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2023 Best Online Community Colleges in Wisconsin

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 9/26/2023
2023 Best Online Associate Degrees in  Badge

Of the 85 colleges and universities in Wisconsin, 17 are community colleges, technical colleges, or vocational schools. Many of these colleges offer online associate degrees as well as online diplomas and certificates. Associate degree programs can often be completed in about two years — and diplomas and certificates even less — making these educational options a good choice for those who want to develop new skills and move into the job market quickly. 

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2023 Best Online Associate Degrees in  Badge
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#1 Madison Area Technical College

  • Salary Score: 80
  • Online Enrollment: 1,537
  • Locations: Madison
  • Accreditation: HLC

At Madison Area Technical College, which is a public institution, students can pursue one of 20 online associate degrees. Subjects include supply chain management, web software development, early childhood education, marketing, finance, event management, and more. The school has a 43% graduation rate, and most full-time students are able to complete the required 59-69 credit hours to earn an associate degree within two to three years.

Madison College uses the Blackboard platform to deliver its online courses, which may be asynchronous, live streaming, or hybrid. Online students have access to career development services, and they may apply for financial aid, including one of the school's many Madison College Foundation Scholarships.

#2 Lakeshore Technical College

  • Salary Score: 65
  • Online Enrollment: 374
  • Locations: Cleveland
  • Accreditation: HLC

Lakeshore Technical College (LTC), a public institution, has a graduation rate of 67%. The school offers more than 15 fully online or hybrid associate degree programs. Associate degrees generally require the completion of 60-61 credit hours, and enrollees can opt to study subjects such as digital marketing, health information management, HR administration, supply chain management, quality assurance, and web and software development.

Online students are eligible for various types of financial aid, including federal and state programs and resources provided by LTC. These include COVID Relief Grants, LTC Foundation Scholarships, and Promise Scholarships, which are designed to cover tuition expenses not addressed by other aid.

#3 Western Technical College - WI

  • Salary Score: 61
  • Online Enrollment: 532
  • Locations: La Crosse (and 1 other)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Western Technical College (WTC) is a public institution that offers online associate degrees and diplomas. Associate degrees require the completion of 60 credit hours, while diplomas require only 29-33 credit hours. Students can select from offerings in accounting, business administration, leadership, hospitality, medical administration, and more.

At WTC, students access their online coursework through the Blackboard system. Some applicants may be eligible for credit for prior learning and work experience. All online students may apply for financial aid, and select students may qualify for one of the school's 500 scholarships of up to $2,500. Online students also have access to health, academic, and career advising.

#4 (tie) Chippewa Valley Technical College

  • Salary Score: 60
  • Online Enrollment: 653
  • Locations: Eau Claire (and 4 others)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Chippewa Valley Technical College, a public institution, offers a broad selection of 35 online associate degrees 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. Online learners complete their coursework through the Canvas learning platform.

Chippewa Valley students are eligible for financial aid programs provided by the government. They can also take advantage of the school's academic advising, tutoring, career services, and technical support.

#4 (tie) Milwaukee Area Technical College

  • Salary Score: 60
  • Online Enrollment: 1,645
  • Locations: Milwaukee
  • Accreditation: HLC

Through Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), a public institution, students can earn a variety of online associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Some of the 14 associate degree options include business management, accounting, graphic design, and healthcare services management. These degrees typically require the completion of 60-64 credit hours, which most full-time students accomplish in about two years. Some classes are asynchronous, while others are synchronous, and all courses are delivered through the Blackboard learning system.

Enrollees are eligible for federal- and state-funded financial aid, as well as MATC scholarship programs. These include several aid programs for returning adult students and the MATC Promise, which allows qualified students to complete up to 75 credit hours for free.

#6 Fox Valley Technical College

  • Salary Score: 58
  • Online Enrollment: 1,503
  • Locations: Appleton (and 5 others)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Fox Valley Technical College, which is a publicly operated two-year college, features many opportunities to study online. All total, the school offers 26 online associate degrees and 30 online certificates and technical diplomas. Among the school's more notable programs are online associate degrees in business management, business operations support, and criminal justice. Students access their online courses through the Blackboard learning management system.

In addition to government financial aid, Fox Valley funds four scholarships for students. The school also provides tutoring, counseling, and job placement services for online students.

#7 Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

  • Salary Score: 55
  • Online Enrollment: 450
  • Locations: Fennimore
  • Accreditation: HLC

At the public Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, students who want to learn through distance education 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.

Taught through the Schoology learning management system, some of Southwest's online courses are offered in condensed eight-week formats. This accelerated structure may allow students to earn their degree faster. Online students have access to academic advising, tutoring, library resources, and technical support.

#8 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

  • Salary Score: 54
  • Online Enrollment: 1,349
  • Locations: Green Bay
  • Accreditation: HLC

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, which is a public institution, presents a broad range of more than 25 online associate degree programs. Some of the school's most popular online programs are the fields of business and allied health, but students may also opt for online degrees in early childhood education, data analytics, software development, supply chain management, and more. This school uses the D2L learning system to deliver its distance learning courses.

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College awards more than $750,000 in scholarships to current and new students every year. The school provides academic advising, tutoring, mental health counseling, and library resources for online students as well as study abroad programs.

#9 Gateway Technical College

  • Salary Score: 52
  • Online Enrollment: 880
  • Locations: Kenosha
  • Accreditation: HLC

Gateway Technical College is a public two-year college that offers nearly 20 online associate degree programs. The associate degree in business operations support ranks high on our list, but students may also choose to study business management, hospitality management, entrepreneurship, graphic design, information technology, and other subjects online. Students access their online course materials through the Blackboard platform.

Gateway's online students are eligible for government-sponsored financial aid, and they can use the school's academic advising and career services. Some online learners may be interested in the school's study abroad programs.

#10 Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

  • Salary Score: 49
  • Online Enrollment: 447
  • Locations: Shell Lake
  • Accreditation: HLC

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College recently rebranded as Northwood Technical College. At Northwood Technical College, a two-year public school, students can choose to enroll in one of nearly 40 online associate degrees and certificate programs. Some of the options for associate degrees include accounting, web and software development, health information technology, and HR management. Many programs include a combination of synchronous and asynchronous classes.

The Northwood Tech Foundation awards more than $200,000 in school-sponsored scholarships to nearly 500 students each year. Online students can also take advantage of academic support and career services.

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