For the academic year 2024-2025, the average tuition of public colleges in Wisconsin is $9,061 for Wisconsin residents and $17,824 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Wisconsin, the average tuition & fees are $33,291 regardless of residency.
For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Wisconsin is $10,423 for Wisconsin residents and $20,308 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Wisconsin, the average graduate tuition is $16,638.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $14,764 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $15,043. 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 $22,724 for residents and $31,488 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $50,191. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $23,108 for Wisconsin residents and $25,334 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 | $22,724 | $31,488 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $50,191 | |
| Community Colleges | $23,108 | $25,334 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Wisconsin, 85 out of 89 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 32 public and 38 private colleges in Wisconsin. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Wisconsin is $7,453 for Wisconsin residents and $16,216 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $32,268
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $4,448 for residents and $6,674 for out-of-state students.
| Wisconsin Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $7,453 | $16,216 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $32,268 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $4,448 | $6,674 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $15,035 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Wisconsin, 39 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Wisconsin is $8,960 for Wisconsin residents and $18,846 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $15,913
| Wisconsin Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $8,960 | $18,846 |
| Private Schools | $15,913 | |
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 $295 for Wisconsin residents and $656 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $977
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $509 for Wisconsin residents and $1,072 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $799
| Wisconsin Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $295 | $656 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $977 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $150 | $224 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $509 | $1,072 |
| Private Schools | $799 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Wisconsin
At colleges in Wisconsin, the average living cost is $14,764 when a student lives on campus facility and $15,043 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 | $15,654 | $15,110 |
