College Costs in Watertown, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Watertown, 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
$660
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Watertown Overview
Population
23,861
Student Population
2,940 (12.3%)
Cost of Living Index
88.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Watertown
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,052
Total After Financial Aid
$94,052
Annual Cost
$23,513
Annual After Aid
$23,513
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,052 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,068 |
| Total Interest | $34,101 |
| Total Loan Cost | $128,153 |
Universities in Watertown
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Watertown State University | Public | $11,216 |
| Watertown Community College | Community | $5,195 |
Watertown has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Watertown vs. National Average
| Category | Watertown | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,600 | $10,940 | -$340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $660 | $1,050 | -$390 |
| Cost of Living Index | 88.4 | 100 | -11.599999999999994 |
Watertown'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 Watertown
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,940 students
Watertown has a total population of 23,861, with approximately 2,940 college students (12.3% of the population). Watertown has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Watertown
$31,062
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Watertown earn a median starting salary of $31,062, which is -$3,938 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,052 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,386 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,266
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2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,050
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3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,600
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