College Costs in Onalaska, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$696
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Onalaska Overview
Population
19,576
Student Population
1,430 (7.3%)
Cost of Living Index
91 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Onalaska
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$97,260
Total After Financial Aid
$97,260
Annual Cost
$24,315
Annual After Aid
$24,315
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $97,260 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,104 |
| Total Interest | $35,264 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,524 |
Universities in Onalaska
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Onalaska State University | Public | $11,260 |
| Onalaska Community College | Community | $5,132 |
Onalaska has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Onalaska vs. National Average
| Category | Onalaska | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,600 | $10,940 | -$340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $696 | $1,050 | -$354 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 100 | -9 |
Onalaska'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 Onalaska
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,430 students
Onalaska has a total population of 19,576, with approximately 1,430 college students (7.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Onalaska offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Onalaska
$34,521
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Onalaska earn a median starting salary of $34,521, which is -$479 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $97,260 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,414 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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