Top 3 UX Design Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
33 ux design graduates annually, 92% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
25 ux design graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Stout
52 ux design graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 8+ accredited ux design programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Wisconsin-Whitewater leads with 92% 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)
UX Design Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 8 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 149 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 ux design programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Stout, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
UX Design 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 UX Design Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | Public | $6,812 | 92% | 60.6 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,455 | 97% | 58.2 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | Public | $7,330 | — | 57.7 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | Public | $6,767 | 79% | 50.8 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside | Kenosha, WI | Public | $6,582 | — | 45.6 |
| 6 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | 43.6 |
| 7 | Concordia University-Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | Private | $33,750 | — | 39.1 |
| 8 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI | Private | $43,532 | — | 31.8 |
Top 5 UX Design Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | U of Wisconsin-Stout | U of Wisconsin-Green Bay | U of Wisconsin-Parkside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,812 | $8,455 | $7,330 | $6,767 | $6,582 |
| Graduation Rate | 92% | 97% | N/A% | 79% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 33 | 25 | 52 | 17 | 15 |
| Acceptance Rate | 83% | 88% | 85% | 88% | 73% |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 60.6/100 | 58.2/100 | 57.7/100 | 50.8/100 | 45.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 8 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-Stout. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,352 in the Wisconsin market.
A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $6,812 | 92% | 33 | 60.6 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 25 | 58.2 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Stout | $7,330 | N/A% | 52 | 57.7 |
Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
Master's-level ux design programs are limited in Wisconsin. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in Wisconsin are at University of Wisconsin-Parkside ($6,582/year), University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ($6,767/year), University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ($6,812/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 UX Design Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable UX Design 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-Green Bay | $6,767 | $27,068 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $6,812 | $27,248 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 33 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 60.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 33 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 60.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (33 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Media Arts and Game Development program at UW-Whitewater combines classes from communication, art, music, computer science and other academic areas, providing versatile technical education. The program features a cutting-edge motion capture studio and boasts 100% employment rate for graduates within one year.
Available Scholarships
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 100% of UW-Whitewater Media Arts and Game Design majors were employed in their field within one year of graduation (2022-23)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,455 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 25 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 58.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 25 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 58.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (25 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,330 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 52 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 57.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 52 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (52 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,767 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 17 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 50.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 17 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.8 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (17 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Kenosha, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,582 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 15 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 45.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 15 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 45.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (73% 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 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Wisconsin
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Ux Design Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
UX Design 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.