Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Wisconsin 2025
University of Wisconsin-Madison
233 computer engineering graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
Milwaukee School of Engineering
171 computer engineering graduates annually, 77% graduation rate
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
90 computer engineering graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.Wisconsin offers 18+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Wisconsin-Madison leads with 83% 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)
Computer Engineering Education in Wisconsin: Overview
Wisconsin offers 18 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 724 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 computer engineering programs in the state are led by University of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Wisconsin Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | Public | $9,644 | 83% | 85.4 |
| 2 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $46,385 | 77% | 74.9 |
| 3 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Platteville, WI | Public | $6,827 | 99% | 66.4 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Public | $8,455 | 97% | 62.7 |
| 5 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Green Bay, WI | Public | $6,767 | 79% | 49.7 |
| 6 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | La Crosse, WI | Public | $7,974 | 92% | 49.1 |
| 7 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | Whitewater, WI | Public | $6,812 | 92% | 47.8 |
| 8 | Wisconsin Lutheran College | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $34,520 | 93% | 46.7 |
| 9 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | Private | $47,690 | — | 44.1 |
| 10 | Beloit College | Beloit, WI | Private | $58,042 | — | 42.9 |
| 11 | Carroll University | Waukesha, WI | Private | $36,400 | — | 42.3 |
| 12 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | Stevens Point, WI | Public | $7,112 | 86% | 42.2 |
| 13 | Concordia University-Wisconsin | Mequon, WI | Private | $33,750 | — | 41.7 |
| 14 | Lawrence University | Appleton, WI | Private | $55,149 | — | 41.3 |
| 15 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Oshkosh, WI | Public | $6,806 | 89% | 41.3 |
| 16 | Saint Norbert College | De Pere, WI | Private | $43,532 | — | 34.8 |
| 17 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls | River Falls, WI | Public | $6,837 | — | 33.5 |
| 18 | Ripon College | Ripon, WI | Private | $50,400 | — | 33.1 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Wisconsin: Side-by-Side
| School | UW Madison | Milwaukee School of... | U of Wisconsin-Platteville | U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | U of Wisconsin-Green Bay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,644 | $46,385 | $6,827 | $8,455 | $6,767 |
| Graduation Rate | 83% | 77% | 99% | 97% | 79% |
| Annual Graduates | 233 | 171 | 90 | 69 | 34 |
| Acceptance Rate | 43% | 60% | 87% | 88% | 88% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 85.4/100 | 74.9/100 | 66.4/100 | 62.7/100 | 49.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers 15 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $72,352 in the Wisconsin market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 233 | 85.4 |
| #2 Milwaukee School of... | $46,385 | 77% | 171 | 74.9 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 138 | 71.0 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Wisconsin
For graduate study, Wisconsin offers 7 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Wisconsin reaching $134,368 or more.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Wisconsin
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UW Madison | $9,644 | 83% | 114 | 85.4 |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | $8,455 | 97% | 69 | 62.7 |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $7,974 | 92% | 8 | 49.1 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Wisconsin
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Wisconsin are at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay ($6,767/year), University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ($6,806/year), University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ($6,812/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Wisconsin's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a 4-year degree costs approximately $27,068 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $72,352, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Wisconsin (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $6,767 | $27,068 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 U of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $6,806 | $27,224 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $6,812 | $27,248 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Wisconsin
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering 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-Madison
Madison, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,644 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 233 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 43%
- • Ranking Score: 85.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 233 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 85.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (233 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (43% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $46,385 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 77% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 171 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 60%
- • Ranking Score: 74.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 77% graduation rate
- 171 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 74.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (77%), program size (171 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (60% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
MSOE's Computer Engineering program balances hardware and software, building on electrical engineering and computer science disciplines. The program is ABET-accredited and achieves 96% employment/graduate school placement for recent graduates.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $75,532
- Job Placement: 96% of 2023-24 graduates from computer engineering program are fully employed, enrolled in graduate school or enlisted in a branch of the military after graduation
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,827 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 90 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 66.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 90 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (90 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,455 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 69 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 62.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 69 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (69 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UWM's Computer Engineering program offers a unique blend of computer science and electrical engineering with strong industry partnerships in Wisconsin's largest city, providing access to well-paid internships averaging over $8,000 in summer positions. The program features a redesigned curriculum for faster graduation and specialization tracks in emerging areas like IoT and embedded systems.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •four years of mathematics (including one-and-a-half years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one-half year of trigonometry)
- •four years of natural science (including biology, chemistry, and physics)
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 95.3%
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 120 credits
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $76,000
- Top Employers: Astronautics Corporation of America, Dematic, GE Healthcare, Intel, Microsoft, Milwaukee Tool, Northwestern Mutual, Quad, Rockwell Automation, Tesla
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, WI • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,767 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 79% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 34 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 88%
- • Ranking Score: 49.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 79% graduation rate
- 34 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 49.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (79%), program size (34 graduates), state salary outcomes ($103,360), and selectivity (88% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Science program at UW-Green Bay offers specialized tracks in high-demand areas including Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, with hands-on courses like Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Ethical Hacking, and Digital Forensics. The program requires a capstone project and emphasizes both technical skills and ethics with required coursework in Technology, Ethics, and Society.
Program Details
- Credits: 84
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
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Data Scientist
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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.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Wisconsin
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Explore information technology programs in Wisconsin
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
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 18)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration (consider SF, Seattle, NYC)
Computer Engineering in Wisconsin FAQ
Based on 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering 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
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
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