College Costs in Sun Prairie, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Sun Prairie, 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
$636
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Sun Prairie Overview
Population
35,961
Student Population
2,867 (8.0%)
Cost of Living Index
92.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Sun Prairie
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,100
Total After Financial Aid
$96,100
Annual Cost
$24,025
Annual After Aid
$24,025
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,100 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,091 |
| Total Interest | $34,844 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,944 |
Universities in Sun Prairie
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Prairie State University | Public | $10,982 |
| Sun Prairie Community College | Community | $5,840 |
Sun Prairie has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Sun Prairie vs. National Average
| Category | Sun Prairie | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,600 | $10,940 | -$340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $636 | $1,050 | -$414 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.7 | 100 | -7.299999999999997 |
Sun Prairie'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 Sun Prairie
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,867 students
Sun Prairie has a total population of 35,961, with approximately 2,867 college students (8.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Sun Prairie offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Sun Prairie
$37,869
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~33 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Sun Prairie earn a median starting salary of $37,869, which is $2,869 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,100 (including room and board), it would take approximately 33 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,160 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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