Estimated Cost of Attendance
The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses that a student can expect to incur while attending college.
Components of your cost of attendance are made up of direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are those items you need to ensure are paid each semester to move to the next semester – or – your bottom line. This would be costs set by the college such as tuition, fees and books.
Indirect costs are those that can be different month to month and vary from student to student. Not all costs have to be paid up front. Some expenses, such as transportation, are spread out over the year and can be met by a student working part-time during the year. Some expenses, such as food and housing, may be covered by parents and will not represent an out-of-pocket cost for you.
Direct Expenses
Tuition and fee expenses are determined by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Board. Your total cost depends on the number of credits, type of classes and your residency status. The tuition cost is billed on a semester basis.
Specific tuition and fee information can be found within our College Catalog.
The estimate of books and supplies is based on the average cost for program students. Your actual costs may vary. Certain programs require additional purchases. For example, a knife set is required for Culinary Arts, specialty tools and gear for Electrical Power Distribution, or a supply kit for Cosmetology. These items become the personal possession of the student. (Review the program costs tab on your program for additional fees.)
Indirect Expenses
Food expenses are estimated at 3 meals per day/7 days a week. There are two housing costs: either living with parents or living off-campus.
Day-to-day living expenses such as clothing, medical, recreational expenses, toiletries and insurance.
Travel expenses to and from school with standard on-campus course load.
Cost of Attendance Examples
1. Student Living with Parents (2026-27)
Approximate school costs for a full-time student (30 credits) during a nine-month academic year are:
| Student Living with Parents (2026-27) | Full-time |
| Tuition and Fees | $5,240.00 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,463.00 |
| Food and Housing | $3,588.00 |
| Personal | $3,169.00 |
| Transportation | $3,899.00 |
| Total Budget | $17,359.00 |
2. Student Living Off-campus (2026-27)
Approximate school costs for a full-time student (30 credits) during a nine-month academic year are:
| Student Living Off-campus (2026-27) | Full-time |
| Tuition and Fees | $5,240.00 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,463.00 |
| Food and Housing | $10,910.00 |
| Personal | $3,169.00 |
| Transportation | $3,899.00 |
| Total | $24,651.00 |
Financial aid is offered on the basis of need, which is the difference between your Cost of Attendance (COA) and your Student Aid Index or “SAI.” The SAI is calculated using the information submitted on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Cost of Attendance Example
$24,651 Estimated Cost of Attendance
$11,433 Less Total SAI
$13,218 Financial Need