Accounting Schools in Wisconsin

As one of the nation's key manufacturing hubs, Wisconsin continues to see increased business activity and growth. The state offers significant promise and opportunity for prospective accountants.

According to the Wisconsin Small Business Economic Profile, the Badger State hosts over 460,000 small businesses, representing over 99% of the state's businesses. Wisconsin's supportive business landscape ensures that it will continue to attract new businesses and that accounting and financial professionals will have plenty of career options for the foreseeable future.

Wisconsin hosts emerging bookkeeping, accountant, and financial management workforces, opening the door for new accounting graduates from all degree levels. The state's 66 higher education institutions also offer various accounting programs, so you can find the degree you need for the career you want.

Get started on your path by learning all about the accounting schools in Wisconsin, including the programs they offer and the careers they can help you land.

Why Go to College for Accounting in Wisconsin?

Choosing to go to college for accounting in Wisconsin makes a lot of sense, with several of the nation's most reputable schools in the state. Accounting schools in Wisconsin feature specialized curriculums that prepare students to handle the state's unique business environments and challenges.

As of 2022, Wisconsin houses more than 360,000 students, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The state also has more than 1.2 million residents with a bachelor's degree or higher. Wisconsin schools and organizations have launched several educational support initiatives to boost these numbers.

For example, University of Wisconsin (UW) offers the UW Flexible Option, a convenient online program for working students. The State of Wisconsin's Higher Educational Aids Board introduced several scholarships and grants to help students fund their education at most in-state schools.

When you pursue a degree from an accounting school in Wisconsin, you can learn from a faculty focused on the state's business industry and regulations, allowing you to receive industry- and state-specific expertise and a support network for your professional journey.

Education Statistics for Wisconsin

Wisconsin provides a supportive educational environment for students, with more than 65 two- and four-year colleges and state funding that closely compares to the national averages. As a result, the state's population over the age of 25 earn associate and bachelor's degrees at higher rates than the national averages.

The following table offers more details on how higher education in Wisconsin compares with the national data.

Accreditation for Wisconsin Schools

Accreditation comes in two primary forms: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation evaluates the quality of a school's governance, programs, faculty, resources, and student services. Without institutional accreditation, your school may not offer federal aid or transferable credits. Wisconsin schools can pursue institutional accreditation from any organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education, but the Higher Learning Commission is the most common accrediting organization in the state.

Programmatic accreditation performs a similar function for certain programs, reviewing the quality of the instruction and student outcomes. Though not mandatory, accounting programs in Wisconsin may pursue accreditation from one of several organizations, including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.

You can check your school and program accreditation with the CHEA directories.

Delivery Formats for an Accounting Degree in Wisconsin

While many factors should influence your college and program decisions, pay close attention to the delivery format of your classes. Consider how it will work with your schedule and affect your learning experience.

While more than half of Wisconsin's students still pursue on-campus programs, you will still find plenty of online and hybrid programs that combine both delivery methods. Use the sections below to learn about the perks and potential drawbacks of each delivery method, ensuring you find an option that suits your unique needs.

Paying for Your Accounting Degree

Even though the average tuition prices in Wisconsin align closely with national rates, many students may still struggle to afford an education on their own. Thankfully, you have several financial aid options, including low-interest federal loans and grants that require no repayment. Wisconsin also offers state grants for public and private school students.

You can apply for need-based or merit-based scholarships from the state, your school, or third-party organizations. Fellowships offer funding for temporary research or work placements in your field, while work-study programs provide you with a job that fits into your study schedule.

Check the links below for more information on your many financial aid options.

In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition

Public schools typically feature separate tuition rates for state residents and out-of-state students. The lower in-state rates, supported by taxes, encourage students to stay and study locally, but the elevated out-of-state tuition rates may make it difficult for out-of-state learners to pursue public school degrees.

As a result, some public schools in Wisconsin offer in-state rates to all learners, especially those pursuing online degrees. Wisconsin also participates in the Midwestern Higher Education Compact, which provides cost savings to students attending schools in other member states. The Minnesota-Wisconsin Tuition Reciprocity program provides in-state rates to residents from Minnesota attending school in Wisconsin and vice versa.

Cost of Living in Wisconsin

According to the World Population Review, Wisconsin has a cost of living index score of 95, which is lower than the national average of 100. This figure means that it costs less to live here, specifically for housing, grocery, and transportation costs.

While tuition prices get the most attention from students, the cost of living should also be considered, as it will influence what you pay for room and board, food, and travel while you study.

Careers for Accounting Graduates in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has long been a manufacturing powerhouse, hosting the largest percentage of manufacturing workers by population in the country. In recent years, however, the state has grown in many other areas thanks to 48 industry development initiatives, strategic economic development funding, and growing clusters in several industries, such as biohealth, energy, and water technology.

Milwaukee and Madison are home to most of the business activity in the state, but Wausau, Oshkosh, and Stevens Points have recently emerged as hidden gems for start-ups. The state also offers a favorable tax environment for businesses.

While the accounting industry already has a strong foothold in Wisconsin — with each of the Big Four firms operating major offices in Milwaukee — this economic growth gives accounting students and new graduates a lot to look forward to. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) even projects Wisconsin's accounting field to grow at more than double the national rate from 2022-2032.

Find more details on Wisconsin's popular accounting careers and employment trends below.

Popular Accounting Careers in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Employment Trends

Wisconsin's accounting salaries are quite similar to the national averages. The state supports relatively large workforces for the size of the state, which bodes well for prospective accounting professionals.

When choosing a degree level, consider your career goals and examine the requirements and preferences for the profession. A bachelor's degree meets the minimum requirements for the most popular and fastest-growing positions in the field, but a master's degree will improve your chances of employment in those roles as well as your growth potential.

Wisconsin Requirements for Certified Public Accountants

Each state sets requirements to become a certified public accountant (CPA). While the specifics vary, all states generally require a combination of education, experience, and examination. Before you start on the path to becoming a CPA, make sure you know your state's requirements.

The Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board oversees the licensing process in Wisconsin. To complete the entire pathway to licensure, you need the following:

Questions About Accounting in Wisconsin