University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's published cost of attendance is $18,115 per year for Wisconsin residents—that's $9,651 in in-state tuition, $7,960 for room and board, and $120 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $18,691 in tuition.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $19,593 |
| Tuition and Fees | $19,517 |
| Room and Board | $8,702 |
| Books and Supplies | $120 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$3,383 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,210 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,224 |
| $30–48k | $8,766 |
| $48–75k | $10,608 |
| $75–110k | $17,394 |
| $110k+ | $18,991 |
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's published cost of attendance is $18,115 per year for Wisconsin residents—that's $9,651 in in-state tuition, $7,960 for room and board, and $120 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $18,691 in tuition. However, the average student pays just $15,374 after financial aid, representing savings of $2,741 through institutional and federal aid programs.
This net price sits $1,281 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating relatively affordable costs compared to similar public universities. The cost structure reflects UW-La Crosse's position as a public institution with moderate aid distribution, serving primarily middle-income families while maintaining accessibility for qualified students. Financial aid savings are more modest than at institutions with larger endowments or higher sticker prices, but the lower base cost creates reasonable affordability for Wisconsin families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
UW-La Crosse graduates carry median debt of $22,500, placing the institution around the national average and slightly above the peer median of $21,105. Debt levels range from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating moderate variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests manageable loan burdens relative to post-graduation income, well within sustainable ranges for most graduates. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $14,776, with monthly payments of approximately $195, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
The moderate debt levels reflect UW-La Crosse's public university cost structure and Wisconsin's commitment to accessible higher education. Most graduates can expect loan payments that represent reasonable percentages of their post-graduation income, particularly given the institution's above-average earnings outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
UW-La Crosse delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and above-average earnings. Graduates earn $60,378 annually, ranking at the 72nd percentile nationally, while maintaining median debt of $22,500.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 indicates sustainable loan burdens for typical graduates, supporting long-term financial health. While graduates earn $1,530 below expectations based on student demographics, they significantly outperform peer institutions with median earnings $10,262 higher than the peer median of $50,116.
The institution's return index ranks at the 71.9th percentile, indicating above-average return on investment despite modest earnings beyond expectations. Low-income graduates earn $50,300, ranking at the 75th percentile nationally, demonstrating strong economic mobility outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.
UW-La Crosse enrolls 14.2% Pell-eligible students, below the national average for public universities, indicating the institution primarily serves students from middle and upper-middle-income families. The modest $2,741 difference between sticker price and average net price reflects the student body's income composition and Wisconsin's public university funding model.
Financial aid distribution follows typical patterns for public institutions, with need-based federal grants supplemented by modest institutional aid. The relatively small financial aid savings compared to private institutions reflects both lower base costs and a student population with fewer students qualifying for maximum federal aid.
State funding helps keep base tuition costs reasonable for Wisconsin residents, while limited institutional aid resources focus on students with demonstrated financial need. The aid profile supports accessibility for qualified students from diverse income backgrounds while maintaining the institution's public mission of affordable higher education.
