Understanding the Costs of Attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Choosing a university is a significant decision, and understanding the financial implications is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with attending the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-La Crosse), including tuition, fees, financial aid options, and other related expenses.

Tuition and Fees: A Detailed Breakdown

The sticker price, encompassing both tuition and fees, is a primary factor in determining the overall cost of education. For the University of Wisconsin--La Crosse, the tuition is $10,194 for in-state students and $19,640 for out-of-state students. This makes UW-La Crosse cheaper than the national average cost of in-state tuition, which is $12,201. For out-of-state students, the tuition is also cheaper than the national average of $29,084.

It's important to note that these figures represent the initial cost before any financial aid is applied.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition

In-State Tuition: $10,657 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,575 per year

These rates are applicable to students who meet the residency requirements set by the state of Wisconsin and the university.

Additional Fees

Besides tuition, students should also account for additional fees, which may fund various campus services such as library access, gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and health centers. The amounts listed include charges for textbook rental, Segregated fees, Differential Tuition and Growth Quality Access Differential Tuition. All students will also be charged a $25 registration fee (non-refundable) per term and a $2 DLE Canvas fee per credit. For undergraduate students, textbooks are included as part of textbook rental. Graduate students are required to purchase their own books.

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The Total Cost of Attendance

While tuition is a significant expense, it's only one part of the overall cost of attendance (COA). The total cost includes tuition and fees, as well as the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. At University of Wisconsin--La Crosse, the total cost is $19,341 for in-state students and $28,381 for out-of-state students.

Components of the Total Cost

Tuition and Fees: As mentioned above, this varies based on residency.
Books and Supplies: $120 per year
Personal Expenses: $1,166 per year
Transportation: $1,048 per year

Historical Trends in Cost of Attendance

The total cost of attendance (COA), including tuition & fees, books & supplies costs, and living costs, increased by 17.62% from 2015 ($25,921). For the current academic year 2024-2025, UW - La Crosse's COA is $30,487, which is increased by 5.83% from last year.

Tuition & Fees Changes

The tuition & fees have increased 16.29% for the last 10 years , and the 2025 tuition & fees are $19,517.

Books & Supplies Costs Changes

The cost of purchasing books & supplies which are required/recommended for courses $120, and it has decreased -40.00% from the year 2015 to 2025.

Living Costs Changes

The living costs including room, board, and other living expenses have increased 30.75% when a student lives on-campus facilities and 30.75% when living-off campus from the year 2015 to 2025.

Understanding Net Price and Affordability

The net price is a more personalized estimate of what a student will actually pay to attend a college. It's calculated by subtracting the grants and scholarships a student receives from the college's cost of attendance. The average net price at UW-La Crosse is $13,125 per year.

The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Net Price by Household Income

The net price can vary significantly based on a family's income. It is important to use the college's Net Price Calculator for the most accurate estimate based on individual circumstances.

Financial Aid Options

Financial aid can significantly reduce the financial burden of attending college. It can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Types of Financial Aid

Grants: Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back.
Loans: Loans must be paid back.
Scholarships: Merit-based or need-based awards that do not require repayment.
Work-Study: Part-time jobs offered to students with financial need.

Financial Aid Statistics at UW-La Crosse

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 32%
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 86%
Average Aid Package Awarded: $8,513
Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $7,015
Average Need-Based Loan Amount: $3,789
Typical Debt at Graduation: $25,589

Important Financial Aid Dates

Priority Application Due: Feb 1 (Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.)
Notification Date: Feb 1 (When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.)

Tuition Payment Plans

Details about tuition payment plans can be obtained from the university.

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment.

Additional Considerations for Specific Student Groups

Undergraduate vs. Graduate Students

For undergraduates (not in an on-line program) in fall and spring semesters anything 12 credits and above is considered full-time. For graduate and doctorate students (not in an on-line program) anything 9 credits and above is considered full-time and is the same tuition rate. If you drop from 12 to 9 credits you will not get a tuition refund.

Residents vs. Non-Residents

WI Residents add $364.58 per credit, MN reciprocity add $386.68 per credit, Non-residents add $777.87 per credit.

Audit Fees

The audit fee doesn't apply to students taking classes for course credit or seeking degrees. View the university audit policy. They pay the credit fee from the Fee Schedule. Non-degree students who register for AUDIT ONLY:WI Residents & MN Residents with reciprocity pay 30% of credit fee. Wisconsin residents age 60 or older (as of the first day of classes) are not assessed audit fees for audit-type attendance of credit classes.

International Students

All new freshmen, exchange students and some contract students are required to live in campus housing. New international students are charged an International Student Orientation Fee their first semester at UW-La Crosse. International students are required to have health insurance coverage in order to be in compliance with Federal and Institutional regulations. UW-La Crosse offers affordable health insurance coverage through our insurance provider. International students who enroll at UW-La Crosse through an agreement with another university may be charged an International Contract Fee.

Student Perspectives on Cost and Value

Many students feel that UW-La Crosse offers a great education at an affordable price.

"It can be a little expensive if you are out-of-state, but if you are from Wisconsin or Minnesota it is well worth the money. Even for out-of-state tuition, it is worth the cost." - Jennifer from Rolling Meadows, IL
"Tuition here is only around 11 grand, which is extremely affordable considering it competes for the number one state school in Wisconsin year after year. Meal plans and dorms are cheap, and the off-campus living is very cost-effective as well."
"UWL is a very affordable school that provides a variety of different classes, opportunities, and overall stellar education"
"I feel like LAX is just as good as any other school, if not better, and it's much more affordable than any private school." - Mercedes from Montello, WI
"It's definitely worth what your paying. Cheaper and smaller than a Big 10 school, but it definitely gives you a liberal arts-feel."
"When I chose La Crosse I knew I would get a great education. The room and board has been what I expected and even more. The money that comes in from us has been used to improve our learning and even get us some cool new things. My friend recently won a new ipod touch and there are so many opportunities to win and get other cool things. So I would have to say the money we put in is given back."
"La Crosse is right around my price range for school and is definitely worth what I am paying. The facilities stay clean and the food is great. There are also many resources if you need help with just about anything." - Karlissa from Janesville, WI
"You definitely get your money's worth at UW-LaCrosse. You will receive an amazing education for a great price. LaCrosse does a lot to make sure that their students are getting what they want and need to succeed. It is a great school and the price fits the experience you will get/You are getting a lot for your money. We have a great rec center which you can use at anytime."

Long-Term Financial Implications

Debt at Graduation

The typical amount of loans a student must pay back is $25,589.

Loan Default Rate

The US National loan default rate is 7%.

Median Monthly Loan Payment

The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.

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