College Costs in Beaver Dam, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$588
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Beaver Dam Overview
Population
16,214
Student Population
820 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
83.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for Beaver Dam
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,560
Total After Financial Aid
$96,560
Annual Cost
$24,140
Annual After Aid
$24,140
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,560 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,096 |
| Total Interest | $35,010 |
| Total Loan Cost | $131,570 |
Universities in Beaver Dam
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Beaver Dam State University | Public | $10,534 |
| Beaver Dam Community College | Community | $4,877 |
Beaver Dam has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Beaver Dam vs. National Average
| Category | Beaver Dam | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,600 | $10,940 | -$340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $588 | $1,050 | -$462 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.6 | 100 | -16.400000000000006 |
Beaver Dam'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 Beaver Dam
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
820 students
Beaver Dam has a total population of 16,214, with approximately 820 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Beaver Dam offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Beaver Dam
$35,125
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~772 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Beaver Dam earn a median starting salary of $35,125, which is $125 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,560 (including room and board), it would take approximately 772 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,566 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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