The cost of college in Wisconsin — and what it pays back
Across the 53 Wisconsin institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $15,193/yr, $1,713 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $52,021 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 30 of the 53 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$15,193
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$52,021
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
11.1 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
30/53
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Wisconsin's 53 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong4
Solid10
Slow14
Weak25
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee School of Engineering | $22,453 | $89,070 | 2.2 yrs |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $17,354 | $73,792 | 2.7 yrs |
| Marquette University | $31,487 | $78,257 | 4.2 yrs |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $16,032 | $61,760 | 4.8 yrs |
| Bellin College | $37,408 | $76,222 | 5.4 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolet Area Technical College | $8,255 | $38,643 | no payback |
| College of Menominee Nation | $8,805 | $25,853 | no payback |
| Northwood Technical College | $8,989 | $43,406 | no payback |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | $9,112 | $41,113 | no payback |
| Moraine Park Technical College | $9,268 | $44,371 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Wisconsin?
The median net price across Wisconsin colleges is $15,193/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Wisconsin cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $15,193/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $1,713/yr less.
What do Wisconsin college graduates earn?
A median $52,021 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Wisconsin college pays for itself fastest?
Milwaukee School of Engineering — about 2.2 years to clear its $89,812 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-wisconsin page.