2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Wisconsin
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Wisconsin? This list ranks 87 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 41 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Wisconsin
Explore the best-value schools below:
Northcentral Technical College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Wisconsin. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, compared with $7,132 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,709. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,925. That is a strong return on a $11,709 median debt. More on Northcentral Technical College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Wisconsin. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $16,812. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,413. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
You'll get strong value at Fox Valley Technical College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Students borrow a median of $13,319 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. Set against $13,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Fox Valley Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Wisconsin. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $14,234 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
Moraine Park Technical College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Wisconsin. Based in Fond du Lac, WI, Moraine Park Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,819, while out-of-state students pay about $7,084. Students borrow a median of $11,471 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Moraine Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,371 a decade after entry. Set against $11,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Moraine Park Technical College
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Located in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,904, with out-of-state students paying around $7,147. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,112. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. Set against $12,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southwest Wisconsin Technical College profile
Western Technical College La Cross placed #7 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Wisconsin. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,820, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. Western Technical College La Cross Science & Tech students take on a median of $13,669 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,303 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. More on Western Technical College La Cross
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College landed the #8 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,997 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,553. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. See the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College profile
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,595 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,595 median debt. Read the full report on Waukesha County Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,747, compared with $6,803 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,715 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Blackhawk Technical College profile
Lakeshore Technical College landed the #11 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Lakeshore Technical College is a public school based in Cleveland, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Students borrow a median of $11,582 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Lakeshore Technical College alumni report median earnings of $47,113 a decade after entry. Set against $11,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Lakeshore Technical College
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,829 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,264. Set against $14,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Located in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,926, with out-of-state students paying around $7,169. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,384. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College alumni report median earnings of $43,406 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,384 median debt. More on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
Mid State Technical College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Mid State Technical College is a public school based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,002 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,171. Mid State Technical College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,626 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,253. That is a strong return on a $11,626 median debt. Get the full Mid State Technical College report
Milwaukee Area Technical College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,184, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,296 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Milwaukee Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,113 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Students borrow a median of $24,245 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $54,458 ten years out. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
University Of Wisconsin Platteville landed the #17 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Located in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,644, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Platteville Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,677 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,760. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Platteville admits about 89% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Platteville
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Students borrow a median of $25,306 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Set against $25,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,548. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,551. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,378 ten years after entry. Set against $23,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #21 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Graduates carry a median of $22,574 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,574 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Graduates carry a median of $24,477 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,528 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Green Bay profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #23 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Set in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,821. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. That is a strong return on a $25,821 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #24 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Science & Tech students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #25 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Students borrow a median of $24,161 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,021. That is a strong return on a $24,161 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Wisconsin
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Wisconsin Parkside came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,270, with out-of-state students paying around $17,429. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,485. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,129. That is a strong return on a $24,485 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Parkside
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #27 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Graduates carry a median of $26,657 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,990 ten years out. Set against $26,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Viterbo University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Viterbo University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,250. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $29,107. Viterbo University alumni report median earnings of $55,660 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Viterbo University
Rasmussen College Wisconsin landed the #29 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Rasmussen College Wisconsin is a private for-profit school based in Green Bay, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $16,345. Rasmussen College Wisconsin Science & Tech students take on a median of $28,798 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,798 median debt. See the full Rasmussen College Wisconsin profile
Herzing University Madison placed #30 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Wisconsin. Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,450. Students borrow a median of $30,328 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Herzing University Madison
Alverno College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Students borrow a median of $34,425 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $53,145 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,425 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Alverno College
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $36,110 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,916. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,664. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Concordia University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Graduates carry a median of $27,172 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Carroll University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Waukesha, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,890. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,904. Median earnings reach $58,009 ten years out. Set against $26,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Carroll University report
Mount Mary College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Mount Mary College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,420. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,372. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,745. Set against $26,372 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mount Mary College report
Marian University Wisconsin came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $35,204 in tuition and fees. Marian University Wisconsin Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,242 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Marian University Wisconsin profile
Marquette University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Marquette University Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,122 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. Set against $24,122 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Marquette University profile
Edgewood College landed the #38 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Located in Madison, WI, Edgewood College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,860. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,728. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on Edgewood College
Carthage College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Kenosha, WI, Carthage College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,750. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,708. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,708 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. More on Carthage College
Saint Norbert College placed #40 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Wisconsin. Set in De Pere, WI, Saint Norbert College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,580 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,578 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,363 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,578 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Norbert College profile
Milwaukee Career College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. More on Milwaukee Career College
State College Of Beauty Culture Inc offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Get the full State College Of Beauty Culture Inc report
Aveda Institute Madison landed the #43 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. Read more about Aveda Institute Madison
House Of Heavilin Beauty College Academy Of Beauty Professionals Appleton came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read more about House Of Heavilin Beauty College Academy Of Beauty Professionals Appleton
Nashotah House
Nashotah House landed the #45 spot for value in Wisconsin this year. More on Nashotah House
Sacred Heart School Of Theology ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read more about Sacred Heart School Of Theology
House Of Heavilin Beauty College Academy Of Beauty Professionals Green Bay ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read more about House Of Heavilin Beauty College Academy Of Beauty Professionals Green Bay
Northland College placed #48 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Wisconsin. See the full Northland College profile
Vici Beauty School ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Get the full Vici Beauty School report
Herzing University Brookfield came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. More on Herzing University Brookfield
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 41 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 87 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).