University of Wisconsin-Madison's published cost of attendance is $27,770 per year, consisting of $40,603 in out-of-state tuition (or $11,205 for Wisconsin residents), $13,500 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $16,928 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,842 from the sticker price.
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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) | $28,679 |
| Tuition and Fees | $42,103 |
| Room and Board | $14,124 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,325 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,354 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $4,200 |
| $30–48k | $4,101 |
| $48–75k | $8,134 |
| $75–110k | $17,763 |
| $110k+ | $27,292 |
University of Wisconsin-Madison's published cost of attendance is $27,770 per year, consisting of $40,603 in out-of-state tuition (or $11,205 for Wisconsin residents), $13,500 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $16,928 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,842 from the sticker price. The university's net price falls $1,338 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating more generous aid or lower base costs compared to similar institutions.
This net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $4,458 for families earning under $30,000 to $26,427 for families earning over $110,000. The substantial aid savings and below-peer net pricing create favorable conditions for degree completion without excessive debt. Wisconsin residents benefit from significantly lower tuition rates, further improving affordability for in-state students.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates carry moderate debt loads that support sustainable repayment. Median debt reaches $20,484, roughly equivalent to the peer median of $20,000, indicating typical borrowing patterns for selective public research universities.
Debt distribution spans from $9,960 at the 25th percentile to $27,717 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied financial strategies and family contributions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 falls within manageable ranges, meaning typical graduates dedicate about 28% of their first year's salary to debt repayment under standard plans.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $26,159 with monthly payments of $344, representing additional family investment in education. The combination of moderate debt levels and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Wisconsin-Madison delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs and strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $7,204 less than expected based on demographics and program mix, ranking at the 25th percentile for earnings uplift, indicating that outcomes primarily reflect student preparation rather than institutional value-added.
However, median earnings of $73,792 rank at the 89th percentile nationally and exceed peer institutions by $13,249 annually, demonstrating competitive positioning within the public research university sector. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 supports sustainable repayment, while net prices below peer medians provide cost advantages.
Low-income graduates earning $72,100 achieve strong mobility outcomes despite the negative earnings uplift metric. The institution's combination of selective admission, moderate debt, and above-average earnings creates conditions for positive long-term financial outcomes, particularly for students who can navigate the competitive admission process and complete their degrees successfully.
University of Wisconsin-Madison's financial aid strategy combines need-based assistance with merit recognition to create substantial cost reductions for most families. With 15.3% Pell-eligible enrollment compared to national averages, the university serves moderate numbers of lower-income students while concentrating aid effectiveness on degree completion.
The $10,842 average aid savings represents nearly 40% reduction from published costs, indicating robust aid programming. The progressive net price structure demonstrates sophisticated aid modeling that adjusts support based on family financial capacity.
Aid appears particularly effective for families earning under $75,000, who pay less than $10,000 annually after assistance. The university's position below peer median net pricing suggests either more generous aid packages or more effective cost management compared to similar selective public research universities.
