Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, and program formats at Wisconsin's highest-ranked nursing schools.
Wisconsin offers two very different routes to an RN license, and the price gap between them is wide. Annual tuition at Marquette University is $51,170, while the full associate degree program at Lakeshore Technical College totals $10,690 and Mid-State Technical College lists $15,318. Both paths lead to the same NCLEX-RN.
Formats vary as much as cost. Associate programs run about two years. Marquette's BSN takes four, Bellin College advertises a BSN in 15 academic months, and UW-Eau Claire delivers its RN to BSN program in Wisconsin in a hybrid format for working nurses.
The cheaper start rarely closes off the degree. Mid-State, for example, partners with UW-Stevens Point so ADN graduates can finish a bachelor's while employed.
These 2026 rankings compare Wisconsin's top nursing schools using program and institutional data. Each listing includes location, degree level, delivery format, and program highlights to help you weigh accreditation, costs, and clinical training. Use the list as a starting point rather than a substitute for campus conversations.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | State residents wanting flagship university nursing | |
Madison's flagship nursing school spans three bachelor's paths: a traditional campus BSN, a 12-month accelerated BSN for second-degree students, and an online RN to BSN. The traditional route builds clinical judgment through hospital and community rotations, while the accelerated option offers rural and urban clinicals. CCNE accreditation and high licensure pass rates are consistent strengths.
No entrance exam
Fully online option
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| #2 | Marquette University | Milwaukee, WI | ~$25,000/yr (est.) | Milwaukee-area students wanting urban clinical access | |
Marquette in Milwaukee offers a direct-admit campus BSN and a five-semester Direct Entry MSN for non-nursing bachelor's holders. Guaranteed clinical hours and partnerships with southeastern Wisconsin health systems provide strong hospital exposure. Both paths carry ACEN or CCNE accreditation and strong Wisconsin licensure orientation. CCNE accredited
ACEN accredited
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| #3 | Bellin College | Green Bay, WI | ~$37,000/yr (est.) | Northeast Wisconsin students wanting clinical immersion | |
Bellin College in Green Bay is a health-sciences college tied closely to Bellin Health. Its BSN starts nursing courses in the first semester and offers traditional three-year, transfer, and accelerated 15-month tracks. Clinicals span multiple specialties and regional referral centers. CCNE accredited
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| #4 | Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | Green Bay, WI | |||
Rasmussen University-Wisconsin offers a hybrid Associate Degree in Nursing through its Wisconsin-approved campus. Online coursework pairs with on-campus labs and supervised clinicals, and eight start dates a year support flexible entry. The 21-month path prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. Military benefitsEmployer tuition reimbursement
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| #5 | Moraine Park Technical College | Fond du Lac, WI | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | ||
Moraine Park Technical College's ADN includes a practical-nursing exit point after two semesters, with the option to continue toward an RN. The program is Wisconsin-focused and uses regional clinical sites in Fond du Lac, Dodge, and Washington counties. Strong NCLEX and placement outcomes support its value.
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| #6 | Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr (est.) | ||
Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton offers a campus-based Nursing - RN Associate Degree with full-time and part-time formats. Core nursing courses can carry a one- to two-year waitlist, so early planning matters. ACEN accreditation and Wisconsin Board of Nursing approval are in place.
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| #7 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | Milwaukee, WI | ~$22,000/yr (est.) | ||
Milwaukee School of Engineering pairs a traditional campus BSN with an accelerated second-degree track. Simulation in the Ruehlow Nursing Complex and technology-forward training prepare students for southeastern Wisconsin employers. The accelerated option includes 660 clinical hours and reports a 100% licensure pass rate. CCNE accredited
CCNE accredited
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| #8 | Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | Fennimore, WI | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore delivers a hybrid Associate Degree Nursing program with adult, pediatric, and obstetric simulators. Clinical experiences in area healthcare agencies support regional workforce goals. The 65-credit program is ACEN-accredited and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. ACEN accredited
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| #9 | Maranatha Baptist University | Watertown, WI | ~$26,000/yr (est.) | ||
Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown builds a four-year BSN around a Christian worldview and servant leadership. Students complete more than 1,000 clinical hours, a capstone practicum, and an NCLEX review course. The program is CCNE-accredited and offers an optional medical missions trip. CCNE accredited
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| #10 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI | ~$17,000/yr (est.) | ||
UW-Eau Claire's BSN Completion Program is designed for working RNs and ADN graduates who need flexibility. Hybrid online seven- and 14-week sessions and a 90-hour clinical project fit working schedules. Partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Marshfield Clinic add regional employer connection. CCNE accredited
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Our nursing school rankings use a straightforward, data-driven methodology designed to surface programs that deliver strong value for aspiring nurses. Rather than relying on reputation surveys or subjective opinions, each school is scored on a balanced composite of five factors: net price after financial aid, overall graduation rate, program-level median earnings after completing a nursing degree, typical student debt, and the number of nursing completions each year. This blend captures both affordability and real-world career outcomes.
Most nursing school lists never explain how they arrived at their results. By clearly publishing our approach, and linking to a full methodology page with data sources and weighting rules, we follow best practices for authoritative content. This openness helps you judge whether the ranking aligns with your priorities and builds trust in the process. For a deeper dive into scoring specifics, see our complete nursing school rankings methodology.
For public BSN programs in Wisconsin, net prices after aid range from $13,369 to $14,559, with median graduate debt between $18,500 and $21,503. Pell Grant recipient shares offer a useful gauge of financial accessibility, from 44.8% at UW-Oshkosh up to 53.4% at UW-Green Bay.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt | Pell Recipients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $8,700 | $17,288 | $13,369 | $18,500 | 53.4% |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $8,532 | $16,446 | $14,305 | $21,500 | 44.8% |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | $9,228 | $18,248 | $14,559 | $21,503 | 49.8% |
Return on investment (ROI) measures how quickly a degree pays for itself by comparing graduate earnings to debt. The chart below shows the median graduate debt and 10-year earnings for top ADN programs in Wisconsin, based on College Scorecard data for nursing completers.
An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a fast-track program designed for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to pursue nursing career paths. These intensive programs condense the core nursing curriculum and clinical hours into roughly 12 to 18 months, allowing career changers to sit for the NCLEX-RN and start working as registered nurses far more quickly than a traditional four-year BSN. In Wisconsin, several respected universities offer ABSN tracks, but all require a significant in-person commitment because state licensing regulations mandate supervised clinical experiences.
Each accelerated option has its own prerequisite structure, timeline, and campus location. Among the prominent examples: - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Its on-campus ABSN runs about 15 months and admits students with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Applicants must complete specific science prerequisites (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry) with a competitive GPA, often a 3.0 or higher. - Marquette University: The university’s Direct Entry MSN is a popular route for career changers, but it also offers an accelerated second-degree BSN. This full-time, on-campus program in Milwaukee spans 15 months and includes hands-on clinical rotations from the very first semester. - Viterbo University: Located in La Crosse, Viterbo’s ABSN is a 12-month, intensive program. While some didactic content may be delivered online or in a hybrid format, all clinical placements are in-person at regional healthcare facilities. - Concordia University Wisconsin: Concordia’s ABSN in Mequon takes about 16 months to complete. The curriculum is delivered on-site, with clinical experiences arranged in the Milwaukee metro area. A prior bachelor’s degree and strong prerequisite grades are required.
All of these programs maintain rigorous admission criteria, typically including a minimum prerequisite GPA (often 3.0 or above), successful completion of specified science courses, and in some cases an entrance exam or interview.
In Wisconsin, no pre-licensure BSN program is delivered entirely online. The Wisconsin Board of Nursing (dsps.wi.gov) requires that every student complete a set number of supervised, hands-on clinical hours in areas like medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, and mental health. While some programs may offer a portion of the theory coursework online, the clinical component cannot be satisfied remotely. Any school advertising a fully online RN-preparation program should be approached with caution and verified against the Board’s list of approved pre-licensure education programs. The Board’s website is the authoritative source for determining which delivery formats are permissible.
Because program details can shift from year to year, direct verification is essential. Start with the Wisconsin Board of Nursing’s online directory of approved programs, which indicates the campus location and any distance-learning limits. Next, confirm that the program holds national nursing accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook offers broad career projections but does not evaluate individual programs. For peer guidance, the Wisconsin Nurses Association and local chapter events can connect you with recent graduates who can share their experiences.
Admission requirements often change, and the most reliable way to get current information is to contact each school’s admissions office directly. When you reach out, ask these specific questions: - Prerequisite GPA minimum: What cumulative or science GPA is required, and is there a recency limit on coursework? - Prior bachelor’s policy: Does the program accept any regionally accredited bachelor’s degree, or are there subject-area restrictions? - Online components: Are any didactic portions available online, and does that reduce the number of required on-campus days per week? - Clinical placement: How does the school arrange clinical sites, and are students responsible for finding their own preceptors? - Enrollment cycle: Is the accelerated track offered only once per year, and what is the typical cohort size?
The admissions staff can also clarify whether prerequisite courses like statistics, developmental psychology, or nutrition must be completed before applying or during the program. Wisconsin’s accelerated nursing pathways are demanding, but with careful planning and direct inquiry, career changers can find a fit that aligns with their timeline and professional goals.
Accreditation confirms a school meets minimum standards, but NCLEX pass rates tell you how well its graduates actually translate classroom learning into safe, competent practice. For nursing applicants in Wisconsin, these publicly reported outcomes are among the most objective measures of program quality. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) publishes annual first-time pass rates DSPS annual NCLEX pass rates for every board-approved pre-licensure program in the state, making it easy to compare schools side by side.
The NCLEX-RN uses a variable-length, computerized adaptive format that gauges whether a candidate has the minimum clinical judgment needed to practice safely. A program’s first-time pass rate reflects how many of its recent graduates succeeded on the initial attempt within a given year. Consistently high rates suggest a curriculum that aligns well with current NCSBN test plans and strong faculty preparation, while lower or erratic rates can signal gaps in clinical training or academic support.
For context, the national first-time pass rate for U.S.-educated RN candidates was 86.7% in 2025 national NCLEX statistics. The Wisconsin state average, drawn from DSPS data, typically falls within a few points of that benchmark. Schools that maintain rates above 90% year after year demonstrate a level of instructional rigor that gives their graduates a clear edge on exam day and in the job market.
The DSPS report for 2024 breaks down pass rates by school and campus location. While individual numbers shift annually, a few patterns hold. Programs at flagship public universities and large private colleges often post rates in the low-to-mid 90s, routinely outpacing both the state and national averages. Several associate-degree programs at technical colleges also perform above 90%, underscoring that high pass rates are not limited to bachelor’s-level tracks.
Prospective students should look beyond a single year’s figure. A three-year trend reveals whether a school is on an upward trajectory or losing ground. If the DSPS report or a school’s own outcomes page only highlights an older, more favorable year while omitting recent data, treat that gap as a red flag.
Also, note that pass rates among private for-profit nursing programs sometimes fluctuate more widely than at public or non-profit institutions. When evaluating such programs, verify that pass rates are reported for the specific campus you would attend, because outcomes can differ across locations even under the same parent institution.
Ultimately, NCLEX pass rates are a crucial filter, not the sole criterion. Pair them with other factors, such as accreditation, graduation rates, clinical placement variety, and cost, to build a complete picture. But if a program’s numbers consistently lag behind state norms, strong accreditation alone may not make up for weak exam preparation.
Accreditation ensures that your nursing program meets national quality standards, a prerequisite for taking the NCLEX-RN and later pursuing advanced degrees. In Wisconsin, both program-level accreditation and state approval from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) shape your pathway to licensure.
Two nationally recognized bodies evaluate nursing programs: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both are approved by the U.S. Department of Education, but they focus on different program types.
Why does it matter? Graduating from either a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited program qualifies you to sit for the NCLEX-RN. However, if you plan to earn a master’s or doctoral degree later, CCNE accreditation may smooth credit transfers and graduate school admission.
Wisconsin’s major BSN programs are overwhelmingly CCNE-accredited, while many associate degree programs fall under ACEN. Based on current data:
Always verify a program’s status through the CCNE or ACEN directories before enrolling, especially if you are considering a newer program.
Once you complete an accredited and DSPS-approved program, follow these steps:
Wisconsin is an active member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This means your Wisconsin RN license allows you to practice in any of the other compact states without obtaining additional licenses. For nurses who live near state borders or plan to move, NLC membership eliminates costly and time-consuming re-licensing paperwork, a significant benefit that many students overlook.
By 2024, Wisconsin is expected to face a shortage of 10,000 registered nurses, or 20% of the needed workforce, according to the state's Department of Workforce Development.
What can you expect to earn as a registered nurse in Wisconsin after completing a BSN?
Data shows a median annual wage of $75,400 for RNs in Wisconsin (2024)1, well below the national median of $93,6002. While the state's lower cost of living softens the difference, the earnings gap is substantial. Nationally, the middle 50% of RNs earn between $78,610 and $107,9602, and top-decile wages surpass $135,3202. Within Wisconsin, the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area posts the highest median at $84,595 (2025 data)3. Urban hospitals and large health systems generally anchor the upper end of the pay scale. Compared to neighbors like Minnesota and Illinois, Wisconsin RN salaries trend lower, a factor many new graduates weigh when deciding where to start their nursing careers.
Institution-wide federal data provides a 10-year earnings reference for students who used financial aid, though these figures are not specific to nursing. Among the top programs listed on this page, Milwaukee School of Engineering shows a median of $89,070, followed by Marquette University ($78,257) and Bellin College ($76,222). Other schools report medians in the mid-to-upper $50,000s. Because these numbers pool all majors, nursing graduates, who typically earn above-institution averages, may see higher actual pay. Program-level short-term metrics such as earnings one year after graduation, employment shares, and the percentage earning above 150% of the poverty line are not yet available in the U.S. Department of Education's latest published data for these BSN programs. As more granular outcomes become public, prospective students will get a clearer signal of immediate job placement and entry-level income.
Milwaukee-Waukesha leads the state in median RN wages, and large health systems in Madison and Green Bay also tend to pay competitively. New graduates willing to relocate within Wisconsin or across state lines often boost their earning power. Many BSN holders from Wisconsin schools go on to work in Minnesota and Illinois, where RN salaries frequently exceed the Wisconsin median, broadening long-term career options.
Earning a seat in a Wisconsin nursing program requires careful preparation. Each school sets its own bar, but across the state, competitive BSN programs expect strong academics, specific coursework, and often a demonstration of hands-on patient care experience.
Most Wisconsin BSN programs expect a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher, and many ask for a similar GPA in your science prerequisites. For example, the University of Wisconsin-Madison posts a minimum cumulative and prerequisite GPA of 2.75, but the most competitive applicants typically exceed that. Programs like Marquette University and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) often see admitted students with GPAs well above 3.0. At MSOE, which accepts around 59 percent of applicants, the academic bar is particularly high. Bellin College admits a larger share of applicants but still looks for solid academic performance.
No matter where you apply, you will need to complete a set of foundation courses before entering the nursing major. While exact lists vary, these sciences and social sciences appear on nearly every Wisconsin program checklist:
UW-Madison adds sociology and psychology to the list, emphasizing that applicants must complete at least four of these courses and 54 total college credits by the end of the spring semester before starting the program. Always double-check each school's catalog because a course that transfers as one credit level may not satisfy the specific lab requirement.
Not all Wisconsin BSN programs require a standardized entrance exam. UW-Madison does not ask for the TEAS or HESI. However, many associate degree and some BSN programs do use the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2 exam as a screening tool. For example, technical college programs like Southwest Tech require the HESI exam, and a strong score can boost your application. If you are applying to multiple programs, plan to take the TEAS or HESI early, retake policies vary, and send your best official scores.
Wisconsin nursing programs value hands-on patient experience. UW-Madison lists Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification as preferred, and many two-year programs require you to complete a state-approved nursing assistant course before starting clinical rotations. Beyond that, expect to clear a background check, a drug screen, and up-to-date immunizations after acceptance. Some schools also require proof of health insurance and CPR certification. These steps are mandatory for clinical placements and cannot be waived, so budget time and cost for completing them well ahead of your first semester.
Prospective nursing students in Wisconsin often have similar questions about programs, costs, and career prospects. Here are straightforward answers to seven frequently asked questions, drawing on the research and data compiled throughout this guide.
Not every student finds a fit in the ranked list above, so this directory gathers additional Wisconsin nursing schools and groups them by region. Each entry lists the city, the degree levels offered, the program format, and the reported average net price. Use it to compare options near home, near a clinical partner, or near the campus you plan to transfer from.
