2025 Best Online Community Colleges in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's community colleges offer a diverse range of online associate degrees, catering to various fields such as business, education, technology, and especially healthcare, one of the most popular disciplines in the state. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Wisconsin has 22 community colleges that offer associate degrees online as well as in-person.
Key Takeaways:
- Lakeshore Technical College boasts high median graduate earnings of $51,726.
- Milwaukee Area Tech College stands out with an enrollment of 3,526 online students.
- Northwood Technical College offers a remarkably low student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, placing it in the 96th percentile.
Below is our list of the best online community colleges in Wisconsin based on Salary Score and online enrollment. For details, check out our methodology. You can also explore our list of the best online universities in Wisconsin to take your education to the next level.
2025 Best Online Community Colleges in Wisconsin
#1 Lakeshore Technical College Lakeshore Technical College Lakeshore Technical College Lakeshore Technical College
- Salary Score: B
- Median Earnings: $51,726
- Online Enrollment: 331 enrolled
- Location: Cleveland
Why we like them: LTC ranks #1 among online community colleges due to its solid median earnings of $51,726, placing it in the top 36% of institutions nationwide for this metric. This signifies a strong return on investment. Although its graduation rate has room for improvement (49%), we like that it offers more than 15 fully online or hybrid associate degree programs. The college offers one-year online technical degrees and two-year associate’s degrees. You can study subjects such as digital marketing, health information management, HR administration, supply chain management, quality assurance, and web and software development.
#2 Chippewa Valley Technical College Chippewa Valley Technical College Chippewa Valley Technical College Chippewa Valley Technical College
- Salary Score: B
- Median Earnings: $50,289
- Online Enrollment: 1,600 enrolled
- Locations: Eau Claire (and 4 others)
Why we like them: CVTC is well-regarded with impressive median earnings of $50,289 among its graduates, placing it among the top 40% of schools in terms of earning potential. This is complemented by the school's substantial online enrollment figure of 1,600 students. CVTC offers a broad selection of 35 online associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The school's distance education program is particularly strong in information technology and business, such as the associate degree in business operations support. You can expect to take online courses that last eight to 16 weeks.
#3 Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- Salary Score: B
- Median Earnings: $49,764
- Online Enrollment: 537 enrolled
- Location: Fennimore
Why we like them: SWTC excels in promoting successful outcomes for its graduates, as indicated by its commendable median earnings of $49,764, positioning it within the top 41% compared to similar institutions. Coupled with this financial promise is the institution's graduation rate of 61%, placing it within the top 28% of community colleges, signifying effective academic support. At SWTC, you can earn one of nine online associate degrees and 11 online certificates and technical diplomas. One of the school's most popular online programs is the associate degree in business administration.
#4 Northwood Technical College Northwood Technical College Northwood Technical College Northwood Technical College
- Salary Score: B
- Median Earnings: $48,709
- Online Enrollment: 659 enrolled
- Location: Shell Lake
Why we like them: With hundreds enrolled online, Northwood Tech excels with a median earnings figure of $48,709 for graduates, placing it in the top 44% of institutions for salary outcomes. This earning potential is complemented by an outstanding student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, ranking it among the top 4% nationally, thereby ensuring a high degree of personalized attention and support. Additionally, the college offers extensive online degree programs, including associate degrees in fields like accounting, criminal justice, and early childhood education.
#5 Moraine Park Technical College Moraine Park Technical College Moraine Park Technical College Moraine Park Technical College
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $47,744
- Online Enrollment: 742 enrolled
- Location: Fond du Lac
Why we like them: MPTC has a fairly low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, placing it in the top 23% of institutions for fostering a tailored, individualized learning environment. Additionally, we like that the school's retention rate stands at 79%, indicating that a significant proportion of students are satisfied and continue their education here. MPTC provides a range of online programs, including 31 associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and apprenticeships, predominantly offered online and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Noteworthy programs include degrees in accounting, business management, and health information technology.
#6 Fox Valley Technical College Fox Valley Technical College Fox Valley Technical College Fox Valley Technical College
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $47,239
- Online Enrollment: 2,143 enrolled
- Locations: Appleton (and 5 others)
Why we like them: FVTC stands out for its strong online enrollment of 2,143 students, placing it in the top 21% of similar institutions. This impressive figure highlights the college's capability to effectively deliver quality education remotely. Another compelling benefit is the small student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, landing it in the top 17% of colleges for providing personalized attention. FVTC offers 26 online associate degrees and 30 online certificates and technical diplomas you can pursue. Among the school's more notable programs are online associate degrees in business management, business operations support, and criminal justice.
#7 Western Technical College - WI Western Technical College - WI Western Technical College - WI Western Technical College - WI
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $46,926
- Online Enrollment: 1,185 enrolled
- Locations: La Crosse (and 1 other)
Why we like them: Ranking 7th among the top online community colleges in Wisconsin, Western TC stands out for its promising median earnings of $46,926, which situates its graduates in the upper half of earners from similar institutions. Coupled with a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, you can expect close-knit academic support as an online student. Regarding online enrollment, 1,185 students study remotely. WTC has several online associate degrees and diplomas you can pursue. You can choose from offerings in accounting, business administration, leadership, hospitality, medical administration, and more.
#8 Nicolet Area Technical College Nicolet Area Technical College Nicolet Area Technical College Nicolet Area Technical College
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $46,275
- Online Enrollment: 647 enrolled
- Location: Rhinelander
Why we like them: Nicolet has notable median earnings among graduates at $46,275, placing it nearly in the top half of schools nationwide. We believe this shows a strong return on investment for your education here. This is complemented by an exceptional student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, ranking it among the top 7% of schools, ensuring you receive personalized attention and support during your studies. Nicolet offers a diverse array of online programs, including associate degrees in fields such as business management, criminal justice studies, and nursing. Additionally, online technical diplomas are available in areas like cybersecurity and medical assistant.
#9 Gateway Technical College Gateway Technical College Gateway Technical College Gateway Technical College
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $46,140
- Online Enrollment: 1,468 enrolled
- Location: Kenosha
Why we like them: GTC has a strong online presence, with online enrollment at almost 1,500 that places it among the top 28% of institutions. Notably, the school's student-to-faculty ratio stands at an impressive 8:1, ensuring you receive one-on-one attention. Furthermore, the retention rate is 81%, which situates it within the top 19% nationwide, indicating a high level of student satisfaction and commitment. The college offers a diverse array of online programs such as accounting, business management, and cybersecurity, catering to various career paths and interests.
#10 Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $45,294
- Online Enrollment: 3,526 enrolled
- Location: Milwaukee
Why we like them: MATC has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, situating it in the top 12% of educational institutions offering personalized academic environments. This ensures you receive significant individual attention, which can enhance your overall learning experience as an online student. Some of the 14 associate degree options include business management, accounting, graphic design, and healthcare services management. The school also offers an Associate’s in IT Network Specialist, an accelerated degree you can complete in 18 to 20 months, and a medical coding specialist diploma apprenticeship.
#11 Northcentral Technical College Northcentral Technical College Northcentral Technical College Northcentral Technical College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $44,771
- Online Enrollment: 1,852 enrolled
- Location: Wausau
Why we like them: NTC's strong showing in online enrollment is a testament to its robust digital presence, placing it among the top 24% of colleges with the highest number of online learners. Adding to this, an impressive 100% of students receive financial aid. As for online offerings, NTC provides an extensive range of programs available entirely online. You can pursue studies in fields such as business management, early childhood education, IT, and supply chain management, to name a few.
#12 Madison Area Technical College Madison Area Technical College Madison Area Technical College Madison Area Technical College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $40,804
- Online Enrollment: 3,119 enrolled
- Location: Madison
Why we like them: Madison College's 20 years of experience in delivering online education places it among the experts in remote teaching. Plus, it hosts over 3,000 distance learners. You can pursue one of 17 online associate degrees. Subjects include supply chain management, web software development, early childhood education, marketing, finance, event management, and more. There are also 20 online certifications you can enroll in, such as American politics and government, business communication, real estate sales, and more.
#13 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $44,256
- Online Enrollment: 2,065 enrolled
- Location: Green Bay
Why we like them: NWTC boasts over 2,000 students engaged in virtual learning. This places it in the top 23% of schools with the highest number of online learners. NWTC offers a variety of online programs across multiple disciplines. These include associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates in areas like business, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. The school's commitment to practical, career-focused education is evident through programs that often incorporate internships and hands-on experience, ensuring that you gain not just theoretical knowledge but also practical skills.
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