by our College Data Analytics TeamLook up current in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at University of Wisconsin-Madison, along with how those costs compare to other schools and how they have changed.
In the latest reported year, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at University of Wisconsin-Madison stood at $11,603 a year. Out-of-state undergraduates were charged $42,103. That spread is what residency saves an in-state student.
The fees portion of those totals added up to $1,597 in-state and $1,597 out-of-state; the remainder is straight tuition.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $10,006 | $40,506 |
| Fees | $1,597 | $1,597 |
| Total | $11,603 | $42,103 |
The amounts shown cover one academic year and leave out room and board.
Bear in mind that many undergraduates get financial aid and scholarships that reduce the amount they actually pay. The numbers on this page are sticker price.
What will University of Wisconsin-Madison charge if you go part time? Head to the Cost Per Credit Hour page for details.
For some context, here is how University of Wisconsin-Madison costs compare against other schools. Each rating shows whether the school runs above or below that group’s average.
| Nationwide | In WI | Similar Colleges | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | Expensive | Expensive | Expensive |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | Average | Average | Expensive |
Relative to the national field, University of Wisconsin-Madison comes in higher than most schools.
Bear in mind that aid packages often lower the real cost well below these published figures. See the University of Wisconsin-Madison Financial Aid page for more.
Here’s how tuition at University of Wisconsin-Madison has shifted over recent reported years.
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $9,273 | $37,161 |
| Two Years Ago | $9,273 | $37,904 |
| One Year Ago | $9,644 | $39,042 |
| Most Recent Year | $10,006 | $40,506 |
The chart below tracks how tuition at UW - Madison has tracked over the reported years.
From the prior year, out-of-state tuition climbed 3.7%. Projecting that pace ahead one year puts tuition + fees around $43,681 next year.
Most schools raise tuition gradually each year, so the figure you see today is unlikely to be the figure you pay across all four years.
Browse answers to frequently asked questions about college tuition and fees for additional detail.
Over the reported years, in-state tuition and fees grew at an average annual rate of 2.68%, so a year from now in-state students could pay around $11,914. Out-of-state cost rose on average by 2.93%, putting next year’s out-of-state cost near $43,337.
Carrying that rate forward, here is the projected tuition and fees for the next five years:
| Academic Year | In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Next Year | $11,914 | $43,337 |
| In 2 Years | $12,233 | $44,607 |
| In 3 Years | $12,561 | $45,915 |
| In 4 Years | $12,898 | $47,261 |
| In 5 Years | $13,244 | $48,647 |
When you map out how you’ll pay, build in these annual increases — projecting four years of out-of-state tuition and fees at this rate gives roughly $181,120, or about $49,606 for in-state students.
A tuition figure is only part of the conversation — scholarships and aid frequently cut what families actually pay.
For specifics on financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison, go to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Financial Aid page.
