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How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in Wisconsin for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In Wisconsin that averages $32,050 a year in 2025-26, compared with $10,600 for state residents. The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (Wisconsin average) | $32,050 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in Wisconsin
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $27,006 | $31,247 | $39,673 |
| Public university | $49,056 | $53,297 | $61,723 |
| Private university | $62,006 | $66,247 | $74,673 |
Living costs in Wisconsin
Across Wisconsin's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $1,299 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $650 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $913 a month; prices in Wisconsin are 5.9% below the US average.
In total, expect about $1,562 a month for an average student lifestyle.
Wisconsin vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $31,510 | $1,421 | $51,064 |
| Illinois | $30,770 | $1,536 | $51,696 |
| Minnesota | $30,670 | $1,590 | $52,249 |
| Wisconsin ★ | $32,050 | $1,562 | $53,297 |
| Michigan | $45,690 | $1,608 | $67,488 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in Wisconsin?
About $53,297 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $32,050, living about $18,747, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $66,247 and a community college about $31,247. That makes Wisconsin the 24th most expensive of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
