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Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin

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2023 Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin

89 Schools Ranked
$41,913 Average Earnings
$22,578 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for students. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

The Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 89 schools in Wisconsin to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, Wisconsin
17,417 Total Awards
$50,802 Average Earnings
$20,865 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named University of Wisconsin - Madison the most popular school in Wisconsin for students working on their degree. This large public school is located in Madison, Wisconsin, and it awarded 17,417 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,865 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $336, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UW - Madison graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,802 during the early year of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Madison

#2

University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
6,303 Total Awards
$43,205 Average Earnings
$27,753 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin list. UWM is a large public school situated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It awarded 6,303 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UWM accumulate an average of $27,753 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $206 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UWM graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,205 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

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#3

Marquette University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3,619 Total Awards
$52,581 Average Earnings
$21,711 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 89 schools in Wisconsin that were part of this year’s ranking, Marquette University landed the # 3 spot on the list. Milwaukee, Wisconsin is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 3,619 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Marquette accumulate an average of $21,711 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $485. During the early years of their career, Marquette graduates make an average of $52,581 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

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#4

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, Wisconsin
3,502 Total Awards
$36,943 Average Earnings
$14,511 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Fox Valley Technical College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin list. Located in Appleton, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school awarded 3,502 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from FVTC accumulate an average of $14,511 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, FVTC graduates make an average of $36,943 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read full report on Fox Valley Technical College

#5

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, Wisconsin
3,411 Total Awards
$40,202 Average Earnings
$19,738 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 89 schools in Wisconsin that were part of this year’s ranking, Madison Area Technical College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Madison College is located in Madison, Wisconsin and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,411 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,738 in student loans.After graduating from Madison College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,202 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Full Madison Area Technical College Report

#6

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Whitewater, Wisconsin
3,121 Total Awards
$40,115 Average Earnings
$24,872 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Whitewater came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin ranking. UW - Whitewater is a public institution located in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3,121 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,872 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $202. Once they receive their degree, UW - Whitewater graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,115 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

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3,027 Total Awards
$36,536 Average Earnings
$17,377 Avg Student Debt

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin list. NWTC is a fairly large public school situated in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It awarded 3,027 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,377 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, NWTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,536 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

Read full report on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

#8

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
3,021 Total Awards
$42,330 Average Earnings
$21,871 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #8 on the list. This fairly large public school is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and it awarded 3,021 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,871 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $121.After graduating from UW - Eau Claire, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,330 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire

#9

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2,746 Total Awards
$34,516 Average Earnings
$18,775 Avg Student Debt

Milwaukee Area Technical College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school awarded 2,746 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,775 in student loans. During the early years of their career, MATC graduates make an average of $34,516 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full Milwaukee Area Technical College Report

#10

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin
2,715 Total Awards
$43,651 Average Earnings
$22,366 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin list. Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the fairly large public school awarded 2,715 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,366 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $158 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UW - La Crosse, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,651 during the early years of their career. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Report

#11

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisconsin
2,682 Total Awards
$43,232 Average Earnings
$23,848 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin list. UW Oshkosh is a public institution located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 2,682 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $23,848 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $161, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, UW Oshkosh graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,232 during the early year of their career. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

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#12

Gateway Technical College

Kenosha, Wisconsin
2,549 Total Awards
$34,772 Average Earnings
$17,283 Avg Student Debt

Gateway Technical College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and it awarded 2,549 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Gateway Technical College accumulate an average of $17,283 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Gateway Technical College graduates make an average of $34,772 annually. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Gateway Technical College Report

#13

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Eau Claire, Wisconsin
2,462 Total Awards
$40,325 Average Earnings
$17,333 Avg Student Debt

Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin ranking. CVTC is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 2,462 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from CVTC accumulate an average of $17,333 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, CVTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,325 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

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#14

Northcentral Technical College

Wausau, Wisconsin
2,435 Total Awards
$33,732 Average Earnings
$13,759 Avg Student Debt

Northcentral Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #14 on the list. Located in Wausau, Wisconsin, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,435 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $13,759 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from North Central Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $33,732 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

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#15

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

Stevens Point, Wisconsin
2,105 Total Awards
$36,544 Average Earnings
$24,229 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin list. UW - Stevens Point is a medium-sized public school situated in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. It awarded 2,105 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,229 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $208. During the early years of their career, UW - Stevens Point graduates make an average of $36,544 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#16

Waukesha County Technical College

Pewaukee, Wisconsin
2,013 Total Awards
$38,058 Average Earnings
$18,321 Avg Student Debt

Waukesha County Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #16 on the list. WCTC is a medium-sized public school situated in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. It awarded 2,013 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WCTC accumulate an average of $18,321 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, WCTC graduates make an average of $38,058 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

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#17

University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Green Bay, Wisconsin
1,855 Total Awards
$36,510 Average Earnings
$24,204 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Green Bay came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin ranking. Located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,855 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UW - Green Bay accumulate an average of $24,204 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $101. Once they receive their degree, UW - Green Bay graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,510 during the early year of their career. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

#18

University of Wisconsin - Platteville

Platteville, Wisconsin
1,840 Total Awards
$50,080 Average Earnings
$21,924 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Platteville came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Platteville, Wisconsin, and it awarded 1,840 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UW - Platteville accumulate an average of $21,924 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $175 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UW - Platteville, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,080 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 39% were women.

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#19

University of Wisconsin - Stout

Menomonie, Wisconsin
1,777 Total Awards
$46,261 Average Earnings
$24,863 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - Stout came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin ranking. Menomonie, Wisconsin is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,777 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,863 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $157. Once they receive their degree, UW - Stout graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,261 during the early year of their career. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

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#20

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

Shell Lake, Wisconsin
1,605 Total Awards
$32,898 Average Earnings
$12,892 Avg Student Debt

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This small public school is located in Shell Lake, Wisconsin, and it awarded 1,605 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from WITC accumulate an average of $12,892 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, WITC graduates make an average of $32,898 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

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#21

University of Wisconsin - River Falls

River Falls, Wisconsin
1,568 Total Awards
$42,815 Average Earnings
$24,659 Avg Student Debt

University of Wisconsin - River Falls ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin list. Located in River Falls, Wisconsin, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,568 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,659 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $115. During the early years of their career, UW - River Falls graduates make an average of $42,815 annually. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Wisconsin - River Falls

#22

Concordia University, Wisconsin

Mequon, Wisconsin
1,504 Total Awards
$51,442 Average Earnings
$28,938 Avg Student Debt

Concordia University, Wisconsin came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin ranking. Mequon, Wisconsin is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 1,504 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,938 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $401 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Concordia University, Wisconsin graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $51,442 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

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#23

Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
1,490 Total Awards
$37,031 Average Earnings
$14,592 Avg Student Debt

Moraine Park Technical College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin ranking. Fond du Lac, Wisconsin is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,490 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $14,592 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Moraine Park Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,031 during the early year of their career. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

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#24

Western Technical College

La Crosse, Wisconsin
1,273 Total Awards
$37,508 Average Earnings
$16,427 Avg Student Debt

Western Technical College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Wisconsin list. Western Technical College is a small public school located in La Crosse, Wisconsin that handed out 1,273 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,427 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Western Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,508 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Full Western Technical College Report

#25

Viterbo University

La Crosse, Wisconsin
1,088 Total Awards
$57,464 Average Earnings
$28,919 Avg Student Debt

Viterbo University landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Viterbo is a private not-for-profit institution located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,088 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,919 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $326. Once they receive their degree, Viterbo graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $57,464 during the early year of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Viterbo University

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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