College Costs in Eau Claire, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,050
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$46,646
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,106
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Eau Claire Overview
Population
69,421
Student Population
6,235 (9.0%)
Cost of Living Index
86 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for Eau Claire
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,884
Total After Financial Aid
$86,884
Annual Cost
$21,721
Annual After Aid
$21,721
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,884 |
| Monthly Payment | $987 |
| Total Interest | $31,502 |
| Total Loan Cost | $118,386 |
Universities in Eau Claire
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Public | $9,050 |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | Community | $4,620 |
Eau Claire has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Eau Claire vs. National Average
| Category | Eau Claire | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,050 | $10,940 | -$1,890 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,106 | $1,050 | +$56 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 100 | -14 |
Eau Claire'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 Eau Claire
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,235 students
Eau Claire has a total population of 69,421, with approximately 6,235 college students (9.0% of the population). Eau Claire has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Eau Claire
$44,087
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Eau Claire earn a median starting salary of $44,087, which is $9,087 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,884 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,113 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
Appleton
6 colleges · Avg tuition $10,032
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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