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Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee, WIPrivate nonprofit
$48,240
Tuition/yr
67%
Grad rate
81.1
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best software engineering degree programs: U of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee School of Engin..., U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,509 to $58,042/year
Chippewa Valley Technical... offers the most affordable option at $4,386/yr
Software Engineering degree programs available: 13 associate's, 5 master's, 1 doctoral in Wisconsin
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online software engineering degree programs in Wisconsin
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Wisconsin community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
13 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
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering programs
We rank 36 accredited software engineering 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 methodologyAre Software Engineering Degree Programs in Wisconsin Worth It?
Answer
$103,360
Yes. The best software engineering degree programs in Wisconsin deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $103,360 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $17,166/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Software Engineering Degree Rankings in Wisconsin
Compare the top-ranked Software Engineering programs in Wisconsin by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Programs in Wisconsin
3
Programs ranked
$30,105
Avg tuition/yr
64%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Wisconsin ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering education, with 17 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 11 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee School of Engin..., U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Wisconsin software engineering 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 $28,012/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 76%, 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 software engineering degrees in Wisconsin, these top-ranked software engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WIPrivate nonprofit
$34,950
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad rate
75.1
Hakia Score
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University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WIPublic
$7,126
Tuition/yr
56%
Grad rate
68.4
Hakia Score
Best Master's Software Engineering Programs in Wisconsin
2
Programs ranked
$21,642
Avg tuition/yr
70%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 5 master's degree programs in software engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, U of Wisconsin-La Crosse, U of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 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 $12,766/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 software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WIPrivate nonprofit
$34,950
Tuition/yr
68%
Grad rate
73.9
Hakia Score
Software Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Wisconsin
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $17,166/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $42,915/year |
| Community college tuition | $4,292/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $102,996 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $25,748 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Software Engineering Students in Wisconsin
State Aid Programs
Wisconsin offers strong financial aid options for software engineering students pursuing degrees at public institutions. The primary state-level aid program is the Wisconsin Grant, a need-based grant exclusively available to Wisconsin residents attending University of Wisconsin System institutions. This grant can significantly reduce the cost of attendance, particularly at schools like University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which are among the state's top-ranked software engineering programs. Prospective students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid to access both federal and state funding opportunities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, students can access federal financial aid programs including subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, and Federal Pell Grants through StudentAid.gov. Many Wisconsin institutions also offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. Community college students pursuing associate degrees, such as those at Chippewa Valley Technical College, which had 46 completions in software engineering, benefit from lower tuition costs starting at around $4,386 annually, reducing overall debt burden. The Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) further supports affordability by guaranteeing transfer of general education credits within the UW System, allowing students to begin at two-year institutions and complete bachelor's degrees without losing credits or financial aid eligibility.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Wisconsin
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software engineering 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.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a software engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
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
$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
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)$2,712,662
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)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
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
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Graduates in Wisconsin
Find software engineering jobs in Wisconsin. These major employers across Wisconsin metro areas are actively hiring software engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Software Engineering Jobs in Madison
WIEpic Systems
healthtech
Exact Sciences
biotech
American Family Insurance
insurance
University of Wisconsin-Madison
education
Software Engineering Jobs in Milwaukee
WINorthwestern Mutual
finance
Rockwell Automation
manufacturing
Johnson Controls
tech
Kohl's
retail-tech
Transfer Pathways for Software Engineering Degrees in Wisconsin
State Transfer System
Wisconsin provides strong transfer pathways for software engineering students through the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA), a state-level guarantee that general education credits earned at any UW System institution transfer seamlessly to any other UW System institution. This system benefits the 21 two-year technical colleges across Wisconsin, which awarded 204 software engineering associate's degrees in 2023. Students completing an associate's degree at institutions like Chippewa Valley Technical College (46 completions), Fox Valley Technical College, or Milwaukee Area Technical College can transition directly into bachelor's programs with full credit recognition for their general education requirements. This articulation framework reduces time-to-degree and tuition costs for transfer students.
How Transfers Work
The transfer pathway is particularly valuable for students pursuing cost-effective routes to a bachelor's degree. Beginning at a technical college with average tuition of approximately $4,386 annually, students save significant funds before transferring to a four-year institution where public in-state tuition averages $7,030 yearly. Many UW System bachelor's programs explicitly accept associate's degree graduates in software engineering-related fields and allow credits to count toward major requirements. Additionally, Wisconsin's Wisconsin Grant program provides need-based financial aid to Wisconsin residents across both two-year and four-year institutions within the UW System, supporting continuity of funding through the transfer process. For detailed articulation agreements and specific program transfer requirements, students should consult their institution's registrar and explore web development and computer programming pathways, which often share curriculum components with software engineering programs.
Why Pursue a Software Engineering Degree in Wisconsin?
Industry & Workforce
Wisconsin offers a strong software engineering education ecosystem with 45 institutions offering programs across all degree levels, according to IPEDS data. In 2023, Wisconsin institutions awarded 459 bachelor's degrees, 204 associate's degrees, 103 master's degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees in software engineering. This breadth of options makes Wisconsin an accessible destination for students at every educational stage. The state's commitment to software engineering education is evident in institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which consistently ranks among the nation's best programs and completed 95 students in 2023, and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which led the state with 164 completions.
Salary Outlook
Wisconsin's tech industry provides excellent career prospects for software engineering graduates. Major employers including Epic Systems, Advocate Aurora Health, Northwestern Mutual, and Kohl's operate throughout the state, particularly in Milwaukee, Madison, and the Fox Valley regions. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages just $7,030 annually, making Wisconsin significantly more affordable than the national average. For students seeking online flexibility, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers strong programs with a 9230% graduation rate. Whether you're interested in national rankings, affordable options, or computer science and web development pathways, Wisconsin provides exceptional value and opportunity.
Software Engineering Program Availability in Wisconsin
32 Programs
Wisconsin offers 32 accredited software engineering programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Madison, Milwaukee.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Software Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Wisconsin
Employment Outlook
Wisconsin's software engineering job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a strong network of tech employers and educational institutions across the state. The Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metro area, Madison, and Green Bay represent the state's strongest employment hubs for software engineers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wisconsin offers competitive opportunities for software engineering professionals across multiple sectors. The state's higher education system produces 459 bachelor's degree completions annually in software engineering, supplemented by 103 master's degrees and 204 associate's degrees, creating a steady pipeline of skilled talent (IPEDS). This talent supply aligns well with regional employer demand in cities like Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, and Waukesha.
Salaries by Metro
Wisconsin's software engineering landscape benefits from diverse industry sectors including healthcare technology, financial services, and retail innovation. The state's public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of $7,030, making Wisconsin education affordable compared to national standards. For more detailed occupational outlook data, prospective professionals can consult the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Students pursuing degrees can explore Wisconsin's comprehensive offerings by reviewing software engineering programs across the state and comparing opportunities with computer science and computer programming alternatives. The Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) within the UW System facilitates career transitions and educational pathways across the state.
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 Software Engineering Programs in Wisconsin
Online Programs
2 available in Wisconsin
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$15,449/yr$17,166/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 Software Engineering Programs in Other States
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Minnesota
- Total Programs
- 46
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Iowa
- Total Programs
- 26
- Median Tuition
- $30,800
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 80
- Median Tuition
- $26,800
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Michigan
- Total Programs
- 60
- Median Tuition
- $15,200
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 200
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 90
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Software Engineering Degree Programs in Wisconsin: FAQ
What are the best software engineering degree programs in Wisconsin?
The best software engineering degree programs in Wisconsin based on our methodology are: 1) University of Wisconsin-Madison (83% graduation rate), 2) Milwaukee School of Engineering, and 3) University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Wisconsin offers 32 total accredited programs across 21 public and 11 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 17 bachelor's programs.
How much do software engineering degree programs cost in Wisconsin?
Software Engineering degree program costs in Wisconsin vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $17,166/year, while private institutions average $37,765/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $4,292/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $68,664 at public schools to $151,061 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 software engineering degree graduates earn in Wisconsin?
Software Engineering 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 software engineering degree programs in Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin offers 2 accredited online Software Engineering 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 Herzing University-Madison and Herzing University-Brookfield. 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 software engineering degree graduates in Wisconsin?
Major Software Engineering 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 software engineering degree program worth it in Wisconsin?
A software engineering degree program in Wisconsin offers strong ROI with a $103,360 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $17,166/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 software engineering degree programs take in Wisconsin?
Standard completion times for software engineering 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 software engineering degree students in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin software engineering 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.