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Key Takeaways
Best ux design degree programs: U of Wisconsin-Whitewater, U of Wisconsin-Stout, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,506 to $43,532/year
Madison Area Technical Co... offers the most affordable option at $4,386/yr
UX Design degree programs available: 10 associate's in Wisconsin
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
1 online ux design degree programs in Wisconsin
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Wisconsin community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
10 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
UX Design degree programs near 45+ cities across Wisconsin
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Wisconsin UX Design programs
We rank 18 accredited ux design 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 UX Design Degree Programs in Wisconsin Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
UX Design Degree Rankings in Wisconsin
Compare the top-ranked UX Design programs in Wisconsin by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's UX Design Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin offers 10 accredited associate's degree programs in ux design, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Madison Area Technical Co..., Northeast Wisconsin Techn..., Milwaukee Area Technical ..., 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 $5,720/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 ux design schools in Wisconsin, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their ux design degrees in Wisconsin.
Show all 10 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Gateway Technical College | Kenosha, WI | Public | $4,386 | — | 50.4 |
| #7 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | Fennimore, WI | Public | $4,386 | — | 50.4 |
| #8 | Western Technical College | La Crosse, WI | Public | $4,378 | — | 50.4 |
| #9 | Moraine Park Technical College | Fond du Lac, WI | Public | $4,375 | — | 45.1 |
| #10 | Maranatha Baptist University | Watertown, WI | Private | $18,900 | — | 40.9 |
Best Bachelor's UX Design Programs in Wisconsin
Program Landscape
Wisconsin ranks among the nation's top destinations for ux design education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Wisconsin-Whitewater, U of Wisconsin-Stout, U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Wisconsin ux design 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 $6,582 to $43,532 annually, with an average of $15,043/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 88%, with the highest reaching 97%. 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 ux design degrees in Wisconsin, these top-ranked ux design schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | 46.0 |
| #7 | Concordia University-Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | Private | $33,750 | — | 41.5 |
| #8 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI | Private | $43,532 | — | 33.1 |
UX Design Degree Costs & Tuition in Wisconsin
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $9,863/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $24,658/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,466/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $59,180 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $14,794 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for UX Design Students in Wisconsin
State Aid Programs
Wisconsin students pursuing UX Design degrees have access to comprehensive financial aid programs designed to make higher education affordable. The Wisconsin Grant program provides need-based grants specifically for Wisconsin residents attending institutions within the University of Wisconsin System, making it a valuable resource for students at UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Platteville, and other UW campuses. This state-specific aid complements federal financial assistance available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens the door to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Students should complete the FAFSA at (Federal Student Aid) to determine their eligibility for both federal and state aid packages.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal grants, many Wisconsin institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid to UX Design students. The University of Wisconsin System's commitment to affordability is reflected in average public in-state tuition of $7,030 annually for four-year institutions, significantly lower than the national average. Community colleges like Madison Area Technical College and Milwaukee Area Technical College provide even more affordable pathways at $4,386 per year, allowing students to complete general education requirements before transferring credits through the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA). Prospective students should contact their chosen institution's financial aid office to learn about program-specific scholarships, employer partnerships, and work-study positions that can offset costs. For detailed information about state grants and eligibility requirements, visit (Wisconsin Grant).
UX Design Degree ROI Calculator, Wisconsin
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a ux design 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.
UX Design Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a ux design degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+592%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,094,847
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$104,762
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
UX Design 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 UX Design Graduates in Wisconsin
Find ux design jobs in Wisconsin. These major employers across Wisconsin metro areas are actively hiring ux design degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
UX Design Jobs in Madison
WIUX Design Jobs in Milwaukee
WITransfer Pathways for UX Design Degrees in Wisconsin
State Transfer System
Wisconsin's Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) simplifies pathways from community colleges to four-year universities for UX Design students. The UCTA guarantees that all general education credits earned at Wisconsin's 11 two-year institutions, including Madison Area Technical College (47 completions), Milwaukee Area Technical College, and Gateway Technical College, transfer seamlessly to the state's four-year institutions (Universal Credit Transfer Agreement). Students earning an associate degree in UX Design or a related field can transition to bachelor's programs at any University of Wisconsin System institution without losing credit hours. This structured pathway reduces both time-to-degree and overall cost, with two-year programs averaging $4,386 in tuition compared to four-year institutions at $7,030.
How Transfers Work
Specific transfer-friendly partnerships exist within Wisconsin's technical education network. Students at Madison Area Technical College or Chippewa Valley Technical College can articulate directly into bachelor's programs at University of Wisconsin-Stout (the state's largest UX Design producer), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, or University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with junior-level standing. The state's Wisconsin Grant program provides need-based financial aid continuity across institutions, supporting students throughout their transfer journey. Students should consult their community college advisors and the Wisconsin transfer system website for specific articulation agreements. Additionally, students interested in related technical fields can explore transfer options in Web Development in Wisconsin, Mobile Development in Wisconsin, and Information Technology in Wisconsin to customize their educational pathway.
Why Pursue an UX Design Degree in Wisconsin?
Industry & Workforce
Wisconsin offers a strong UX Design education landscape with 22 institutions offering programs across associate, bachelor, and master degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 268 program completions in 2023, demonstrating strong institutional commitment to this growing field. Public four-year institutions in Wisconsin average in-state tuition of just $7,030, making quality UX Design education accessible compared to national averages. The University of Wisconsin System stands as a cornerstone of technical education, with University of Wisconsin-Stout leading the state with 52 completions and Madison Area Technical College contributing 47 completions, showing diverse pathways from two-year to four-year programs.
Salary Outlook
Wisconsin's major metropolitan areas. Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, host thriving tech ecosystems with major employers including Epic Systems, Northwestern Mutual, and Advocate Aurora Health, all seeking UX Design talent. The state's affordability combined with quality institutions creates exceptional value; University of Wisconsin-Platteville ranks #3 nationally for bachelor programs with tuition of only $6,827, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leads the state's rankings. Students exploring related fields can transition easily through Wisconsin's technical education network, complementary programs in Web Development in Wisconsin, Mobile Development in Wisconsin, and Game Development in Wisconsin provide additional career pathways and specialization opportunities.
UX Design Program Availability in Wisconsin
Source: IPEDS 2024
UX Design Job Market & Salary Data in Wisconsin
Employment Outlook
Wisconsin's UX design job market is supported by a diverse employer landscape and growing demand for digital experience professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wisconsin's technology sector continues to expand, with major metropolitan areas including Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Madison, and Green Bay emerging as regional tech hubs. The state's investment in higher education is reflected in 22 institutions offering UX design programs across associate's and bachelor's levels, producing 268 program completions annually based on the most recent IPEDS data. This pipeline of talent supports both established corporations and emerging startups throughout the state.
Salaries by Metro
The Wisconsin education system is uniquely positioned to support career pathways in UX design. Public four-year institutions charge an average in-state tuition of $7,030, making Wisconsin one of the more affordable states for degree completion. The University of Wisconsin System has implemented the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA), which guarantees transfer of general education credits between institutions, allowing students to start at technical colleges like Madison Area Technical College (which produces 47 completions annually) and transition seamlessly to universities like UW-Stout (52 completions annually). This pathway flexibility, combined with state financial aid through the Wisconsin Grant program, creates accessible entry points for aspiring UX designers. Students interested in related fields can also explore Web Development, Game Development, and Information Technology programs within the state.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus UX Design Programs in Wisconsin
Online Programs
1 available in Wisconsin
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare UX Design Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $8,800
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,300
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $12,800
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $13,400
- Total Programs
- 65
- Median Tuition
- $6,200
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $4,200
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $8,800
- Total Programs
- 61
- Median Tuition
- $19,000
UX Design Degree Programs in Wisconsin: FAQ
What are the best ux design degree programs in Wisconsin?
How much do ux design degree programs cost in Wisconsin?
What salary can ux design degree graduates earn in Wisconsin?
Are there online ux design degree programs in Wisconsin?
What companies hire ux design degree graduates in Wisconsin?
Is an ux design degree program worth it in Wisconsin?
How long do ux design degree programs take in Wisconsin?
What financial aid is available for ux design 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.