In-state tuition (1 year)
Rank #20 nationally
$10,600
All states
2025-26Rank #20
2025-26Rank #20Wisconsin College Cost 2025-26
$10,600 in-state, $32,050 out-of-state. Community college: $5,114.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
$10,600
In-state
$42,400
4-year sticker
$32,050
Out-of-state
#20
National rank
Wisconsin college cost breakdown
In-state tuition
$10,600
Out-of-state
$32,050
2-year in-district
$5,114
Estimated COA
$24,500
Wisconsin's $10,600/yr in-state tuition ranks #20 nationally (lowest = #1) and is below the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).
Four-year sticker cost in Wisconsin
Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.
4-year sticker (tuition only)
No room/board
$42,400
Estimated COA (1 year)
Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)
$24,500
Out-of-state tuition (1 year)
Premium +$21,450
$32,050
Community college (1 year)
Public 2-year in-district
$5,114
Wisconsin vs neighboring states
Geographic neighbors. Click for side-by-side comparison.
Compare Wisconsin with another state
Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.
Compare any two states
Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
States with similar in-state tuition
Key takeaways — Wisconsin college costs
- Wisconsin public 4-year in-state tuition averages $10,600/yr—rank #20 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $32,050/yr (rank #29), premium +$21,450.
- Four-year sticker (tuition only): $42,400 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $24,500/yr × 4 ≈ $98,000.
- Public 2-year in-district: $5,114/yr (US avg $4,150).
- Wisconsin is $1,350 below the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
- Wisconsin offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $5,280 single / $5,280 MFJ).
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Wisconsin college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college
Wisconsin public 4-year institutions charge an average of $10,600 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #20 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $32,050/yr (rank #29), premium +$21,450.
Community college in Wisconsin: Public 2-year in-district: $5,114/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.
Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Wisconsin ≈ $24,500/yr in-state.
Four-year sticker cost in Wisconsin
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $42,400 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $98,000.
Out-of-state students pay about $128,200 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $85,800 more than in-state over 4 years.
These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.
Wisconsin 529 plan tax benefits
Wisconsin offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $5,280 single / $5,280 MFJ). Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.
529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers (SECURE 2.0 Act).
Link your 529 savings goal to Wisconsin tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.
Wisconsin financial aid and scholarship programs
Wisconsin may offer state grants, merit scholarships, or promise programs that reduce net cost below sticker price. Check the Wisconsin higher education agency or state financial aid office for program details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. State aid is typically limited to Wisconsin residents attending in-state public institutions.
Who this Wisconsin guide helps
- Families comparing Wisconsin tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
- High school students in Wisconsin evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
- 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Wisconsin public college costs.
- Relocation researchers weighing college affordability across state lines.
When to use other tools
- You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
- You're comparing private college costs in Wisconsin (this page covers public only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
Wisconsin college cost checklist
- Note Wisconsin in-state tuition: $10,600/yr (rank #20).
- Out-of-state: $32,050/yr (premium +$21,450).
- Community college: $5,114/yr (2-year in-district).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
- Check Wisconsin 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
Wisconsin college cost FAQs
Wisconsin averages $10,600 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #20 nationally (lowest = #1).
Out-of-state tuition averages $32,050/yr in Wisconsin (rank #29), a premium of $21,450 above in-state.
Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $5,114/yr in Wisconsin (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $42,400 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $24,500/yr × 4 ≈ $98,000.
Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. WI residents should check /529-calculator for Wisconsin-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.
Wisconsin may offer state grants, scholarships, or promise programs. Check the Wisconsin higher education agency or state financial aid office for eligibility.
Wisconsin ranks #20 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.
Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.
Most Wisconsin public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Wisconsin driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.
Yes. Most Wisconsin state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.
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