Best Nursing Programs in Wisconsin (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 169 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Wisconsin. The fastest listed completion time is 12 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $160,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 88.8% first-time pass rate. RNs in Wisconsin earn $75,400/year on average (BLS).
169
Programs
39
Schools
12 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
88.8%
Avg NCLEX (6)
95
Online / Hybrid
$75K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Wisconsin nursing programs at a glance
- 169 accredited nursing programs across 39 schools in Wisconsin (1 LPN, 2 ADN, 11 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 12 months (LPN at Rasmussen University).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 100% (Marquette University).
- 95 online or hybrid programs serve Wisconsin students (5 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Wisconsin: $75,400 (BLS) · 5.4% projected job growth through 2032.
Wisconsin nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 169 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 39 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 1 LPN · 2 ADN · 11 BSN · 63 MSN · 23 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | LPN at Rasmussen University — 12 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $160,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 88.8% average across 6 programs with published data · high: 100% (Marquette University) |
| Delivery formats | 88 online · 7 hybrid · 5 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $75,400/yr (BLS) · 5.4% projected growth through 2032 |
LPN / LVN Programs in Wisconsin
Compare geo-targeted LPN and LVN partner matches for Wisconsin near ZIP 43215. The directory below stays in sync and hides schools already shown in the partner strip.
Showing 100 of 169 programs from our directory for Wisconsin.
Find nursing programs in Wisconsin
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How to choose a nursing program in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (169 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Wisconsin ($75,400/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Wisconsin is projected to grow 5.4% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Wisconsin means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Wisconsin directory, the fastest listed completion time is 12 months. We track 169 accredited nursing programs in Wisconsin — including 13 entry-level RN, 1 LPN/LVN pathways. Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Wisconsin is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Iowa.
Key takeaways
- Screen Wisconsin programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Wisconsin offers both LPN (1) and entry-level RN (13) pathways — match the credential to your timeline and whether you need full RN scope immediately.
- Listed tuition in Wisconsin spans $13,500 to $160,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 95 online or hybrid programs serve Wisconsin students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- Average RN salary
- $75,400 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Wisconsin
Programs by Degree Type
63
MSN Programs
23
DNP Programs
11
BSN Programs
2
ADN Programs
1
LPN Programs
Nursing Schools in Wisconsin
39 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona College of Nursing | 1 | BSN | 88.3% | View |
| Rasmussen University | 3 | ADNBSNLPN | 80.8% | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 4 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| Herzing University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Marquette University | 3 | BSNDNPMSN | 100.0% | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| University of Cincinnati | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Grand Canyon University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Capella University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Gonzaga University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| George Washington University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Wisconsin?
There are 169 accredited nursing programs available in Wisconsin across 39 schools — including 1 LPN, 2 ADN, 11 BSN, 63 MSN, and 23 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Wisconsin?
Nursing program tuition in Wisconsin starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $160,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Wisconsin?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Wisconsin can be completed in 12 months (LPN at Rasmussen University). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Wisconsin?
Registered nurses in Wisconsin earn an average of $75,400 per year ($36/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Wisconsin is projected to grow 5.4% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Wisconsin?
Yes. There are 95 online and hybrid nursing programs (88 fully online, 7 hybrid) available to Wisconsin residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Wisconsin.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Wisconsin?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, Marquette University leads at 100% first-time pass rate (BSN (Traditional)). Average across 6 programs with data: 88.8%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Wisconsin?
To practice nursing in Wisconsin, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Wisconsin Board of Nursing. Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 2 years.
Is there a nursing shortage in Wisconsin?
Yes. Like most states, Wisconsin is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 5.4% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Wisconsin?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Wisconsin vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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