Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff

Published: Jun 3, 2022
Updated: Jan 25, 2024

Key Takeaways

An online MBA program in Wisconsin can open leadership role opportunities in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration.
There are a number of public universities in Wisconsin that have a tuition of less than $10K per year.
An online MBA degree in Wisconsin is a perfect option for busy working professionals because of the flexibility.

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Concordia University Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
University of Wisconsin–River Falls
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
Viterbo University
University of Wisconsin–Parkside

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 89%
Marquette University 87%
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 86%
University of Wisconsin–River Falls 84%
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 82%
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 77%
University of Wisconsin–Parkside 73%
Viterbo University 72%
Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
University of Wisconsin–Madison 49%

University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 20 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 19 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 19 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Madison 18 to 1
University of Wisconsin–River Falls 18 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 17 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Parkside 17 to 1
Marquette University 13 to 1
Viterbo University 12 to 1
Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1

Marquette University $46,670
Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
Viterbo University $31,150
University of Wisconsin–Madison $9,273
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $8,091
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $7,361
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $6,519
University of Wisconsin–River Falls $6,428
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $6,422
University of Wisconsin–Parkside $6,298

Marquette University $22,410
Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
University of Wisconsin–Madison $10,728
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $10,701
Viterbo University $9,824
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $8,436
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $8,188
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $8,108
University of Wisconsin–Parkside $8,028
University of Wisconsin–River Falls $7,793

University of Wisconsin–River Falls
Viterbo University
University of Wisconsin–Parkside
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Concordia University Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

University of Wisconsin–Parkside
Viterbo University
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
University of Wisconsin–River Falls
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Concordia University Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison 49%
Concordia University Wisconsin 70%
Viterbo University 72%
University of Wisconsin–Parkside 73%
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 77%
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 82%
University of Wisconsin–River Falls 84%
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 86%
Marquette University 87%
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 89%

Concordia University Wisconsin 11 to 1
Viterbo University 12 to 1
Marquette University 13 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee 17 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Parkside 17 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Madison 18 to 1
University of Wisconsin–River Falls 18 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater 19 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire 19 to 1
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh 20 to 1

University of Wisconsin–Parkside $6,298
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $6,422
University of Wisconsin–River Falls $6,428
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $6,519
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $7,361
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $8,091
University of Wisconsin–Madison $9,273
Viterbo University $31,150
Concordia University Wisconsin $33,062
Marquette University $46,670

University of Wisconsin–River Falls $7,793
University of Wisconsin–Parkside $8,028
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh $8,108
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire $8,188
University of Wisconsin–Whitewater $8,436
Viterbo University $9,824
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee $10,701
University of Wisconsin–Madison $10,728
Concordia University Wisconsin $12,042
Marquette University $22,410

Table of Contents

Known for its cold winters, dairy farms, and ginseng production, Wisconsin is vastly visited by those who want to taste America’s Midwest. But these are not the only things WI is known for. While Wisconsin’s economy heavily relies on agriculture, it also has one of the most extensive college systems in the nation.

One of the best programs Wisconsin offers is the Master of Business Administration (MBA). In addition to on-campus programs, Wisconsin provides several MBA programs with online learning formats.

These online MBA programs are designed to be flexible and convenient to help adult students with active employment status pursue their academic and professional goals.

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Wisconsin

Between community colleges, technical schools, and universities, Wisconsin has 30 public schools. All the public schools in Wisconsin have affordable tuitions, ranging from $4,000 to $11,000.

The University of Wisconsin - Madison has over 35,000 students in attendance, making it the largest in the state. The tuition runs about $11,000, and the school boasts an 85% graduation rate. Public affairs, veterinary medicine, and human ecology are just some of the fields students can study here.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Of Wisconsin’s 29 private schools, 18 are religious. With just under 10,000 students, Marquette University is the largest, and tuition for this school is about $42,000. Located in Milwaukee, this Catholic, Jesuit university offers degrees in fields like business, engineering, physical therapy, and law.

Also located in Milwaukee, the state’s smallest institution, the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, is a private graduate school with just over 30 students, and is geared toward those earning their doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Wisconsin, like many states, also provides a loan forgiveness program to those who are working in the health care field.

Major Industries in Wisconsin

One of the best things master of business administration students can do to increase their chances for higher return on investments (ROI) is to know the major industries in a state before pursuing an online MBA. This will help you select MBA concentrations and courses that meet their unique requirements.

Moreover, job opportunities and security increase if your talents and education match those of industries well-represented in your chosen area, as you’ll be less likely to experience unemployment during economic downturns.

The major industries in Wisconsin are:

Agriculture

As mentioned above, dairy production is an essential sector of the agricultural economy in Wisconsin. Commodities, including corn, soybeans, and cranberries, are also significant in the agricultural landscape. The state is recognized for its cheese production and is frequently called “America’s Dairyland.”

To gain a competitive edge, the best MBA concentrations to pursue are Environmental Management, Supply Chain Management, and Rural and Agricultural Development.

Manufacturing

Wisconsin has a strong manufacturing sector, focusing on machinery, electronics, food processing, and paper products. Milwaukee, in particular, is known for its manufacturing heritage, including companies like Harley-Davidson and Johnson Controls.

More job opportunities will arise if you major in Operations, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management.

Healthcare

The University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics and the Marshfield Clinic are only two examples of Wisconsin’s world-class medical facilities. The management and administration of healthcare are essential components of this sector.

This sector is ideal for MBA holders with a healthcare management specialization.

Retail Trade

Retail trade in Wisconsin significantly contributes to the state’s economy, providing jobs and serving the needs of residents and tourists. The retail sector in Wisconsin, like in many other states, encompasses a wide range of businesses and includes various types of retail establishments.

To stand out in job applications, you should pursue an MBA concentration in Retail Management, Marketing, or Business Analytics.

Financial Services

Wisconsin has a robust banking sector, with a mix of national and regional banks serving individuals, businesses, and agricultural enterprises. Wisconsin is known for its strong credit union presence and insurance industry.

Applicants interested in this sector should pursue an MBA specialization in Finance or Investment Management.

Learn more about Wisconsin’s higher education opportunities by checking out the state’s variety of colleges and universities.

What are Wisconsin’s Colleges & Universities?

Wisconsin’s Best Overall

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

How do we determine the best online MBA programs in Wisconsin?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

young business professionals working on a business strategy plan

Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Location: Wisconsin (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,566
Avg. Expenses*: $12,796
Avg. Starting Salary*: $85,898
Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $92,797
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 3 years
Job Growth: 4.86%
Number of Jobs: 11,888,900
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Chief Executives	-8.21%	$174,920
Computer and Information Systems Managers	15.41%	$136,250
Sales Managers	4.06%	$129,460
Compensation and Benefits Managers	1.71%	$126,090
Human Resources Managers	5.22%	$124,650
Training and Development Managers	6.54%	$118,310
General and Operations Managers	4.20%	$111,940
Medical and Health Services Managers	28.40%	$110,010
Purchasing Managers	4.39%	$108,310
Administrative Services Managers	5.62%	$105,000

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%	Median	Top 10%
$56,773	$92,681	$142,607

Promising Job Markets

State	Cost of Living	Avg. Salary
#15 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$92,681
#2 New York	5% higher than average	$116,372
#3 Virginia	5% higher than average	$104,589
#4 Michigan	15% higher than average	$90,047
#5 Georgia	13% higher than average	$90,306
#6 Illinois	7% higher than average	$96,596
#7 Delaware	2% higher than average	$106,159
#8 Ohio	14% higher than average	$88,985
#9 New Jersey	13% higher than average	$116,786
#10 Alabama	13% higher than average	$89,100
#11 Missouri	16% higher than average	$86,291
#12 Texas	10% higher than average	$91,909
#13 Colorado	3% higher than average	$105,194
#14 Tennessee	14% higher than average	$86,864
#15 Minnesota	4% higher than average	$95,799
#16 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$92,681
#17 Washington	7% higher than average	$105,360
#18 North Carolina	11% higher than average	$87,235
#19 Kansas	9% higher than average	$88,261
#20 Kentucky	14% higher than average	$82,807
#21 Indiana	11% higher than average	$85,766
#22 Pennsylvania	5% higher than average	$90,464
#23 South Carolina	8% higher than average	$87,188
#24 Louisiana	9% higher than average	$85,590
#25 Utah	4% higher than average	$90,368
#26 Oklahoma	13% higher than average	$81,069
#27 West Virginia	11% higher than average	$82,432
#28 Florida	6% higher than average	$87,100
#29 Nebraska	6% higher than average	$86,635
#30 Arizona	5% higher than average	$87,855
#31 New Mexico	7% higher than average	$84,955
#32 Arkansas	16% higher than average	$76,800
#33 Iowa	9% higher than average	$82,805
#34 South Dakota	7% higher than average	$84,133
#35 Rhode Island	20% higher than average	$108,149
#36 Connecticut	18% higher than average	$105,095
#37 Mississippi	18% higher than average	$72,688
#38 New Hampshire	13% higher than average	$98,866
#39 Maryland	18% higher than average	$102,544
#40 Massachusetts	24% higher than average	$106,805
#41 Wyoming	2% higher than average	$84,203
#42 California	26% higher than average	$107,572
#43 Montana	3% higher than average	$82,439
#44 North Dakota	average	$84,322
#45 Oregon	11% higher than average	$92,032
#46 Idaho	7% higher than average	$76,051
#47 District of Columbia	49% higher than average	$120,672
#48 Maine	9% higher than average	$85,124
#49 Alaska	23% higher than average	$95,250
#50 Vermont	13% higher than average	$87,431
#51 Nevada	5% higher than average	$79,841
#52 Hawaii	40% higher than average	$90,634

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Chief Executives	$174,920
Computer and Information Systems Managers	$136,250
Sales Managers	$129,460
Compensation and Benefits Managers	$126,090
Human Resources Managers	$124,650
Training and Development Managers	$118,310
General and Operations Managers	$111,940
Medical and Health Services Managers	$110,010
Purchasing Managers	$108,310
Administrative Services Managers	$105,000

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

While there are a number of excellent online MBA programs in Wisconsin, students may choose to explore some of the online MBA programs in a neighboring state like Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota. An online education can be a great option no matter your state of residence.

young business professional sitting at a desk in front of a computer

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Degrees in Wisconsin

MBAs are one of American higher education’s most versatile and popular degree programs. These advanced degrees offer a variety of specializations that can help working professionals build leadership skills, expand their network, and enhance their overall business knowledge. MBA degrees are excellent options for anyone needing business fundamentals covered while having the chance to study more in a selected concentration.

Go to Online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.

The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes—elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT, or don’t.

If you are considering a graduate business school that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application, and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.

If you’re going to take the test, at minimum you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. People have many different opinions about which GMAT test prep resources are the best, therefore we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have—test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.

There is a growing number of high quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. Furthermore, there are a lot of highly reputable colleges and universities offering online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT. If standardized testing simply isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

The length of an online MBA program varies depending on the program’s requirements. Some specializations may require more hours than others. However, the typical 30-credit hour online MBA program can be earned in 2 years, while some 60-credit hours may take up to four years. An additional factor for length is full- and part-time enrollment; full-time students can graduate faster, while part-timers will take longer.

Online MBA degrees follow the same curriculum and requirements as their on-campus counterparts. Master’s degree courses will vary depending on the student’s chosen specialization, but you will likely be required to complete a thesis or professional experience component.

Core courses of online MBA programs include corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations. Typical online MBA courses will have multiple deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments.

Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. This means students watch lectures and read when they can, and likely join web forums for class discussions. While online MBA courses can be “self-paced”, there usually are still mid-term and end of term deadlines.

Cost varies depending on the institution’s type. Public colleges and universities are most likely to charge significantly lower fees for in-state students but can charge higher for non-residents.

Private colleges often offer a flat-rate tuition. Accredited MBA programs, such as those approved by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), will cost more than non-accredited programs.

Online MBA programs in Wisconsin will cost anywhere between $16K to $40K.

MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. Online MBA programs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

Key Takeaways

Wisconsin's Best Online MBA Programs

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in Wisconsin

Major Industries in Wisconsin

Agriculture

Manufacturing

Healthcare

Retail Trade

Financial Services

What are Wisconsin’s Colleges & Universities?

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Marquette University

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

Online Master's Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Concordia University Wisconsin

Online Master's Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Wisconsin–Parkside

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Viterbo University

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Wisconsin–River Falls

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Degrees in Wisconsin

What is an MBA?

Do Online MBA Programs Require the GMAT?

How long does it take to get an online MBA?

What courses can you expect to take in an online MBA program?

How does an online MBA program work?

How much do Wisconsin online MBA programs cost?

What can you do with an MBA?

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

Is online college easier?+

Why does accreditation matter in online college?+

Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?+

Will employers respect my online degree?+

What are the disadvantages of online classes?+

What are the advantages of online classes?+

Resources for Prospective Grad Students