University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI, USA

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$14,030
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$3,981
$30k - $48k
$4,788
$48k - $75k
$10,364
$75k - $110k
$22,377
$110k+
$25,436
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.
$10,796
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.
$39,427
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$12,894
Books and Supplies
$1,150
Tuition Payment Plan
Yes
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
81%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
14%
Average Aid Per Year
$10,071
Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
14%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,158
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$11,630
Students receiving state aid
14%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$2,630
Students receiving federal aid
15%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,158
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$152,724,176
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$37,927,701

Student Loans

Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
27%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$8,478
Students receiving federal loans
25%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,138
Average Other Loans Per Year
$15,710
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$18,250
Loan Default Rate
1%
US National: 7%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$196

What Students Are Saying

Although this school is rather pricey for a public school I feel that it is definitely worth it. People are always impressed when they hear that I go to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, so I know that a degree from here will get me a great career.
Hannah from Andover, MN
While Madison may be expensive, especially for out of state students, I believe the school is worth the hefty investment if you are willing to put in the work to get the maximum reward out of it. School is expensive, so you must be willing to work hard to achieve good grades and get involved in whatever you are interested in, taking advantage of all of the opportunities that you are paying for. A good way to help pay for college is to get an on campus part-time job, in addition to applying to all the scholarships that you possibly can.
Austin from Downers Grove, IL
Madison is pricey yes, but not outrageously expensive. It’s a D1 university that lives up to its standards socially and educationally. Don’t let the price scare you away; there are millions of ways to get scholarships, grants, and/or loans to help you pay for school. Also, there are campus jobs that you can apply for.
Kristin from Madison, WI
To be honest Madison is not the cheepest school to attend. You will get hit with costs that some may not immediately consider. Tuition, room, and board are not your only costs. Students do have to pay for tickets into sports games (this is different for many other universities), and if you want to bring a car to campus you will add a considerable amount to your yearly costs. All this considered I still think that the superior academic instruction you will recieve, the free entertainment that is offered, and the overall Madison experience make it 100% worth the costs.
Kelsey from Andover, MN
The Madison experience is worth the Madison price. You aren't just making a payment to the university, you are making an investment on your future. The Madison name, the Madison Experience, and the Madison Education is something you can hold forever that many will be aspired by.
Louie from WI
Wouldn't have spent my money better at any other college.
Cordell from Barneveld, WI
Being from Wisconsin, Madison is the best option financially and academically for me. its a fantastic engineering school, and i get in state tuition! But my future roomie is from New Jersey, and it is still significantly less expensive than many of the private schools or out of state schools. I would personally not invest if you are out of state and youre studying a low-paying major.
Elise from Milwaukee, WI
No university is cheap. Or at least, the ones worth going to aren't. I am a resident from Wisconsin so I am a little biased. If you are out of state though, still consider the school. Many scholarship and financial aid packages are available. I know many who get most of their tuition paid for each year.

What are you paying for? Top teachers who all have graduated from excellent schools with PH D's in their respective fields. You'll be surprised that your professors will often be cited in your textbooks! You are also paying for research in each subject so once again I highly recommend getting involved! Housing is also included in their estimate which is a fair amount for the quality of the room. But their are many other less expensive options for housing if you want to explore those as well!
Katie from Madison, WI