Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of expenses you may have as a student. This is based on typical expenses of individuals living in our district. Use this as a guide to help you budget for attending Madison College. 

Enter your info in the Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate of your costs. 

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COA Expenses

The cost of attendance is composed of the following expenses:

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee rates are set annually by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Board. Your tuition cost is based on your enrollment status as of the Pell Recalculation Date each term. 

Books

Costs for books and supplies will vary based on your program and the classes and books required. We have a Book Charge program which may allow you to pay for books with your financial aid award. We also offer the option to rent textbooks for certain programs.

Room and Board

Room and board are the average expenses for housing and food. You will either have “Away from Home” or “At Home” expenses for room and board based on your housing choice listed on your FAFSA. Your actual costs may be different based on your housing situation and your food choices.

Personal

Personal expenses vary and include personal care, clothing and phone. Keep in mind that you control many of these costs. You may need to make adjustments to ensure you can afford to cover these and your other expenses.

Transportation 

Transportation expenses reflect the typical costs of traveling to attend school. Your actual costs may be different based on your transportation choices. Purchasing a vehicle, car loan payments, insurance costs and major repairs are not included in these costs.

Federal Direct Loan Fees 

If you accept Federal loans (subsidized or unsubsidized), you may be accruing interest during the year.   

Miscellaneous Items 

Although no line is assigned for this expense, be aware of other costs such as child care, utilities, etc. 

View COA by Academic Year

  • 2022-2023 Cost of Attendance

    Liberal Arts Transfer Students-Living Away from HomeFull Time3/4 Time1/2 Time < 1/2 Time
    Tuition$3,004$2,253$1,502$751
    Books*$992$744$496$248
    Personal$1,072$1,072$1,072$0
    Room & Board$7,504$7,504$7,504$0
    Transportation$912$912$912$912
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Total$13,526$12,527$11,528$1,911
    Liberal Arts Transfer Students-Living At HomeFull Time3/4 Time1/2 Time < 1/2 Time
    Tuition$3,004$2,253$1,502$751
    Books*$992$744$496$248
    Personal$1,072$1,072$1,072$0
    Room & Board$1,840$1,840$1,840$0
    Transportation$912$912$912$912
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Total$7,862$6,863$5,864$1,911
    Associate Degree & Technical Diploma Students - Living Away from HomeFull Time3/4 Time1/2 Time < 1/2 Time
    Tuition$2,320$1,740$1,160$580
    Books*$992$744$496$248
    Personal$1,072$1,072$1,072$0
    Room & Board$7,504$7,504$7,504$0
    Transportation$912$912$912$912
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Total$12,842$12,014$11,186$1,740
    Associate Degree & Technical Diploma Students - Living At HomeFull Time3/4 Time1/2 Time < 1/2 Time
    Tuition$2,320$1,740$1,160$580
    Books*$992$744$496$248
    Personal$1,072$1,072$1,072$0
    Room & Board$1,840$1,840$1,840$0
    Transportation$912$912$912$912
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Total$7,178$6,350$5,522$1,740

    *Costs may be lower for students who use the Book Rental Program. 

    If your courses are less than the full 16-week term, your budget for Personal, Room & Board, and Transportation will be prorated. 

    Additional Budget Items:
    Dental Hygienist Equipment:  $471
    Photography Equipment:  $2,000
    Cosmetology Equipment: $676
    Auto Collision Equipment (1 year): $325
    Auto Collision Equipment (2 year): $275

  • 2021-2022 Cost of Attendance

    Liberal Arts Transfer Students-Living Away from HomeFull Time3/4 Time1/2 Time < 1/2 Time
    Tuition$3,032$2,724$1,516$758
    Books*$972$729$486$243
    Personal$1,040$1,040$1,040$0
    Room & Board$7,120$7,120$7,120$0
    Transportation$832$832$832$832
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Total$13,038$12,037$11,036$1,833
    Liberal Arts Transfer Students-Living At HomeFull Time3/4 Time1/2 Time < 1/2 Time
    Tuition$3,032$2,724$1,516$758
    Books*$972$729$486$243
    Personal$1,040$1,040$1,040$0
    Room & Board$1,776$1,776$1,776$0
    Transportation$832$832$832$832
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Total$7,694$6,693$5,692$1,833
    Associate Degree & Technical Diploma Students - Living Away from HomeFull Time3/4 Time1/2 Time < 1/2 Time
    Tuition$2,288$1,716$1,144$572
    Books*$972$729$486$243
    Personal$1,040$1,040$1,040$0
    Room & Board$7,120$7,120$7,120$0
    Transportation$832$832$832$832
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Total$12,279$11,479$10,664$1,647
    Associate Degree & Technical Diploma Students - Living At HomeFull Time3/4 Time1/2 Time < 1/2 Time
    Tuition$2,288$1,716$1,144$572
    Books*$972$729$486$243
    Personal$1,040$1,040$1,040$0
    Room & Board$1,776$1,776$1,776$0
    Transportation$832$832$832$832
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Total$6,950$6,135$5,320$1,647

Can I Increase My COA?

If you have additional expenses or other unrelated expenses not already included, you can ask to have your COA evaluated for a potential adjustment.

Financial Need

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a number that determines your eligibility for certain types of federal student aid. This number is calculated using information you provided on your FAFSA. 

Financial Need is the difference between your COA and your EFC (COA - EFC = Financial Need). This identifies how much need-based financial aid you can receive toward your cost of attendance.

Some types of aid such as grants, Federal Direct Subsidized Loans and work study, are based on financial need and the availability of funds. The total aid amount from all sources cannot exceed your COA. If your COA is exceeded (over awarded), your financial aid may be adjusted. You must inform the Financial Aid Office of any other aid (e.g., scholarships, state grants, etc.) not listed on your award.