About

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

public research universitybig ten academicsstem and business focuslarge campus communitymoderate selectivity

University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public research university in Madison, WI, known for its public research university, big ten academics, and stem and business focus. With an acceptance rate of 49%, Madison is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 8,628 students each year. Madison is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1340–1510, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Madison offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,266 per year; the sticker price of $55,306 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

University of Wisconsin-Madison acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

49%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1425
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.75 – 4.00 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 1340 – 1510 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 26 – 32

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to University of Wisconsin-Madison

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
UW Madison asks why you want to study your specific major there, so name actual faculty research, labs like the Morgridge Institute, or programs like the Wisconsin Idea that connect directly to your academic goals. Vague answers about a 'great university' will not stand out in a pool of 50,000 applicants.
Application Strategy
Apply directly to your intended college within UW Madison, whether that is the College of Engineering, the School of Business, or Letters and Science, because each college has its own admissions standards and your application is reviewed with that college's criteria in mind. Choosing undecided when you have a clear interest can hurt you in more competitive colleges.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What University of Wisconsin-Madison actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$55k/yr$4.2k
30k-48k~$55k/yr$4.1k
48k-75k~$55k/yr$8.1k
75k-110k~$55k/yr$17.8k
110k+~$55k/yr$27.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

89%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$61k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
32,799
Undergrad Enrollment
University of Wisconsin-Madison Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch