College Costs in Madison, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 11 colleges in Madison, Wisconsin. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,725
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$33,350
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$902
per month
Colleges & Universities
11
institutions
Madison Overview
Population
269,840
Student Population
57,339 (21.2%)
Cost of Living Index
89 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
83/100
Transit Score
35/100
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
College Cost Calculator for Madison
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$90,668
Total After Financial Aid
$90,668
Annual Cost
$22,667
Annual After Aid
$22,667
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $90,668 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,030 |
| Total Interest | $32,874 |
| Total Loan Cost | $123,542 |
Universities in Madison
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | Public | $10,725 |
| Edgewood College | Private | $33,350 |
| Madison Area Technical College | Community | $4,632 |
Madison has 11 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Madison vs. National Average
| Category | Madison | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,725 | $10,940 | -$215 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $902 | $1,050 | -$148 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 100 | -11 |
Madison'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 Madison
Walk Score
Very Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
57,339 students
Madison has a total population of 269,840, with approximately 57,339 college students (21.2% of the population). As a major college town, Madison offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Madison
$54,093
Starting Salary
5.7%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Madison earn a median starting salary of $54,093, which is $19,093 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $90,668 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,815 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
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
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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