Wisconsin College Cost Contribution Estimator

No, Wisconsin courts cannot order divorced parents to contribute to college costs. Under Wisconsin Statute § 767.511(4), child support obligations terminate when the child turns 18, or 19 if still pursuing a high school diploma. Wisconsin is not among the approximately 25 states that grant courts authority to mandate post-secondary education contributions from divorced parents.

Wisconsin courts do not consider factors for college contribution because they lack statutory authority to order such payments. However, parents voluntarily negotiating college provisions in their settlement agreement typically consider each parent's income and assets, the child's academic ability, available scholarships and financial aid, the cost of the institution, and whether the child is attending full-time.

There is no statutory cap on college cost contribution in Wisconsin because courts cannot order such payments. When parents create voluntary agreements, they can set their own caps, such as limiting contributions to the in-state public university rate of approximately $8,631 per year, or establishing a maximum total contribution amount for a four-year degree.

Yes, you can and should include college cost provisions in your Wisconsin divorce agreement. While courts cannot order these payments, voluntary agreements are legally enforceable contracts. Per Bliwas v. Bliwas (47 Wis. 2d 635), education provisions in a divorce judgment cannot later be challenged and can be enforced through contempt proceedings if a parent fails to comply.

Since Wisconsin courts cannot order college contributions, there is no statutory duration. Parents creating voluntary agreements typically specify that contributions continue until the child completes a bachelor's degree, reaches age 22-24, or ceases full-time enrollment — whichever occurs first. The agreement should clearly define these parameters to avoid future disputes.

For 2024-2025, average in-state tuition and fees at Wisconsin public universities is $8,631 per year. UW-Madison, the flagship campus, costs $11,603 annually for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition averages $17,006. Adding room, board, books, and supplies, total annual costs range from $20,000-$30,000 for in-state students at public institutions.

Wisconsin courts cannot issue college contribution orders, so financial aid does not affect court mandates. However, in voluntary agreements, parents should specify how scholarships, grants, and loans impact each parent's contribution. The FAFSA uses the custodial parent's income, which may affect aid eligibility — a factor worth addressing in your settlement agreement.

Since Wisconsin courts cannot issue college contribution orders, there are no orders to modify. Voluntary agreements in divorce settlements are generally enforceable as written, though parents can mutually agree to modifications. If one parent refuses, the original agreement terms typically remain binding. Include flexibility provisions in your original agreement to address changing circumstances.