Wisconsin Nursing Schools and Programs

Wisconsin Nursing Schools and Programs

Wisconsin is home to approximately 63,000 registered nurses (RNs), offering a choice of over 30 nursing schools that provide associate degree or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. With a selection of more than 30 ADN and BSN programs, finding the right fit for your nursing education in Wisconsin is made easier with this comprehensive guide. Read on to discover information about the best nursing schools in Wisconsin, obtaining your RN license, and exploring the salary and job outlook in the state.

The Best Nursing Schools in Wisconsin

The ideal nursing program for you in Wisconsin is one that aligns with your specific needs. This guide is designed to equip you with the necessary data to identify the program that best suits your career goals and financial considerations.

Our Methodology: Employing a data-driven approach, we evaluate and rank the best nursing schools in Wisconsin. Our methodology focuses on essential metrics such as academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings, all derived from publicly available datasets from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). All information is current as of the publication date of this article, though program-specific details may vary.

#1 University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI
4 years
Online + Campus

The flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin system, UW-Madison, accommodates over 47,000 students across 13 schools and colleges. The School of Nursing, established in 1924 as the state’s inaugural college-level nursing program, provides traditional and accelerated BSN degrees, a doctor of nursing practice degree, and a Ph.D. in nursing. The on-campus Ph.D. program offers individualized coursework and mentored research experiences.

Program: Ph.D. in nursing
Campus: Madison, Wisconsin
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $12,176 per year for Wisconsin residents; $25,504 per year for out-of-state students; $19,292 for Minnesota residents
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA; 3-4 letters of reference; two examples of original papers or other scholarly research
Minimum Time Commitment: 3 years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,273
Out-of-state
$36,333
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,728
Out-of-state
$24,054
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
44,257
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
18% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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#2 Carroll University

Waukesha, WI
4 years
Campus

As Wisconsin’s first four-year higher learning institution, Carroll University serves over 3,400 students and has become a top-ranked regional university. The College of Health Sciences offers an ADN tailored for bilingual candidates, a direct-entry MSN for non-nursing degree-holders, and a traditional BSN program. The BSN curriculum includes clinical experiences in various settings such as medical-surgical, pediatric, and intensive care facilities.

Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $35,360 per year
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,325 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,080
Out-of-state
$32,080
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,608
Out-of-state
$11,608
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
3,449
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
10% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Moraine Park Technical College

Fond du Lac, WI
2 years
Online + Campus

A part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. The associate degree in nursing includes a practical nursing exit point, allowing students to take the NCLEX-PN exam after the first two semesters for work as LPNs. Those completing all four semesters earn their associate degree and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Program: Associate of science in nursing
Campus: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Type: Public
Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Tuition: $141 per credit for Wisconsin residents; $211 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA or GED, ACT, or Accuplacer scores
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 semesters
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $53,819 for associate graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,102
Out-of-state
$5,547
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
4,061
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
31% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Carthage College

Kenosha, WI
4 years
Campus

Ranked as one of the Midwest’s best colleges, Carthage College offers degrees in over 50 subjects, including high-demand fields like engineering, education, and nursing. The 130-credit BSN program at Carthage integrates the liberal arts core with professional training, requiring students to dedicate a total of 850 practice hours to direct patient care, simulations, and laboratory work.

Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $34,500 per year
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; minimum 2.75 GPA for progression into the upper division nursing courses
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$45,100
Out-of-state
$45,100
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$45,100
Out-of-state
$45,100
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
2,742
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
1% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), established in 1916 as a teacher’s college, has evolved into a premier public university offering over 150 programs of study. UWEC provides an on-campus or hybrid Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), where master’s students can specialize in adult gerontology or family health. The BSN-to-DNP option caters to nurses aspiring to become nurse practitioners or nurse executives. Additionally, UWEC offers a traditional BSN program.

Program: Master of science in nursing
Campus: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $522 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; RN license; prerequisites in undergraduate statistics and health assessment; three letters of reference; resume; essay
Minimum Time Commitment: 2 years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,361
Out-of-state
$15,636
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,027
Out-of-state
$18,061
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
11,255
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UW-Green Bay) boasts an enrollment of over 8,900 students in approximately 200 programs. The university offers an MSN in nursing leadership and management, a traditional BSN, and an online or on-campus RN-to-BSN program. The RN-to-BSN program caters to registered nurses holding an associate degree or nursing diploma.

Program: Bachelor of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN)
Campus: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Type: Public
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $353-$452 per credit
Admission Requirements: ADN or nursing diploma; minimum 2.5 GPA; RN license
Minimum Time Commitment: 2 years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $66,287 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,298
Out-of-state
$14,516
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,996
Out-of-state
$17,551
Retention Rate
72%
Admission Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
8,766
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Marquette University

Marquette University, a Jesuit-sponsored institution, enrolls over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. With an 85-year history of nursing education, Marquette stands as one of the top nursing schools in Wisconsin. The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing. The 126-credit BSN program provides clinical placements in over 80 hospitals, clinics, memory care facilities, and community health centers.

Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
Campus: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $45,860 per year
Admission Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; official transcripts; list of extracurricular activities; essay
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 98%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,885 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$43,350
Out-of-state
$43,350
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,060
Out-of-state
$21,060
Retention Rate
90%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
11,819
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
11% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Concordia University-Wisconsin

Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW), affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, serves a student body of 8,000. CUW is one of the few nursing programs in Wisconsin offering a second-degree BSN program for non-nurses seeking an accelerated entry into a nursing career.

Program: Bachelor of science in nursing (accelerated second-degree BSN for non-nurses)
Campus: Mequon, Wisconsin
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $16,270 per semester
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field; minimum 2.75 GPA; two letters of recommendation; essay
Minimum Time Commitment: 14 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,154 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,060
Out-of-state
$30,060
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,052
Out-of-state
$11,052
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
5,777
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Edgewood College

Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Edgewood College, established in 1927 as a women’s junior college, transitioned into a four-year college in 1958 and became coeducational in 1970. Edgewood offers traditional and accelerated pathways to undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees. The fully online family nurse practitioner MSN program provides full- and part-time study options.

Program: Master of science in nursing (family nurse practitioner)
Campus: Madison, Wisconsin
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $1,072 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in nursing; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts; RN license; written statement; two letters of recommendation
Minimum Time Commitment: 3 years
On-Campus Requirements: No
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 99%
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$30,600
Out-of-state
$30,600
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,856
Out-of-state
$17,856
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
2,038
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
28% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Milwaukee School of Engineering

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), a small private university, offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, business, mathematics, and nursing.

MSOE provides traditional and second-degree BSN programs, along with direct-entry MSN degrees. The accelerated second-degree BSN accommodates applicants with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, enabling them to graduate in six consecutive quarters, including summers.

Program: Bachelor of science in nursing (accelerated second-degree track)
Campus: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Type: Private
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Tuition: $44,601 per year
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in non-nursing field; minimum 3.0 GPA; official transcripts
Minimum Time Commitment: 18 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97%
Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $60,030 for bachelor’s graduates, according to College Scorecard
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$40,407
Out-of-state
$40,407
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,680
Out-of-state
$22,680
Retention Rate
85%
Admission Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
2,746
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

How to Choose a Nursing Program in Wisconsin

Selecting a nursing program in Wisconsin can be challenging, considering the multitude of options available. Several factors should be taken into account, such as the overall cost (including tuition, expenses, and potential financial aid), program quality, admission requirements, acceptance rates, the clinical placement process, and logistical aspects. If you plan to pursue online education, it’s crucial to explore whether clinical placements can be arranged in your local community.

Given the potential risks associated with unaccredited schools, it is advisable to focus on programs that hold proper accreditation. This guide exclusively features accredited nursing programs in Wisconsin, ensuring a reliable and reputable selection.

Reasons to Become a Nurse in Wisconsin

Wisconsin stands out as a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing graduates from nursing schools in the state to apply for a multistate license. This multistate license is recognized in any of the 37 participating states, providing flexibility for nursing professionals.

The NCLEX-RN exam pass rate for Wisconsin nursing programs in 2019 was 90.3%, slightly exceeding the national average of 88%. Admission rates for BSN programs typically range from 50-70%.

Despite a slightly lower cost of living in Wisconsin compared to the national average, nursing salaries in the state are also below the national average.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Wisconsin

With over 63,000 registered nurses (RNs) working in Wisconsin, primarily in hospitals, the state offers opportunities for nursing professionals. Wisconsin’s below-average cost of living (95.5 compared to the national index of 100) is accompanied by an average RN salary slightly below the national average, standing at $74,760 compared to $80,010 nationally.

While Wisconsin’s average RN salary is lower, nurse practitioners (NPs) in the state earn an average of $113,030, closely aligning with the national average of $114,510, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The average annual salary for Wisconsin RNs is $91,310, significantly surpassing the national average of $80,010.

In terms of job growth, nursing positions are expected to grow at a slower rate in Wisconsin compared to the national average. The BLS projects a 7.8% growth for RN jobs and a 23% growth for NPs in Wisconsin between 2018 and 2028, contrasting with national growth rates of 12.1% for RNs and 28.2% for NPs.

By 2030, the U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) predicts a surplus of 6,200 nurses for Wisconsin. However, it’s essential to note that these projections were developed before the COVID-19 pandemic and may not fully account for potential shifts in the healthcare landscape.

Top-Paying Cities for Nurses in Wisconsin:

Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Wisconsin

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Average Salary for RNs
Madison	$82,330
Milwaukee — Waukesha — West Allis	$76,750
La Crosse — Onalaska	$76,270
Oshkosh — Neenah	$72,400
Racine	$72,360

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Wisconsin

To obtain a nursing license in Wisconsin, individuals must complete an approved nursing program in the state or another participating state, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and undergo a criminal background check. Notably, Wisconsin is among the few states that do not mandate continuing education for RN license renewal. However, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) must provide evidence of continuing education.

RN Requirements:

1. Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a BSN degree.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
3. Complete a criminal background check.
4. Apply to the state board of nursing, either online for graduates of state-approved nursing schools in Wisconsin or through printed materials for other applicants.
5. Pay a $72 application fee and a $200 NCLEX-RN registration fee.

APRN Requirements:

1. Hold a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice.
2. Confirm an RN license in an NLC state, along with board certification.
3. Provide proof of at least 45 contact hours in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics within the last five years.
4. Pass an open book jurisprudence (law) examination after applying to the state board of nursing.
5. If planning to prescribe independently, submit proof of malpractice insurance.
6. Pay a $132 fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Wisconsin:

1. How much money do nurses make in Wisconsin?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) earn an average salary of $113,030 in Wisconsin, according to the BLS. Registered nurses (RNs) in the state report an average salary of $74,760.

2. How do I become a nurse in Wisconsin?

To earn a nursing license in Wisconsin, individuals must obtain an ADN or a BSN degree, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and undergo a criminal background check. The application process varies for graduates of state-approved nursing schools and other applicants.

3. How long does it take to get a Wisconsin nursing license?

Earning an ADN typically takes about two years, while a BSN requires approximately four years. Applying for a license, particularly through online submission for graduates of participating nursing programs in Wisconsin, may take up to 30 days to process a completed application.

4. Is Wisconsin a nurse compact state?

Yes, Wisconsin participates in the nurse licensure compact (NLC). This means that graduates from nursing schools in Wisconsin or other NLC states can apply for a multistate nursing license, valid in any of the 37 NLC states.