New tuition model makes UW–Madison online engineering graduate programs more affordable

The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering has introduced a new tuition model for most of its online engineering graduate programs, expanding access for working professionals while maintaining the academic rigor and reputation of a top-ranked engineering institution.

Beginning in fall 2026, tuition for eligible online engineering graduate programs will be $1,100 per credit. As part of the university’s commitment to the state of Wisconsin and its workforce, a $100 per-credit scholarship will be applied automatically for eligible Wisconsin residents.

The updated tuition model reflects a strategic effort to better align program cost with the needs of working engineers and the competitive landscape of graduate engineering education.

“We are committed to expanding access to high-quality engineering education while maintaining the standards that define UW-Madison,” says Devesh Ranjan, Grainger Dean of the College of Engineering. “This new tuition model strengthens our ability to support engineers across Wisconsin and beyond as they develop the skills needed to lead in a rapidly evolving profession.”

The college’s online engineering graduate programs are designed for working professionals seeking to deepen technical expertise, build leadership capabilities and advance their careers without stepping away from the workforce. Programs are offered in flexible, interactive online formats that accommodate the schedules of engineers balancing professional and personal commitments.

“These programs are built specifically for working engineers,” says Heather Smith, director of online graduate programs. “The new tuition structure allows us to reach more professionals who are ready to take the next step in their careers while continuing to contribute in their organizations.”

The College of Engineering offers online graduate degrees in engineering management, engineering data analytics, manufacturing systems engineering, polymer engineering, sustainable systems engineering, environmental engineering, and power engineering.

Explore all online engineering graduate programs. You can also read how students have managed their return to graduate school as working engineers.