For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Wisconsin is $9,104 for Wisconsin residents and $17,028 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Wisconsin, the average tuition & fees are $34,451 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Wisconsin is $10,197 for Wisconsin residents and $19,431 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Wisconsin, the average graduate tuition is $16,539.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $14,724 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $15,042. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
You can compare all Wisconsin colleges in various ways:
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2025 average COA of the four-year colleges in Wisconsin is $22,823 for residents and $30,747 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $51,278. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $23,080 for Wisconsin residents and $25,294 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2025 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Wisconsin Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $22,823 | $30,747 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $51,278 | |
| Community Colleges | $23,080 | $25,294 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Wisconsin, 85 out of 89 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 32 public and 37 private colleges in Wisconsin. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Wisconsin is $9,104 for Wisconsin residents and $17,028 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $33,131
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $4,875 for residents and $7,089 for out-of-state students.
| Wisconsin Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $9,104 | $17,028 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $33,131 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $4,875 | $7,089 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $15,035 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Wisconsin, 40 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Wisconsin is $8,702 for Wisconsin residents and $18,032 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $14,777
| Wisconsin Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $8,702 | $18,032 |
| Private Schools | $14,777 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Wisconsin is $303 for Wisconsin residents and $632 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $988
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $488 for Wisconsin residents and $1,016 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $769
| Wisconsin Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $303 | $632 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $988 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $155 | $232 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $488 | $1,016 |
| Private Schools | $769 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Wisconsin
At colleges in Wisconsin, the average living cost is $14,724 when a student lives on campus facility and $15,042 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $13,708 | $14,987 |
| Private Schools | $15,580 | $15,109 |
