College Costs in Appleton, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 6 colleges in Appleton, Wisconsin. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,032
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$52,560
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$868
per month
Colleges & Universities
6
institutions
Appleton Overview
Population
75,644
Student Population
2,484 (3.3%)
Cost of Living Index
79 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Appleton
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$88,684
Total After Financial Aid
$88,684
Annual Cost
$22,171
Annual After Aid
$22,171
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $88,684 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,007 |
| Total Interest | $32,155 |
| Total Loan Cost | $120,839 |
Universities in Appleton
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence University | Private | $52,560 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | Community | $4,620 |
Appleton has 6 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Appleton vs. National Average
| Category | Appleton | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,032 | $10,940 | -$908 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $868 | $1,050 | -$182 |
| Cost of Living Index | 79 | 100 | -21 |
Appleton's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Appleton
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,484 students
Appleton has a total population of 75,644, with approximately 2,484 college students (3.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Appleton offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Appleton
$51,286
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Appleton earn a median starting salary of $51,286, which is $16,286 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $88,684 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,029 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Milwaukee
33 colleges · Avg tuition $9,782
Madison
11 colleges · Avg tuition $10,725
Green Bay
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,266
Kenosha
8 colleges · Avg tuition $7,620
Eau Claire
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,050
Oshkosh
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,936
La Crosse
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,407
Stevens Point
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,622
Whitewater
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,126
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