College Cost Planning in Wisconsin Rapids, WI 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Wisconsin Rapids 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$609
per month
Local Cost Market
2
benchmark points
Wisconsin Rapids Overview
Population
17,545
Student Population
2,356 (13.4%)
Cost of Living Index
93.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Wisconsin Rapids
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,780
Total After Financial Aid
$95,780
Annual Cost
$23,945
Annual After Aid
$23,945
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,780 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,088 |
| Total Interest | $34,728 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,508 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Wisconsin Rapids
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
2
Public tuition
$10,600
Private tuition
$34,000
Community college
$5,326
Cost of Living in Wisconsin Rapids vs. National Average
| Category | Wisconsin Rapids | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,600 | $10,940 | -$340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $609 | $1,050 | -$441 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.2 | 100 | -6.799999999999997 |
Wisconsin Rapids'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 Wisconsin Rapids
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,356 students
Wisconsin Rapids has a total population of 17,545, with approximately 2,356 college students (13.4% of the population). Wisconsin Rapids has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wisconsin Rapids
$39,657
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~20.6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wisconsin Rapids earn a median starting salary of $39,657, which is $4,657 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 20.6 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $9,638 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 Wisconsin Rapids
How we compile Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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: Wisconsin Rapids'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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Wisconsin Rapids is $10,600. Private university tuition averages $34,000, and community college tuition averages $5,326. When room and board ($13,345/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $23,945.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
Wisconsin Rapids uses approximately 2 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 2,356, which represents 13.4% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Wisconsin Rapids?
The average rent near college campuses in Wisconsin Rapids is approximately $609 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 93.2 (national average is 100), a walk score of 36, and a public transit score of 24. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Wisconsin Rapids?
College graduates in Wisconsin Rapids earn a median starting salary of $39,657. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%. With an average financial aid package of $9,638 per student and a 71% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Wisconsin Rapids, WI?
With a median starting salary of $39,657 and an average 4-year public university cost of $95,780 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 20.6 years. The 71% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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