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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
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 |
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.
Institution count
11
Public tuition
$10,725
Private tuition
$33,350
Community college
$4,632
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
~4.7 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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 4.7 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $15,815 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Racine
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,600
Waukesha
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,600
Janesville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,600
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Madison
How we compile Madison college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Madison institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Madison's walk score, transit options, and cost of living 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: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). 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 Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Madison, WI?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Madison is $10,725. Private university tuition averages $33,350, and community college tuition averages $4,632. When room and board ($11,942/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $22,667.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Madison, WI?
Madison uses approximately 11 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 57,339, which represents 21.2% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Madison?
The average rent near college campuses in Madison is approximately $902 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 89 (national average is 100), a walk score of 83, and a public transit score of 35. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Madison?
College graduates in Madison earn a median starting salary of $54,093. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%. With an average financial aid package of $15,815 per student and a 73% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Madison, WI?
With a median starting salary of $54,093 and an average 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 73% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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