College Cost Planning in Port Washington, WI 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Port Washington, Wisconsin. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Port Washington 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$10,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$591
per month
Local Cost Market
1
benchmark points
Port Washington Overview
Population
12,075
Student Population
1,727 (14.3%)
Cost of Living Index
88.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
41/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Port Washington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,988
Total After Financial Aid
$96,988
Annual Cost
$24,247
Annual After Aid
$24,247
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,988 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,101 |
| Total Interest | $35,165 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,153 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Port Washington
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
1
Public tuition
$10,600
Private tuition
$34,000
Community college
$5,586
Cost of Living in Port Washington vs. National Average
| Category | Port Washington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,600 | $10,940 | -$340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $591 | $1,050 | -$459 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.1 | 100 | -11.900000000000006 |
Port Washington'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 Port Washington
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,727 students
Port Washington has a total population of 12,075, with approximately 1,727 college students (14.3% of the population). Port Washington has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Port Washington
$34,506
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
Review
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Port Washington earn a median starting salary of $34,506, which is $494 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $13,632 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
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
Racine
4 colleges · Avg tuition $10,600
Waukesha
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,600
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Port Washington
How we compile Port Washington 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 Port Washington 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: Port Washington'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 Port Washington, WI?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Port Washington is $10,600. Private university tuition averages $34,000, and community college tuition averages $5,586. When room and board ($13,647/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $24,247.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Port Washington, WI?
Port Washington uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,727, which represents 14.3% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Port Washington?
The average rent near college campuses in Port Washington is approximately $591 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 88.1 (national average is 100), a walk score of 41, and a public transit score of 19. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Port Washington?
College graduates in Port Washington earn a median starting salary of $34,506. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%. With an average financial aid package of $13,632 per student and a 51% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Port Washington, WI?
With a median starting salary of $34,506 and an average 4-year public university cost of $96,988 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.
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