsin residents pursuing Network Administration degrees have access to several financial aid options designed to make higher education more affordable. The Wisconsin Grant program provides need-based grants specifically for Wisconsin residents attending institutions within the University of Wisconsin System, making it an excellent resource for students enrolled at schools like University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. To apply for federal student aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at Federal Student Aid. This application opens the door to federal Pell Grants, federal student loans, and other aid programs regardless of income level.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, many Wisconsin institutions offering Network Administration programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based awards. Community colleges such as Milwaukee Area Technical College and Madison Area Technical College often feature lower overall costs combined with financial aid packages, making them particularly accessible entry points. The University of Wisconsin System website provides comprehensive information about available scholarships and grants specific to each campus. Students should also explore employer sponsorship programs, as major Wisconsin employers like Epic Systems and Advocate Aurora Health frequently offer tuition assistance for IT-focused roles. For detailed guidance on aid eligibility and application deadlines, prospective students can visit the College Scorecard to compare aid packages across institutions.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Wisconsin
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration 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.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a network administration degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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
Network Administration Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Wisconsin metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Madison | $114K |
| Milwaukee | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Network Administration Graduates in Wisconsin
Find network administration jobs in Wisconsin. These major employers across Wisconsin metro areas are actively hiring network administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Network Administration Jobs in Madison
WINetwork Administration Jobs in Milwaukee
WITransfer Pathways for Network Administration Degrees in Wisconsin
State Transfer System
Wisconsin's Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) guarantees that general education credits earned at any University of Wisconsin System institution transfer seamlessly to other UW campuses. This state-level transfer system removes barriers for network administration students pursuing associate-to-bachelor's degree progression. Students completing associate's degrees at institutions like Madison Area Technical College (42 completions annually) or Milwaukee Area Technical College (49 completions annually) can transfer their general education credits directly to bachelor's programs at any UW university without loss of credit (University of Wisconsin System).
How Transfers Work
Wisconsin's 20 associate's degree programs and 6 bachelor's degree programs create clear pathways for credential advancement. Technical colleges maintain articulation agreements with four-year universities, ensuring that technical coursework also transfers appropriately. Students earning an associate's degree in network administration from Fox Valley Technical College (54 completions) or Gateway Technical College (35 completions) can transition to bachelor's programs at University of Wisconsin institutions like University of Wisconsin-Platteville or University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with credit recognition for technical core courses.
Transfer Planning Tips
The Wisconsin Grant supports financial aid continuity throughout transfer pathways, enabling students to pursue credentials cost-effectively at both two-year and four-year levels. Prospective transfer students should confirm specific articulation agreements with their community college and target bachelor's program. Additional pathways exist for students exploring Cloud Computing in Wisconsin or Information Technology in Wisconsin as complementary or alternative credentials within Wisconsin's connected higher education system (Federal Student Aid).
Why Pursue a Network Administration Degree in Wisconsin?
Industry & Workforce
Wisconsin offers a strong ecosystem for network administration education with 31 institutions offering dedicated programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state supports 20 associate's programs, 6 bachelor's programs, and 5 master's programs, providing flexible pathways for students at every educational stage. This comprehensive program landscape reflects Wisconsin's commitment to developing skilled IT professionals to support its thriving technology sector and major employers like Epic Systems, Advocate Aurora Health, and Northwestern Mutual.
Salary Outlook
Wisconsin's leading institutions deliver exceptional outcomes for network administration students. University of Wisconsin-Stout ranks among the top bachelor's programs in the state, while technical colleges like Fox Valley Technical College lead in program completions with 54 graduates annually. Public four-year universities offer competitive in-state tuition averaging $7,030 compared to the national landscape, making Wisconsin an affordable choice for aspiring network administrators (College Scorecard).
Regional Tech Hubs
The state's major metropolitan areas. Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, host significant technology hubs with employers actively recruiting skilled network administrators. Wisconsin's University of Wisconsin System institutions provide both quality education and strong regional industry connections. Students exploring network administration can also consider complementary fields like Cybersecurity in Wisconsin or Cloud Computing in Wisconsin to expand career opportunities in the rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Network Administration Program Availability in Wisconsin
Source: IPEDS 2024
Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Wisconsin
Employment Outlook
Wisconsin's network administration job market is supported by a diverse employer base across multiple metropolitan areas. The state's major tech hubs include Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Madison, and Green Bay, each offering significant employment opportunities for network administration professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wisconsin maintains a strong technology sector with positions available in healthcare systems, software development, and corporate IT infrastructure. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $7,030, making it relatively affordable to pursue a bachelor's degree in network administration compared to national averages.
Salaries by Metro
Wisconsin educational institutions are producing skilled network administration graduates at a strong pace. According to IPEDS data, Wisconsin hosts 31 institutions offering network administration programs across all degree levels, with 20 associate's programs, 6 bachelor's programs, and 5 master's programs. The state's technical colleges lead in completion numbers, with Fox Valley Technical College reporting 54 completions and Milwaukee Area Technical College at 49 completions. For students seeking bachelor's degrees, the University of Wisconsin System provides excellent value, with the most affordable options at UW-Parkside ($6,582 tuition) through UW-Madison ($9,644 tuition). Graduates can leverage Wisconsin's Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) to transition seamlessly between institutions, and the Wisconsin Grant program provides need-based financial aid for qualified residents.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Network Administration Programs in Wisconsin
Online Programs
6 available in Wisconsin
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Network Administration Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $5,900
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $5,900
- Total Programs
- 54
- Median Tuition
- $11,500
- Total Programs
- 44
- Median Tuition
- $11,100
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $4,500
- Total Programs
- 53
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
Network Administration Degree Programs in Wisconsin: FAQ
What are the best network administration degree programs in Wisconsin?
How much do network administration degree programs cost in Wisconsin?
What salary can network administration degree graduates earn in Wisconsin?
Are there online network administration degree programs in Wisconsin?
What companies hire network administration degree graduates in Wisconsin?
Is a network administration degree program worth it in Wisconsin?
How long do network administration degree programs take in Wisconsin?
What financial aid is available for network administration degree students in Wisconsin?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Wisconsin salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.