Tuition is defined as program and material fees charged for a class. Other fees, such as parking, supplemental fees and other class fees are often rolled into total tuition costs.

You may have to pay other costs including books, equipment, field trips, uniforms, graduation and sales tax. Your total cost is impacted by the number of credits you enroll in, the type of classes you take and your residency status.

Note: Noncredit continuing education courses taught to business and other professionals are offered under a different cost structure.

Tuition & Fees
iframe added here via JS.

Tuition, Fees and Cost of Attendance

Tuition is calculated per semester credit and varies depending on the program.

Fees are additional charges to cover the costs of certain services, such as equipment required for classes, lab fees, etc.

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.

  • Tuition and Fees (2023-2024)

    Per-Credit Tuition

    Resident and non-resident tuition rates are established annually by the Wisconsin Technical College System according to Wisconsin state statutes.

    Non-Resident Tuition is required for out-of-state students and international students. Due to a reciprocity agreement, Minnesota residents pay in-state tuition. In all cases, you are responsible for proving your residency status.

    Per-Credit Tuition for Career-Focused Programs

    (technical diplomas, associate degrees, certificates and vocational courses)

    • In-state: $146.20
    • Out-of-state: $219.30
    Per-Credit Tuition for Liberal Arts Transfer Courses

    (classes you plan to put toward a bachelor’s degree)

    • In-state: $188.90
    • Out-of-state: $283.35
    Per-Credit Tuition for Community Service Enrichment Courses
    • $400.00 for in-state and non-residents
    • $320.00 for persons 60 years old and older

    Fees

    (Same for In-State and Out-of-State Residents)

    Supplemental Fees

    Supplemental fees (Madison or Regional Campus) support co-curricular activities and programming including student newspapers, athletics, performing arts, Student Senate, leadership programs, clubs and organizations, the Programs and Activities Council, the Student Life Office and provides access to the Madison College Fitness Center and student health services and programs. Regional campus rate difference is due to varying levels of service.

    • $12.24 per credit - Madison campuses for all Postsecondary and Vocational Adult credit courses
    • $14.99 per credit - Madison campuses or online liberal arts transfer classes
    • $3.25 per credit - Regional campuses; fall and spring terms only
    • $7.00 per credit - Textbook rental fee

    Academic Achievement Fees

    The Academic Achievement Fee is charged only for degree credit classes at any campus. Fees provide personnel and resources (online and in-person) for tutoring, information literacy, Writing Center services and more.

    • $1.46 per credit for associate degree, technical diploma, certificate and non-degree courses
    • $1.89 per credit for college transfer courses

    Other Fees

    The Commuter Services Fee is charged when taking at least one degree credit at any Madison campus, this fee covers a variety of transportation services (parking permit, bus pass, etc.) Learn more about transportation options.

    • $27.00 flat fee for commuter services for fall and spring; $13.50 for summer

    Textbook Rental

    To save costs, most class materials are covered in the textbook rental program.

    Instruction Mode

    • Online and Online-Live classes are not charged out-of-state tuition rates
    • Classroom-Live and Hybrid classes less than 50% online may be charged out-of-state tuition rates
  • Additional Budget Items

    Equipment Costs

    These programs require you to purchase equipment to use in the classroom and labs.

    • Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing (1 year) technical diploma: $1,700
    • Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing (2 year) technical diploma: $1,700
    • Cosmetology technical diploma: $2,700
    • Dental Hygienist associate degree: $1,732
    • Photography associate degree: $3,200
    • Veterinary Technician associate degree: $1,000

    License, Certification or First Professional Credential

    Some programs require professional licensure, certification or a first professional credential.

    • Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology associate degree: $35
    • Artisanal Modern Meat Butchery technical diploma: $38
    • Baking & Decorative Arts technical diploma: $38
    • Culinary Arts associate degree: $38
    • Culinary Production Specialist technical diploma: $38
    • Electrical Engineering Technology associate: $112
    • Electro-Mechanical Technology associate: $290
    • Electronic Service Technician technical diploma: $212
    • Electronic Soldering Assembler technical diploma: $212
    • Electronics associate: $112
    • Industrial Automation - Post Baccalaureate certificate: $255
    • Industrial Mechanic - Facilities technical diploma: $35
    • Industrial Mechanic - HVAC technical diploma: $35
    • Industrial Mechanic - Advanced Manufacturing technical diploma: $80
    • Plumbing apprenticeship: $285
    • Radiography associate degree (only upon graduation in order to be licensed in WI): $225 ARRT, $75 WI State license ($60 initial + $15 for ARRT exam fee)
    • Respiratory Therapy associate degree (only upon graduation in order to be licensed in WI): $60 licensure, $190 TMC (first board exam, required for licensure), $200 (advanced board exam, required by most local hospitals within 6 months of hire)
    • Surgical Technology (2-year) technical diploma: $247
    • Surgical Technologist (1-year) technical diploma: $247
    • Technial Electrician apprenticeship: $165
    • Trade Electrician apprenticeship: $165
    • Veterinary Technician associate degree (only upon graduation in order to be certified in WI: $340 VTNE Exam)

Cost of Attendance

Use this as a guide to help you budget for attending Madison College.

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.

Food and Housing

Food and housing are estimated living expenses you could need as a student. In your cost of attendance, you will either have “Away from Home” or “At Home” costs based on the housing choice provided. Food represents the average cost of three meals per day, seven days a week. Housing represents the average rent within the Madison College district.

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.

  • Cost of Attendance (2023-2024)

    The costs displayed below are estimates based on a 16-week semester or term enrollment. Expenses such as personal, food and housing, or transportation may be less based on the weeks you are enrolled.

    Use this as a guide to help you budget for attending Madison College.

    • Full‑Time = 12 or more credits
    • 3/4‑Time = 9-11 credits
    • 1/2‑Time = 6-8 credits
    • less than 1/2‑Time = 1-5 credits

    Liberal Arts Transfer Students (Living Away from Home)

    Full‑Time3/4‑Time1/2‑Time< 1/2‑Time
    Tuition$3,036$2,277$1,518$759
    Books$1,032$774$516$258
    Personal$1,120$1,120$1,120$0
    Food and Housing$8,960$8,960$8,960$0
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Transportation$1,008$1,008$1,008$1,008
    Total$15,198$14,181$13,164$2,025

    Liberal Arts Transfer Students (Living At Home)

    Full‑Time3/4‑Time1/2‑Time< 1/2‑Time
    Tuition$3,036$2,277$1,518$759
    Books$1,032$774$516$258
    Personal$1,120$1,120$1,120$0
    Food and Housing$2,032$2,032$2,032$0
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Transportation$1,008$1,008$1,008$1,008
    Total$8,270$7,253$6,236$2,025

    Associate Degree and Technical Diploma Students (Living Away from Home)

    Full‑Time3/4‑Time1/2‑Time< 1/2‑Time
    Tuition$2,356$1,767$1,178$589
    Books$1,032$774$516$258
    Personal$1,120$1,120$1,120$0
    Food and Housing$8,960$8,960$8,960$0
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Transportation$1,008$1,008$1,008$1,008
    Total$14,518$13,671$12,824$1,855

    Associate Degree and Technical Diploma Students (Living At Home)

    Full‑Time3/4‑Time1/2‑Time< 1/2‑Time
    Tuition$2,356$1,767$1,178$589
    Books$1,032$774$516$258
    Personal$1,120$1,120$1,120$0
    Food and Housing$2,032$2,032$2,032$0
    Loan Fees$42$42$42$0
    Transportation$1,008$1,008$1,008$1,008
    Total$7,590$6,743$5,896$1,855

 

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 grantsfederal 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.

Fee Exemption

There are two types of fee exemptions at Madison College.

1. Degree Classes. You do not have to pay the program fee portion of a class if you:

  • Reach your 60th birthday by the start of the class.
  • Request to audit a college parallel, associate degree or technical diploma course at the time of registration.
  • Meet all course requirements.

You are still responsible for material and any other associated fees. Contact Enrollment Services at enrollmentservices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210 for details.

2. Continuing Education Classes. You may qualify for a variety of tuition exemptions for Continuing Education classes based on:

  • Your age. For some classes, the minimum age is 60; for others it is 62.
  • The type of class you register for. The associated fees and possible exemptions vary significantly with the kind of class you register for.

You can contact Continuing Education at 608.258.2301 ext. 2 for specific class details.

1098-T Information

A 1098-T form is a statement of your tuition or educational expenses. You may submit your 1098-T each calendar year to the IRS to claim educational credit when you file your taxes. To access the document, do the following:

  1. Log into myMadisonCollege.
  2. Click the "My Finances" tile.
  3. Select "1098-T Tax Form" from the left navigation menu.
  4. Grant permission to view your 1098-T online by clicking on the "Grant Consent" button.
  5. Carefully read the 1098-T consent agreement and select the check box that yes, you have read the agreement and then click "Submit."
  6. Next, click on the "View 1098-T Selection" button.
  7. Review any 1098-T information carefully.

The IRS requires us to have your Social Security number (SSN) to issue your 1098-T. We can also use your individual tax identification number (ITIN).

If you need to provide us with your SSN or ITIN, complete and submit a W-9 Form. You can bring the form and a photo ID to one of our campuses, or you can mail the information to the Truax Enrollment Center.

Pay Your Tuition

Learn about the methods to make a payment on your Madison College student account balance.

Pay Tuition

Tuition Refunds

Learn about eligibility and drop dates for receiving tuition refunds.

Get Refund Details

Use the Net Price Calculator

Grants and scholarships can lower your cost to attend Madison College. Use our trusty net price calculator to estimate how much you can expect to pay for tuition.

See Your Estimated Cost

image of a laptop and coffee mug