RN Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin RN Programs at a Glance
RN Programs Offered in Wisconsin
- ADN Programs: 23
- BSN Programs: 14
ADN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 89%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 80% to 96%
- Average Net-Price $11,740.86
- Net-Price Range: $5,252.00 to $31,413.00
- Average Student Loan: $10,642.62
BSN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 90%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 78% to 96%
- Average Net-Price $17,662.00
- Net-Price Range: $11,703.00 to $23,329.00
- Average Student Loan: $20,256.29
Wisconsin RN Program Guide
In Wisconsin, seasoned nurses apply critical thinking skills to help structure the best healing environment for patients. As the healthcare industry evolves and becomes more complex, nurses become required to provide an advanced scope of practice beyond the traditional bed setting. However, meeting the objectives that are presented in the nursing industry require nurses to seek out higher education. While an associate’s degree in nursing can get you in the door with foundational skills, a bachelor’s degree will provide all the necessary tools that are needed to meet the challenges head-on.
In our Wisconsin RN program guide, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key Wisconsin RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.
The State of Wisconsin offers 45 RN programs in 27 different cities. Public institutions offer 22 of the RN programs in the state while there are 6 private, for-profit and 17 private, not-for-profit schools that make up the rest.
In the State of Wisconsin, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.
Find your ideal program from information and data in our guide to Wisconsin RN Programs.
ADN Programs in Wisconsin
RN programs in Wisconsin typically are reserved for Wisconsin nurses. When space is available (which isn't often) non-residents are able to apply. Most schools require their LPN students to take and pass a transitions course in order to fully enroll in an ADN program. See the full list of Wisconsin's associate degree in nursing programs.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Wisconsin ADN Programs
Milwaukee Area Technical College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Wisconsin of 96.50%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $9,071.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Wisconsin: 23
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 88.78%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 79.53% to 96.50%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Wisconsin?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Wisconsin so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in Wisconsin is offered by College of Menominee Nation at about $5,252.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 86.42%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Marquette University and it will cost about $31,413.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 87.97%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inWisconsin: $11,740.86
- Net-Price Range for Wisconsin ADN Programs: $5,252.00 to $31,413.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Wisconsin Schools: $10,642.62
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Wisconsin: $5,499.00 to $29,000.00
ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 16
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 2
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 5
BSN Programs in Wisconsin
There are many nursing in schools to choose from in Wisconsin that offer a BSN degree. Courses in a typical BSN curriculum are designed to build on current knowledge. Classes help to prepare seasoned nurses deliver better care in the 21st century market. They provide information on topics such as health informational technology and medical technology. Nurses will also develop leadership skills that can empower them the ability to provide goals and objectives for management, policy development, and professionalism. See the full list of accredited Wisconsin BSN degree programs.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Wisconsin BSN Programs
Carroll University wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Wisconsin with a score of 96.40%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $23,329.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Wisconsin: 14
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 90.18%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 78.38% to 96.40%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Wisconsin?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Wisconsin to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in Wisconsin is offered by University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and will cost you about $11,703.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 95.25%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Carroll University and will cost you about $23,329.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 96.40%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Wisconsin: $17,662.00
- Net-Price Range for Wisconsin BSN Programs: $11,703.00 to $23,329.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Wisconsin Schools: $20,256.29
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Wisconsin: $12,000.00 to $27,000.00
BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 4
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 0
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 10
MSN Programs in Wisconsin
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in Wisconsin offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Wisconsin RN Licensing Requirements
Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing
1400 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708
(608) 266-2112
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $90
License renewal (every two years), RN: $86
Continuing Education Requirements:
None
RN Licensure by Exams
Students are encouraged to turn in their applications six weeks prior to graduation. When the application is entered it will be given an identification number and the applicant will be notified with weekly email updates. There is a licensing fee of $90 and candidates will be able to obtain a temporary permit for an additional $10. The temporary permit is good for 90 days and allows candidates to work as a graduate nurse. Graduates are advised to register for the NCLEX exam and paying the $200 fee prior to submitting the application to the board. When and only when the candidate has received the authorization to test (ATT), can he/she schedule the NCLEX exam. It is worth noting that the candidate must pass the exam during the 90-day temporary permit period. Failure to pass the NCLEX will submit a short retake application and pay an additional $15 fee. Candidates should also be advised that there is a 45-day waiting period before the NCLEX can be reattempted.
RN License by Endorsement
Registered nurses who obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states may obtain licensure in Wisconsin by endorsement. Candidates must submit verification of licensure from every state where licensure was held and a copy of a current license. Candidates who obtained licensure in a Canadian province may also be endorsed in Wisconsin if they passed the appropriate exam. Registered nurses who have not practiced in the previous five years will be required to complete a refresher course.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Nurses who completed a nursing program in a country outside of the United States will need to complete the CGFNS certification process before Wisconsin licensure can be obtained. This does not apply to Canadian students who did their education in English.
RN Salaries in Wisconsin
Baccalaureate-prepared nurses have a wide array of opportunities available to them. Rural communities and healthcare facilities fill the health care system in Wisconsin with a large population of elderly citizens. It has been reported that nurse leaders are needed to service and organize homebound patients in the rural populations that fill Wisconsin. Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to obtain certification in more than 100 nursing specialties.
Wisconsin Registered Nursing Salaries
While Milwaukee has the most registered areas employed than any other metropolitan area in Wisconsin, it is Madison that has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 1,900 | $29.49 | $60,500 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 2,230 | $31.97 | $64,340 |
| Green Bay, WI | 3,190 | $28.57 | $58,580 |
| Janesville, WI | 1,380 | $31.10 | $63,240 |
| La Crosse, WI-MN | 3,550 | $26.32 | $53,900 |
| Madison, WI | 7,210 | $35.93 | $73,190 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 18,940 | $32.48 | $66,970 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 1,580 | $30.17 | $62,780 |
| Racine, WI | 1,560 | $31.56 | $65,300 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 720 | $30.29 | $61,130 |
| Wausau, WI | 1,350 | $30.35 | $61,190 |
| Eastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 2,410 | $29.86 | $61,440 |
| West Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 3,530 | $31.61 | $64,590 |
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 2,290 | $29.90 | $62,530 |
| Southwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 1,270 | $29.59 | $59,660 |
| Northern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 1,140 | $29.20 | $59,410 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
Best RN Programs in Wisconsin
Ranked Schools: 23
Evaluated Schools: 23
One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to Wisconsin’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs Wisconsin.
With more than 23 Wisconsin associate degree in nursing programs to choose from, we hope to provide some of the critical information you need before applying to a ADN program. We ranked the top 23 ADN degree programs in the Wisconsin. Research the best BSN Degrees Wisconsin.
For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
RANKED 1
ADN
Overall Score: 96.54%
Blackhawk Technical College
- 6004 County Road G, Janesville, WI - 53547-5009
- (608) 758-6900
Blackhawk Technical College is located in Janesville, Wisconsin. They offer an ADN degree. They also offer an LPN progression program, which allows the LPN to advance their degree. The LPN must take a bridge course prior to enrollment, but then is able to join the other students in the third semester of the program.
- Campus: Janesville, WI
- Net Price: $9,193.00
- Enrollment: 2,637
- Loan Default Rate: 19.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 47.04%
- Graduation Rate: 33.70%
- Median Borrowing: $7,348.00
- Median Payment: $76.72
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 2
ADN
Overall Score: 96.30%
Fox Valley Technical College
- 1825 N Bluemound Dr, Appleton, WI - 54912-2277
- (920) 735-5600
Fox Valley Technical College is located in Appleton, Wisconsin. FVTC offers a variety of options for its students; they offer an ADN degree but they also offer a pathway for LPNs and paramedics that allows them entrance into the program. They also offer refresher courses for LPNs and RNs who are out of practice and need to review their skills before returning to the workforce.
- Campus: Appleton, WI
- Net Price: $6,969.00
- Enrollment: 10,511
- Loan Default Rate: 15.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 25.75%
- Graduation Rate: 37.70%
- Median Borrowing: $6,250.00
- Median Payment: $65.26
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 3
ADN
Overall Score: 96.22%
Milwaukee Area Technical College
- 700 W State St, Milwaukee, WI - 53233-1443
- (414) 297-6370
Milwaukee Area Technical College is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They offer an RN program and an LPN-RN Educational Progression program. Students opting to apply to the LPN-RN program should know that at least one year of LPN experience is required. The program begins in August and January each year.
- Campus: Milwaukee, WI
- Net Price: $9,071.00
- Enrollment: 17,961
- Transfer Out Rate: 19.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 19.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.92%
- Graduation Rate: 13.00%
- Median Borrowing: $7,725.00
- Median Payment: $80.66
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 95.03%
Waukesha County Technical College
- 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI - 53072-4601
- (262) 691-5566
Waukesha County Technical College is located in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. They offer an ADN program and an LPN to RN progression option. Their progression option is reserved for Wisconsin LPNs – students most hold an LPN nursing license in order to enroll. The LPN also must pass LPN Progression Transition Success Strategies course prior to entering the program.
- Campus: Pewaukee, WI
- Net Price: $9,122.00
- Enrollment: 8,799
- Transfer Out Rate: 12.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 15.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 15.66%
- Graduation Rate: 28.30%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 5
ADN
Overall Score: 93.95%
Mid-State Technical College
- 500 32nd St N, Wisconsin Rapids, WI - 54494
- (715) 422-5300
- Campus: Wisconsin Rapids, WI
- Net Price: $8,614.00
- Enrollment: 2,905
- Loan Default Rate: 18.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 23.75%
- Graduation Rate: 25.40%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 6
ADN
Overall Score: 92.81%
Moraine Park Technical College
- 235 N National Avenue, Fond Du Lac, WI - 54936-1940
- (920) 929-2483
Moraine Park Technical College is located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Their nursing program is an “associate degree with a practical nursing exit point.” The first two semesters prepare the student for a career as a practical nurse; at that point, the student may choose to exit the program and begin their career. They can also continue for further education and earn their associate's degree.
- Campus: Fond Du Lac, WI
- Net Price: $9,617.00
- Enrollment: 6,613
- Loan Default Rate: 13.30%
- Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 8.43%
- Graduation Rate: 35.00%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 7
ADN
Overall Score: 92.79%
Northcentral Technical College
- 1000 Campus Dr, Wausau, WI - 54401-1899
- (715) 675-3331
- Campus: Wausau, WI
- Net Price: $9,188.00
- Enrollment: 4,384
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 22.69%
- Graduation Rate: 35.90%
- Median Borrowing: $6,890.00
- Median Payment: $71.94
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 8
ADN
Overall Score: 92.70%
Lakeshore Technical College
- 1290 North Avenue, Cleveland, WI - 53015-1414
- (920) 693-1000
- Campus: Cleveland, WI
- Net Price: $7,261.00
- Enrollment: 2,930
- Loan Default Rate: 11.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -1.02%
- Graduation Rate: 39.10%
- Median Borrowing: $7,135.00
- Median Payment: $74.50
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 9
ADN
Overall Score: 92.27%
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- 2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI - 54307-9042
- (920) 498-5400
- Campus: Green Bay, WI
- Net Price: $8,892.00
- Enrollment: 10,441
- Loan Default Rate: 18.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 14.82%
- Graduation Rate: 44.10%
- Median Borrowing: $8,750.00
- Median Payment: $91.36
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 10
ADN
Overall Score: 90.44%
Nicolet Area Technical College
- Hwy G South, Rhinelander, WI - 54501-0518
- (715) 365-4410
Nicolet Area Technical College is located in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. They offer an ADN program and an LPN to RN bridge option. Nicolet Area Technical College originated in 1967, with its first classes being offered in January of 1968.
- Campus: Rhinelander, WI
- Net Price: $6,487.00
- Enrollment: 1,271
- Transfer Out Rate: 16.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 18.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -12.57%
- Graduation Rate: 29.40%
- Median Borrowing: $5,499.00
- Median Payment: $57.42
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 11
ADN
Overall Score: 90.14%
Edgewood College
- 1000 Edgewood College Drive, Madison, WI - 53711-1997
- (608) 663-4861
- Campus: Madison, WI
- Net Price: $21,459.00
- Enrollment: 1,998
- Loan Default Rate: 4.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 6.37%
- Graduation Rate: 56.60%
- Median Borrowing: $22,625.00
- Median Payment: $236.23
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 12
ADN
Overall Score: 88.92%
Marquette University
- 1250 W Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI - 53233
- (414) 288-7710
- Campus: Milwaukee, WI
- Net Price: $31,413.00
- Enrollment: 8,365
- Loan Default Rate: 2.50%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 7.29%
- Graduation Rate: 78.20%
- Median Borrowing: $29,000.00
- Median Payment: $302.79
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 13
ADN
Overall Score: 88.92%
Concordia University-Wisconsin
- 12800 N Lake Shore Dr, Mequon, WI - 53097-2402
- (262) 243-5700
- Campus: Mequon, WI
- Net Price: $22,448.00
- Enrollment: 4,363
- Loan Default Rate: 6.80%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 13.74%
- Graduation Rate: 55.70%
- Median Borrowing: $19,583.00
- Median Payment: $204.47
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Associate, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 14
ADN
Overall Score: 87.70%
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
- 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI - 53809-9778
- (608) 822-3262
- Campus: Fennimore, WI
- Net Price: $7,590.00
- Enrollment: 4,144
- Loan Default Rate: 13.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.72%
- Graduation Rate: 55.80%
- Median Borrowing: $6,516.00
- Median Payment: $68.03
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 15
ADN
Overall Score: 87.30%
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
- 505 Pine Ridge Drive, Shell Lake, WI - 54871-8727
- (715) 468-2815
- Campus: Shell Lake, WI
- Net Price: $8,567.00
- Enrollment: 3,418
- Loan Default Rate: 16.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 13.10%
- Graduation Rate: 50.30%
- Median Borrowing: $7,000.00
- Median Payment: $73.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 16
ADN
Overall Score: 86.91%
Gateway Technical College
- 3520 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI - 53144-1690
- (262) 564-2200
- Campus: Kenosha, WI
- Net Price: $7,637.00
- Enrollment: 8,268
- Loan Default Rate: 23.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 7.94%
- Graduation Rate: 23.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,480.00
- Median Payment: $78.10
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 17
ADN
Overall Score: 86.77%
Western Technical College
- 400 Seventh St. North, La Crosse, WI - 54601
- (608) 785-9200
- Campus: La Crosse, WI
- Net Price: $8,802.00
- Enrollment: 4,572
- Transfer Out Rate: 18.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 20.44%
- Graduation Rate: 32.60%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 18
ADN
Overall Score: 84.49%
Madison Area Technical College
- 1701 Wright St, Madison, WI - 53704-2599
- (608) 246-6100
- Campus: Madison, WI
- Net Price: $12,576.00
- Enrollment: 15,340
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.61%
- Graduation Rate: 21.40%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 19
ADN
Overall Score: 84.45%
Chippewa Valley Technical College
- 620 W Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI - 54701-6162
- (715) 833-6200
- Campus: Eau Claire, WI
- Net Price: $8,555.00
- Enrollment: 5,617
- Transfer Out Rate: 13.20%
- Loan Default Rate: 14.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.85%
- Graduation Rate: 30.50%
- Median Borrowing: $10,252.00
- Median Payment: $107.04
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN
RANKED 20
ADN
Overall Score: 83.31%
Columbia College of Nursing
- 4425 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI - 53212
- (414) 326-2330
- Campus: Glendale, WI
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Award Levels: Associate, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 21
ADN
Overall Score: 82.81%
Herzing University-Brookfield
- 555 S Executive Dr, Brookfield, WI - 53005
- (262) 649-1710
- Campus: Brookfield, WI
- Net Price: $20,387.00
- Enrollment: 337
- Loan Default Rate: 16.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 33.18%
- Median Borrowing: $14,471.00
- Median Payment: $151.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 22
ADN
Overall Score: 81.81%
College of Menominee Nation
- N172 State Highway 47&55, Keshena, WI - 54135-1179
- (715) 799-5600
College of Menominee Nation is located in Keshena, Wisconsin. They offer an ADN program. Their program allows the student to become an RN within 4-6 semesters, or 2-3 semesters if the student has prior work experience as an LPN. They have two campuses – one in Keshena, which is on the Menominee Indian reservation, and another in Green Bay. Students do not have to be American Indians to enroll, although over 80% are descendants of American Indian tribes.
- Campus: Keshena, WI
- Net Price: $5,252.00
- Enrollment: 661
- Transfer Out Rate: 21.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -30.04%
- Graduation Rate: 10.70%
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 23
ADN
Overall Score: 79.16%
Herzing University-Madison
- 5218 E. Terrace Dr., Madison, WI - 53718
- (800) 582-1227
- Campus: Madison, WI
- Net Price: $19,199.00
- Enrollment: 2,452
- Loan Default Rate: 16.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 21.40%
- Graduation Rate: 35.70%
- Median Borrowing: $14,471.00
- Median Payment: $151.09
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s):
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Popular Nursing Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist | Clinical Nurse Leader | Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Informatics | Nurse Executive | Nurse Educator | Adult Gerontology Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | Salary Guides: RN Salary | LPN Salary | CRNA Salary
Wisconsin State Board of Nursing
Wisconsin Board of Nursing
DSPS
PO Box 8366
Madison, WI 53708-8366
(608) 266-2112
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Ranked Schools: 14
Evaluated Schools: 14
One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates. We went directly to Wisconsin’s state board of nursing to find, report and rank the best BSN degree programs Wisconsin.
With more than 14 Wisconsin BSN degree programs to choose from, we hope to provide you some of the critical information you may need before applying to a BSN degree program. We ranked the top 14 BSN degree programs in the Colorado. Research the best ADN Programs in Wisconsin.
For information about how we rank RN programs, please see our ranking methodology.
RANKED 1
BSN
Overall Score: 96.98%
Carroll University
- 100 N East Ave, Waukesha, WI - 53186
- (262) 547-1211
- Campus: Waukesha, WI
- Net Price: $23,329.00
- Enrollment: 3,119
- Loan Default Rate: 4.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 18.13%
- Graduation Rate: 56.30%
- Median Borrowing: $20,800.00
- Median Payment: $217.18
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 2
BSN
Overall Score: 96.02%
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- 800 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh, WI - 54901
- (920) 424-1234
- Campus: Oshkosh, WI
- Net Price: $11,703.00
- Enrollment: 12,622
- Loan Default Rate: 4.50%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.95%
- Graduation Rate: 53.50%
- Median Borrowing: $17,500.00
- Median Payment: $182.72
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 3
BSN
Overall Score: 95.11%
Wisconsin Lutheran College
- 8800 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI - 53226-4699
- (414) 443-8800
- Campus: Milwaukee, WI
- Net Price: $18,739.00
- Enrollment: 1,070
- Loan Default Rate: 2.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 10.11%
- Graduation Rate: 63.50%
- Median Borrowing: $17,750.00
- Median Payment: $185.33
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 4
BSN
Overall Score: 95.05%
Bellin College
- 3201 Eaton Road, Green Bay, WI - 54311
- (920) 433-6699
- Campus: Green Bay, WI
- Enrollment: 286
- Loan Default Rate: 4.60%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Graduation Rate: 67.90%
- Median Borrowing: $20,000.00
- Median Payment: $208.82
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
BSN
Overall Score: 94.44%
Maranatha Baptist Bible College
- 745 West Main Street, Watertown, WI - 53094
- (920) 261-9300
- Campus: Watertown, WI
- Net Price: $18,369.00
- Enrollment: 946
- Loan Default Rate: 0.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 5.38%
- Graduation Rate: 46.00%
- Median Borrowing: $13,191.00
- Median Payment: $137.73
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 6
BSN
Overall Score: 94.44%
Maranatha Baptist Bible College
- 745 West Main Street, Watertown, WI - 53094
- (9.2) 026-2E+13
- Campus: Watertown, WI
- Net Price: $17,464.00
- Enrollment: 880
- Transfer Out Rate: 10.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 1.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 7.34%
- Graduation Rate: 44.80%
- Median Borrowing: $12,000.00
- Median Payment: $138.10
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s):
RANKED 7
BSN
Overall Score: 91.27%
Alverno College
- 3400 S 43rd St, Milwaukee, WI - 53234-3922
- (414) 382-6000
- Campus: Milwaukee, WI
- Net Price: $15,478.00
- Enrollment: 1,862
- Loan Default Rate: 8.30%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 9.52%
- Graduation Rate: 38.50%
- Median Borrowing: $26,093.00
- Median Payment: $272.44
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 8
BSN
Overall Score: 90.54%
Viterbo University
- 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI - 54601-8804
- (608) 796-3001
- Campus: La Crosse, WI
- Net Price: $17,929.00
- Enrollment: 2,079
- Transfer Out Rate: 41.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 5.00%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 16.25%
- Graduation Rate: 47.30%
- Median Borrowing: $24,033.00
- Median Payment: $250.93
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 9
BSN
Overall Score: 89.77%
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI - 53706-1380
- (608) 263-2400
- Campus: Madison, WI
- Net Price: $16,536.00
- Enrollment: 30,728
- Loan Default Rate: 1.60%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 10.68%
- Graduation Rate: 82.80%
- Median Borrowing: $21,500.00
- Median Payment: $224.48
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, Post Master\'s NP Certificate
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 10
BSN
Overall Score: 88.24%
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- 105 Garfield Avenue, Eau Claire, WI - 54702-4004
- (715) 836-4636
- Campus: Eau Claire, WI
- Net Price: $12,940.00
- Enrollment: 10,404
- Loan Default Rate: 3.80%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 15.98%
- Graduation Rate: 66.90%
- Median Borrowing: $18,382.00
- Median Payment: $191.93
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 11
BSN
Overall Score: 87.50%
Milwaukee School of Engineering
- 1025 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI - 53202-3109
- (800) 332-6763
- Campus: Milwaukee, WI
- Net Price: $22,347.00
- Enrollment: 2,459
- Loan Default Rate: 4.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -8.96%
- Graduation Rate: 55.80%
- Median Borrowing: $27,000.00
- Median Payment: $281.91
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 12
BSN
Overall Score: 86.79%
Marian University
- 45 S National Ave, Fond Du Lac, WI - 54935-4699
- (920) 923-7600
- Campus: Fond Du Lac, WI
- Net Price: $19,872.00
- Enrollment: 1,688
- Loan Default Rate: 5.30%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 5.78%
- Graduation Rate: 48.90%
- Median Borrowing: $21,958.00
- Median Payment: $229.27
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Masters
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 13
BSN
Overall Score: 84.75%
Cardinal Stritch University
- 6801 N Yates Rd, Milwaukee, WI - 53217-3985
- (414) 410-4000
- Campus: Milwaukee, WI
- Net Price: $20,018.00
- Enrollment: 2,693
- Loan Default Rate: 6.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -9.02%
- Graduation Rate: 54.70%
- Median Borrowing: $24,750.00
- Median Payment: $258.42
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s): CCNE
RANKED 14
BSN
Overall Score: 78.62%
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- 2200 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI - 53201-0413
- (414) 229-1122
- Campus: Milwaukee, WI
- Net Price: $14,882.00
- Enrollment: 22,648
- Loan Default Rate: 6.10%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Offered as: Campus, Hybrid, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 24.79%
- Graduation Rate: 41.40%
- Median Borrowing: $18,631.00
- Median Payment: $194.53
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Masters, MSN to DNP
- Program Accreditation(s): ACEN, CCNE
Sources: The State Board of Nursing from Each State, U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education – OPE, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Popular Nursing Careers: Clinical Nurse Specialist | Clinical Nurse Leader | Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Informatics | Nurse Executive | Nurse Educator | Adult Gerontology Nursing Specialties: Nursing Specialties | Salary Guides: RN Salary | LPN Salary | CRNA Salary
Wisconsin State Board of Nursing
Wisconsin Board of Nursing
DSPS
PO Box 8366
Madison, WI 53708-8366
(608) 266-2112
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Baccalaureate-prepared nurses have a wide array of opportunities available to them. Rural communities and healthcare facilities fill the health care system in Wisconsin with a large population of elderly citizens. It has been reported that nurse leaders are needed to service and organize homebound patients in the rural populations that fill Wisconsin. Nurses who graduate from an RN program are able to obtain certification in more than 100 nursing specialties.
Wisconsin Registered Nursing Salaries
While Milwaukee has the most registered areas employed than any other metropolitan area in Wisconsin, it is Madison that has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly mean wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 1,900 | $29.49 | $60,500 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 2,230 | $31.97 | $64,340 |
| Green Bay, WI | 3,190 | $28.57 | $58,580 |
| Janesville, WI | 1,380 | $31.10 | $63,240 |
| La Crosse, WI-MN | 3,550 | $26.32 | $53,900 |
| Madison, WI | 7,210 | $35.93 | $73,190 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 18,940 | $32.48 | $66,970 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 1,580 | $30.17 | $62,780 |
| Racine, WI | 1,560 | $31.56 | $65,300 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 720 | $30.29 | $61,130 |
| Wausau, WI | 1,350 | $30.35 | $61,190 |
| Eastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 2,410 | $29.86 | $61,440 |
| West Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 3,530 | $31.61 | $64,590 |
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 2,290 | $29.90 | $62,530 |
| Southwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 1,270 | $29.59 | $59,660 |
| Northern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | 1,140 | $29.20 | $59,410 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data