College Costs in Milwaukee, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 33 colleges in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,782
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$45,550
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,117
per month
Colleges & Universities
33
institutions
Milwaukee Overview
Population
577,222
Student Population
59,419 (10.3%)
Cost of Living Index
94 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
68/100
Transit Score
43/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Milwaukee
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$84,496
Total After Financial Aid
$84,496
Annual Cost
$21,124
Annual After Aid
$21,124
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $84,496 |
| Monthly Payment | $959 |
| Total Interest | $30,636 |
| Total Loan Cost | $115,132 |
Universities in Milwaukee
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Public | $9,782 |
| Marquette University | Private | $46,510 |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | Private | $44,589 |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Community | $4,620 |
Milwaukee has 33 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Milwaukee vs. National Average
| Category | Milwaukee | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,782 | $10,940 | -$1,158 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,117 | $1,050 | +$67 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 100 | -6 |
Milwaukee'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 Milwaukee
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
59,419 students
Milwaukee has a total population of 577,222, with approximately 59,419 college students (10.3% of the population). Milwaukee has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Milwaukee
$54,790
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Milwaukee earn a median starting salary of $54,790, which is $19,790 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $84,496 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,008 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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
La Crosse
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,407
Stevens Point
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,622
Whitewater
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,126
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities