Cost of Attendance

Your cost of attendance (COA) is an ESTIMATE of the expenses you might encounter while attending UW-Madison. Your COA includes more than just tuition and fees – see below. Most programs’ COAs are based on a full-time, nine-month enrollment period, unless otherwise noted.  Although the actual cost of attending UW-Madison varies depending on your particular spending habits, the university bases your financial aid on your estimated COA.

International students will have additional expenses including International Student Fees. Visit the International Student Services (ISS) Office for more information on funding & scholarships options.

To see actual tuition and fees for your specific degree and/or program, visit the Bursar’s Office, Tuition Rates page.  Tuition & Fees for 2023-24 were approved by the Wisconsin Board of Regents. Residency for tuition purposes is determined by the Registrar’s Office.

To help you estimate how much financial aid you can expect to help cover your expenses – see our Net Price Calculator.

COA Breakdowns

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Undergraduate

2024-25 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non-Resident Minnesota Resident Commuter
Tuition & Fees $11,216 $40,612 $15,530 $11,216
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,100 $1,100 $1,100 $1,100
Housing & Meals $14,124 $14,124 $14,124 $4,290
Personal $2,512 $2,512 $2,512 $2,512
Transportation $600 $1,200 $850 $1,300
Loan Fees $66 $66 $66 $66
Total $29,618 $59,614 $34,182 $20,484

2023-24 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non-Resident Minnesota Resident Commuter
Tuition & Fees $11,216 $40,612 $15,530 $11,216
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,100 $1,100 $1,100 $1,100
Housing & Meals $13,500 $13,500 $13,500 $4,150
Personal $2,438 $2,438 $2,438 $2,438
Transportation $600 $1,200 $850 $1,300
Loan Fees $62 $62 $62 $62
Total $28,916 $58,912 $33,480 $20,266

Notes

  • A New Student Fee of $306 is charged for incoming First Year students and $230 for new Transfer students
  • Tuition Differentials
    • Wisconsin School of Business – $2,000
    • College of Engineering – $2,000
    • School of Nursing – $1,000

Graduate

2023-24 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $12,252 $25,578 $19,992
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,100 $1,100 $1,100
Housing & Meals $15,208 $15,208 $15,208
Personal $6,012 $6,012 $6,012
Transportation $920 $1,500 $1,000
Loan Fees $220 $220 $220
TOTAL COA $35,712 $49,618 $43,532

2022-23 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $12,176 $25,504 $19,292
Required Course Materials & Educational Supplies $1,150 $1,150 $1,150
Housing & Meals $14,446 $14,446 $14,446
Personal $5,468 $5,468 $5,468
Transportation $832 $832 $832
Loan Fees $262 $262 $262
TOTAL COA $34,334 $47,662 $41,450

Dissertator

2023-24 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $3,460 $4,660 $4,660
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,100 $1,100 $1,100
Housing & Meals $15,208 $15,208 $15,208
Personal $6,012 $6,012 $6,012
Transportation $920 $1,500 $1,000
Loan Fees $220 $220 $220
TOTAL COA $26,920 $28,700 $28,200

2022-23 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $3,410 $4,610 $4,610
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,150 $1,150 $1,150
Housing & Meals $14,446 $14,446 $14,446
Personal $5,468 $5,468 $5,468
Transportation $834 $834 $834
Loan Fees $262 $262 $262
TOTAL COA $25,570 $26,770 $26,770

Business Graduate

2023-24 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $28,540 $52,188 $43,764
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,100 $1,100 $1,100
Housing & Meals $15,208 $15,208 $15,208
Personal $6,012 $6,012 $6,012
Transportation $920 $1,500 $1,000
Loan Fees $220 $220 $220
TOTAL COA $52,000 $76,228 $67,304

2022-23 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $27,714 $51,362 $44,148
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,150 $1,150 $1,150
Housing & Meals $14,446 $14,446 $14,446
Personal $5,468 $5,468 $5,468
Transportation $834 $834 $834
Loan Fees $262 $262 $262
TOTAL COA $49,874 $73,522 $66,308

Notes

  • First-Year Business Graduate students have $1,500 added to their required course material and educational supplies budget for the purchase of a computer.

Law

2023-24 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $35,160 $52,856 $47,028
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $2,450 $2,450 $2,450
Housing & Meals $15,208 $15,208 $15,208.
Personal $6,012 $6,012 $6,012
Transportation $920 $1,500 $1,000
Loan Fees $220 $220 $220
TOTAL COA $59,970 $78,246 $71,918

2022-23 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $33,084 $51,780 $48,624
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $2,450 $2,450 $2,450
Housing & Meals $14,446 $14,446 $14,446
Personal $5,468 $5,468 $5,468
Transportation $834 $834 $834
Loan Fees $262 $262 $262
TOTAL COA $56,544 $75,240 $72,084
Notes
  • First-Year Law students have $1,000 added to their required course materials and educational supplies budget for the purchase of a computer.
  • Third-Year Law students have $210 added for credential/licensure.

Pharmacy

2023-24 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $30,362 $49,106 $30,362
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,100 $1,100 $1,100
Housing & Meals  $15,208 $15,208 $15,208
Personal $6,012 $6,012 $6,012
Transportation $920 $920 $920
Loan Fees $220 $220 $220
TOTAL COA $53,822 $73,146 $53,902

Notes

  • Fourth-Year Pharmacy students have $965 added for credential/licensure.

2022-23 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

1st – 3rd Year
Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $27,160 $45,002 $29,312
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,150 $1,150 $1,150
Housing & Meals $14,446 $14,446 $14,446
Personal $5,468 $5,468 $5,468
Transportation $834 $834 $834
Loan Fees $262 $262 $262
TOTAL COA $49,320 $67,162 $51,472
4th Year (summer, fall, and spring terms)
Wisconsin Resident Non Resident Minnesota Resident
Tuition & Fees $37,416 $61,194 $43,968
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,400 $1,400 $1,400
Housing & Meals $19,264 $19,264 $19,264
Personal $7,292 $7,292 $7,292
Transportation $1,112 $1,112 $1,112
Loan Fees $262 $262 $262
TOTAL COA $66,746 $90,524 $73,298

Veterinary Medicine

2023-24 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

1st Year 2nd & 3rd Year 4th Year
Tuition & Fees $35,372 $35,372 $35,372
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,480 $1,780 $1,540
Housing & Meals $15,208 $15,208 $20,277
Personal $6,012 $6,012 $8,016
Transportation $920 $920 $1,227
Loan Fees $220 $220 $220
WI Resident Total $59,212 $59,512 $66,432
Non-Resident Extra Tuition $19,396 $19,396 $19,396
Non-Resident Transportation $580 $580 $773
Non-Resident Total $79,188 $79,488 $86,601

2022-23 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

1st Year 2nd  & 3rd Year 4th Year
Tuition & Fees $34,469 $34,469 $34,469
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,480 $1,780 $1,540
Housing & Meals $14,446 $14,446 $19,261
Personal $5,468 $5,468 $5,468
Transportation $834 $834 $1,112
Loan Fees $262 $262 $262
WI Resident Total $56,959 $57,259 $63,935
Non-Resident Extra Tuition $20,224 $20,224 $20,224
Non-Resident Total $77,183 $77,483. $84,159

Notes

  • Fourth-Year Vet Med students have $720 added for credential/licensure.

Medicine

2023-24 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Med 1
(1st year)
Med 2
(2nd year)
Med 3
(3rd year)
Med 4
(4th year)
Tuition & Fees $42,198 $42,198 $42,198 $42,198
Books $1,390 $1,606 $1,104 $1,046
Instruments $860 n/a n/a n/a
Laptop Computer $1,250 n/a n/a n/a
Rotational Travel n/a $470 $470 $470
Additional Travel n/a n/a n/a $8,776
National Boards and Licensure n/a n/a $2,620 $1,275
Loan Fees $220 $220 $220 $220
Annual Living Expenses* $25,830 $29,520 $29,520 $29,520
Total WI Resident Budget $71,748 $74,014 $76,132 $83,505
Non Resident Tuition Add-On $17,250 $17,250 $17,250 $17,250
Non-Resident Transportation $677 $773 $773 $773
Total Non-Resident Budget $88,998 $91,264 $93,382 $100,755

*Additional Living Expenses

Med 1
(1st year)
Med 2
(2nd year)
Med 3
(3rd year)
Med 4
(4th year)
Rent, Utilities, & Renter’s Insurance $1,189.78 $1,189.78 $1,189.78 $1,189.78
Food & Household $500 $500 $500 $500
Transportation $102.22 $102.22 $102.22 $102.22
Personal $668 $668 $668 $668
Monthly Living Cost Estimate $2,460 $2,460 $2,460 $2,460
Months in Academic Year** 10.5 12 12 12
Annual Living Expenses $25,830.00 $29,520.00 $29,520.00 $29,520.00

2022-23 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Med 1 (1st year) Med 2 (2nd year) Med 3 (3rd year) Med 4 (4th year)
Tuition & Fees $41,130 $41,130 $41,130 $41,130
Books $1,389 $1,605 $1,103 $1,045
Instruments $860 n/a n/a n/a
Laptop Computer $1,250 n/a n/a n/a
Rotational Travel n/a $470 $470 $470
Additional Travel n/a n/a n/a $8,775
National Boards n/a n/a $2620 n/a
Loan Fees $262 $262 $262 $262
$44,891 $43,467 $45,585 $51,682
Living Costs Per Month
Rent, Utilities, & Renter’s Insurance $1,109 $1,109 $1,109 $1,109
Food & Household $496 $496 $496 $496
Transportation $93 $93 $93 $93
Personal $608 $608 $608 $608
Total Monthly Costs $2,306 $2,306 $2,306 $2,306
Annual Living Costs $24,213 $27,672 $27,672 $27,672
Total WI Resident Budget $69,104 $71,139 $73,257 $79,354
Non Resident Tuition Add-On $16,829 $16,829 $16,829 $16,829
Total Non-Resident Budget $85,933 $87,968 $90,086 $96,183

Notes

  • Med 4 students are required to take the USMLE Step II Clinical Skills exam. The cost is $1,275 plus transportation and/or hotel (one night) to the test site (probably Chicago). We may adjust financial aid for Med 4’s for this cost by request.

Historical COAs

If you need a cost of attendance from a previous academic year, you can use this tool to search for the correct year and program. If you need an academic year that is not currently listed, please contact our office.

Historic Cost of Attendance

UW-Madison Online COA

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Fall 2022, Spring & Summer 2023

2022-2023 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Enrollment Status
Full-Time
(12+ credits)
Three-Quarter Time
(9-11 credits)
Half-Time
(6-8 credits)
Tuition $16,200 $12,150 $8,100
Housing & Meals $12,894 $9,670 $6,447
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,150 $1,150 $1,150
Personal $2,290 $2,290 $2,290
Total $32,534 $25,220 $17,947

Fall 2021

2021-2022 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Enrollment Status
Full-Time
(12+ credits)
Three-Quarter Time
(9-11 credits)
Half-Time
(6-8 credits)
Tuition $16,200 $12,150 $8,100
Housing & Meals $12,548 $9,411 $6,274
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,150 $1,150 $1,150
Personal $2,250 $2,250 $2,250
Total $32,200 $24,916 $17,774

Spring and Summer 2021

2020-2021 ESTIMATED Academic Year Cost of Attendance

Enrollment Status
Full-Time
(12+ credits)
Three-Quarter Time
(9-11 credits)
Half-Time
(6-8 credits)
Tuition $13,800 $10,350 $6,900
Housing & Meals $12,200 $9,150 $6,100
Required Course Material & Educational Supplies $1,150 $1,150 $1,150
Personal $2,266 $2,266 $2,266
Total $29,416 $22,916 $16,416

Notes for fully online undergraduate degrees

Tuition

  • Tuition for UW–Madison Online courses is $600-$675 per credit hour depending on your enrolled degree path. The COA calculated above uses an estimate of $675 per credit hour.
  • For UW–Madison Online, the tuition rate is the same for all students regardless of whether you are a resident of Wisconsin.

Fees

COA Definitions & Details

  • The tuition rates listed in our cost of attendance are estimates only. To view actual tuition and fees for your specific degree and/or program, visit the Bursar’s Office Tuition Rates page
  • Assessed by and paid to the Bursar’s Office
  • Billed by the Bursar’s Office to you, the student, and your authorized payer(s)
  • Tuition is the cost for instruction.
  • Segregated Fees are charges in addition to instructional fees assessed to most students for services, programs and facilities that support the primary mission of the university. UW-Madison Online students do not pay these fees.
  • An Official Document Fee is charged to all new UW-Madison students; beginning Fall 2021 it will be $130.
  • An allowance for the cost of housing (whether on- or off-campus or at home with family) and food
  • Estimates are created by surveying students and local housing resources to determine an average of what students are spending
  • Your exact housing (room) amount may vary depending on WHERE you choose to live
    • University Housing
      • Billed with tuition & fees by the Bursar’s Office.  You, the student, will be charged based on your selected room type.
    • Off-campus
      • Options can vary drastically so research all of your available options to find what’s affordable for you.  The Campus Area Housing website is a great starting point.
      • Make sure to understand your lease, security deposit and monthly rent, as most off-campus housing options will not formally bill you.
    • Commuter
      • Students living at home with a parent or other family do not have the same expenses for housing and meals and therefore will have a lower estimated amount.
  • Your meal costs may also vary depending on your own spending (and eating) habits.
  • An allowance for the costs of your course-related materials
  • This is NOT a billable cost – UW-Madison does not have a book purchasing/renting program though some courses use eTextbooks with an associated fee.  Course-specific books are typically on hold at the library for use, otherwise you are responsible for purchasing your course material and supplies and can do so from any vendor.

This is NOT a billable cost.  However, these are general expenses that you will likely incur maintaining a healthy lifestyle and will vary depending on your specific spending habits.

Undergraduates

An allowance for clothing and upkeep, health care (not including insurance), personal/recreation, and a cell phone.

Graduate/Professionals

All of the above, plus an allowance for health insurance, separate from your general health care costs.

This is NOT a billable cost.  However, these are general expenses that you will likely incur traveling to and from campus.

Living On- and Off-Campus

An allowance for a UW student bus pass and travel home a few times each semester.

Living at Home

An allowance for the cost of traveling to and from campus, operating and maintaining a vehicle, and parking.

  • An allowance for the cost of any Federal Direct loan fee, origination fee, or insurance premium charged to the student or a parent borrower.
  • These costs are estimated as average costs incurred by loan borrowers at UW-Madison.
  • These estimates do not include the costs associated with non-Federal loans.

Some additional expenses can be accounted for with documentation, but are not necessarily included automatically:

  • Childcare costs for a dependent child of a student
  • Approved study abroad programs
  • Disability-related expenses

Our team can account for these costs when you submit a Budget Adjustment eForm through your Student Center.

If you believe your cost of attendance does not accurately reflect your own specific charges and expenses, it is possible for our team to review and possibly adjust the amounts in each category.

To have your additional costs considered:

  • Submit the Budget Adjustment eForm in your MyUW Student Center.
  • Once in your Student Center, select the Student eForms tile and then click on the Financial Aid folder. You’ll see the Budget Adjustment eForm listed.

Documentation is required for each expense category.

Our team will be in contact within 2 – 3 weeks with the results of your request.