College Costs in La Crosse, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,407
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$30,796
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$917
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
La Crosse Overview
Population
52,680
Student Population
2,662 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
94 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
30/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
College Cost Calculator for La Crosse
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$85,260
Total After Financial Aid
$85,260
Annual Cost
$21,315
Annual After Aid
$21,315
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $85,260 |
| Monthly Payment | $968 |
| Total Interest | $30,913 |
| Total Loan Cost | $116,173 |
Universities in La Crosse
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | Public | $9,407 |
| Western Technical College | Community | $4,620 |
La Crosse has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in La Crosse vs. National Average
| Category | La Crosse | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,407 | $10,940 | -$1,533 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $917 | $1,050 | -$133 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 100 | -6 |
La Crosse'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 La Crosse
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,662 students
La Crosse has a total population of 52,680, with approximately 2,662 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, La Crosse offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in La Crosse
$46,005
Starting Salary
6.7%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in La Crosse earn a median starting salary of $46,005, which is $11,005 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $85,260 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,386 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
Eau Claire
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,050
Oshkosh
3 colleges · Avg tuition $7,936
Stevens Point
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,622
Whitewater
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,126
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