College Costs in Waukesha, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Waukesha, 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
$663
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Waukesha Overview
Population
72,489
Student Population
4,892 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
90.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Waukesha
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$96,876
Total After Financial Aid
$96,876
Annual Cost
$24,219
Annual After Aid
$24,219
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $96,876 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,100 |
| Total Interest | $35,125 |
| Total Loan Cost | $132,001 |
Universities in Waukesha
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Waukesha State University | Public | $10,873 |
| Waukesha Community College | Community | $4,936 |
Waukesha has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Waukesha vs. National Average
| Category | Waukesha | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,600 | $10,940 | -$340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $663 | $1,050 | -$387 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 100 | -9.5 |
Waukesha'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 Waukesha
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,892 students
Waukesha has a total population of 72,489, with approximately 4,892 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Waukesha offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Waukesha
$39,461
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~22 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Waukesha earn a median starting salary of $39,461, which is $4,461 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $96,876 (including room and board), it would take approximately 22 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,008 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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
Janesville
3 colleges · Avg tuition $10,600
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