Overview
Madison, WI University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public 4-year college located in Madison, Wisconsin. There are currently 35,184 undergraduates at Wisconsin-Madison and the school’s acceptance rate is 49%. The tuition at Wisconsin-Madison is $10,796 for in-state students and $39,427 for out-of-state.
University
City
SupplementalEssay
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$27,994
$39,791
$16,834
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$27,994for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$56,625for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Since Wisconsin-Madison is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at Wisconsin-Madison is $27,994 for in-state students in WI, and $56,625 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at Wisconsin-Madison would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for University of Wisconsin-Madison is 003895.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
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National Merit Scholarships
If you scored exceptionally high on the PSAT/NMSQT, you may have been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Did you know that this distinction could earn you a scholarship at University of Wisconsin-Madison? Wisconsin-Madison offers scholarship money to National Merit Scholarship Finalists, although terms may vary. Some schools require you to list them as your first choice in order to receive the benefit, and others may impose additional need-based or academic requirements. Be sure to check Wisconsin-Madison's website for more information!
Midwest Student Tuition Exchange
Wisconsin-Madison is in a state that participates in the Midwest Student Exchange. That means that if you are a resident of Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin, you may qualify for discounted tuition at Wisconsin-Madison. This program applies to both private and public institutions, although the discount at private institutions is lower. Check their website for more information on eligibility and what your discount would be.
Pell Grants at University of Wisconsin-Madison
16% of students at University of Wisconsin-Madison receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to University of Wisconsin-Madison.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
Wisconsin-Madison students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Admissions
49%
29
1390 is the median SAT score and 29 is the median ACT score for admitted students at Wisconsin-Madison. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Does Wisconsin-Madison have a supplemental essay?
Yes, applicants to University of Wisconsin-Madison will have to write a supplemental essay in order to complete their application. Luckily, we have a guide to help you through that essay prompt and stand out in the application process.
Wisconsin-Madison Supplemental Essay Guide
Is Wisconsin-Madison test-optional?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to University of Wisconsin-Madison receive between a 26 and a 32 on their ACT, or a 1310 and a 1490 on their SAT.
Early Action
Regular Decision
What is the application deadline at Wisconsin-Madison?
Students must apply by January 16 to enroll at Wisconsin-Madison during the fall semester. Remember that college applications involve many pieces, including essays, a transcript, letters of recommendation, and more. Be sure to start your application as soon as you can to make sure you have enough time to make it as compelling as possible.
And if you’re considering applying Early Action at Wisconsin-Madison, remember that the deadline is November 1.
Should I apply Early Action at Wisconsin-Madison?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
18:1
Graduation Rate
89%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Business, Management, & Marketing
15%
15% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
10%
10% of graduates
Engineering
9%
9% of graduates
Social Sciences
9%
9% of graduates
Health Professions & Related Programs
7%
7% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
6%
6% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
6%
6% of graduates
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, & Gender Studies
5%
5% of graduates
Psychology
3%
3% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
3%
3% of graduates
Mathematics
3%
3% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
3%
3% of graduates
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies.
3%
3% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
3%
3% of graduates
Education
2%
2% of graduates
Agriculture & Agriculture Operations
2%
2% of graduates
Family & Consumer Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
1%
1% of graduates
Physical Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
1%
1% of graduates
Legal Studies
1%
1% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
35,184
Pell Grant 15%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 5%
Undergrad Students Over 25 4%
Percent Male / Female 47% / 53%
Ethnic Diversity at Wisconsin-Madison
62% White
10% International / Non-Citizen
10% Asian / Pacific Islander
8% Hispanic
4% Multiracial
3% Unknown
2% Black
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$73,792
Median Debt $20,484
Debt 10 years after graduation $217
Graduation Rate 89%
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
89% of students who start at University of Wisconsin-Madison end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 31% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at University of Wisconsin-Madison, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $73,792. This is $23,401 more than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at Wisconsin-Madison take out in loans?
Graduates of Wisconsin-Madison have to take out a median of $20,484 in federal student loans. This is $6,984 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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