College Cost Planning in Madison, WI 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Madison, Wisconsin. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Madison as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,725
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$33,350
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$902
per month
Local Cost Market
11
benchmark points
Madison Overview
Population
269,840
Student Population (est.)
57,339 (21.2%)
Cost of Living Index (est.)
89 (avg: 100)
Walkability (est.)
83/100
Transit Access (est.)
35/100
Unemployment Rate (est.)
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Madison
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Benchmark points
11
Public tuition
$10,725
Private tuition
$33,350
Community college
$4,632
Cost of Living in Madison vs. National Average
| Category | Madison | National Benchmark | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,725 | $11,950 | -$1,225 |
| 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
Walkability (est.)
Very Walkable
Transit Access (est.)
Minimal Transit
Student Population
57,339 students
The Madison model assumes 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 (modeled)
5.7%
Unemployment Rate (est.)
73%
Graduation Rate (est.)
~4.7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
The planning model uses a starting salary benchmark of $54,093 for Madison, which is $19,093 more per year than the model's high school earnings benchmark of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 4.7 years to cover the investment. With estimated average financial aid of $15,815 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program. These are modeled assumptions, not measured earnings of local graduates; use College Scorecard for school- and program-level outcomes.
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Milwaukee
33 benchmark points · Est. tuition $9,782
Green Bay
6 benchmark points · Est. tuition $8,266
Kenosha
8 benchmark points · Est. tuition $7,620
Appleton
6 benchmark points · Est. tuition $10,032
Eau Claire
2 benchmark points · Est. tuition $9,050
Oshkosh
3 benchmark points · Est. tuition $7,936
La Crosse
4 benchmark points · Est. tuition $9,407
Stevens Point
2 benchmark points · Est. tuition $8,622
Whitewater
2 benchmark points · Est. tuition $8,126
Racine
4 benchmark points · Est. tuition $10,600
Waukesha
3 benchmark points · Est. tuition $10,600
Janesville
3 benchmark points · Est. tuition $10,600
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Madison
How the Madison figures are built: The tuition, housing, aid, salary, unemployment, graduation-rate, walkability, and transit numbers on this page are city-level planning estimates from DegreeCalc's internal benchmark model. They are not pulled institution-by-institution from IPEDS or College Scorecard, are not official statistics for Madison, and should be treated as a starting point for budgeting only. The national in-state tuition comparison uses College Board's 2025-26 published average.
- Tuition figures are modeled city-level estimates; out-of-state public tuition in the calculator is approximated as 2.5x the in-state estimate. Verify real published rates in IPEDS / College Navigator for each school.
- Acceptance rates are not modeled on this page; look them up per school in College Scorecard or College Navigator.
- Earnings and payback compare a modeled starting salary against a fixed $35,000 high school earnings benchmark used by this calculator. For measured earnings by school and program, use College Scorecard.
- Default rates are not modeled on this page; the U.S. Department of Education publishes official Cohort Default Rates by school.
- Local context: the walkability, transit, and cost-of-living values are internal estimates (not Walk Score® ratings or official indexes) that affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data, federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education), earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics, education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator, official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: City figures on this page are modeled planning estimates, not official IPEDS or College Scorecard values. Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Tobias Merrick · Last updated 2026 · City figures are model estimates; verify with official sources above
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Madison, WI?
DegreeCalc's planning model estimates in-state public university tuition in Madison at about $10,725 per year, private university tuition at about $33,350, and community college tuition at about $4,632. With an estimated $11,942/year for room and board, the modeled annual cost at a public university is approximately $22,667. These are planning estimates, not published prices for a specific school; confirm actual costs with each school's net price calculator.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Madison, WI?
The Madison model uses approximately 11 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. It assumes an estimated student population of approximately 57,339, about 21.2% of the modeled city population. Use NCES College Navigator for an official count of institutions and enrollment.
What is the average rent near campus in Madison?
DegreeCalc's planning model estimates rent near college campuses in Madison at approximately $902 per month, with a modeled cost of living index of 89 (national average = 100), a walkability estimate of 83/100, and a transit estimate of 35/100. Check current local listings before budgeting; students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Madison?
DegreeCalc's planning model uses a starting salary benchmark of $54,093 for Madison, along with modeled estimates of 5.7% local unemployment, $15,815 in average aid per student, and a 73% graduation rate. These are planning assumptions rather than measured outcomes for local graduates; check College Scorecard for program-level earnings and BLS LAUS for current local unemployment.
Is it worth going to college in Madison, WI?
With a modeled starting salary of $54,093 and an estimated 4-year public university cost of $90,668 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 4.7 years. The modeled 73% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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