University of Wisconsin-Madison
About University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UW-Madison is a public flagship research university in Madison, Wisconsin. It is one of the top public universities in the country, with world-class programs in engineering, business, the sciences, and agriculture. The campus is set between two lakes in the state capital.
Founded
1848
Location
Madison, Wisconsin
Students
49,906
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
45.2%
Selective
Graduation Rate
89.6%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$11,603
Out-of-state: $42,103
Avg Net Price
$17,354
After financial aid
SAT Average
1427
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$73,792
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
45.2 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$70
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 45.2% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1427 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1427/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
89.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
96.2%
4-Year Grad
69%
6-Year Grad
89%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
85.8%
$/Student
$21.4K
Class Size
Medium
69% of students graduate on time, and 85.8% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,603
In-State
$42,103
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$14,124
Books & Supplies
$1,100
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,679
After Financial Aid
$17,354
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$4,200
Receive Grants
15.9%
Take Loans
20.4%
The full cost of attendance is about $28,679/yr for in-state students, including $14,124 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $17,354. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $42,103.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Wisconsin-Madison fund their education.
While in School
15.9%
Get Grants
Free money
20.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$92,428
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$20,484
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$217/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 20.4% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $20,484. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Gender
53.4%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
36,902
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
13,004
Graduates
16.8%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 47% men). 16.8% are first-generation college students. 10.3% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
36,902
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Madison is consistently ranked best college town in US
- +State Street connects campus to the Capitol
- +Lakefront campus between two lakes
- +Big Ten athletics and incredible game days
Cons
- -Wisconsin winters are brutal and long
- -Party culture can overshadow academics
- -Large class sizes in introductory courses
- -Out-of-state tuition is expensive
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Wisconsin-Madison fields 12 varsity teams with 863 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Ten
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
863
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
48% / 52%
415
Men
448
Women
10
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madisonearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$73,792
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Computer and Information Sciences, General
$81K
864 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
589 grads
1yr Earnings
Economics
$54K
587 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$69K
521 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$36K
440 grads
1yr Earnings
Political Science and Government
$42K
384 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $61K at six years, $59K at eight, and $74K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Wisconsin-Madison
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?▾
How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?▾
How much do University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.