University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public · 4-year

University of Wisconsin-Madison has a 43.3% acceptance rate. University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public 4-year institution in Madison, WI, with a median SAT of 1460 and a median ACT of 31. The average net price is $17,354 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

43.3%

63,505 applicants

SAT Median

1460

Combined score

ACT Median

31

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$17,354

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)136014601520
ACT (composite, 1–36)283132

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.9%

Retention Rate

96.2%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

36,902

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at University of Wisconsin-Madison:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$4,200
$30,001 – $48,000$4,101
$48,001 – $75,000$8,134
$75,001 – $110,000$17,763
$110,000+$27,292

Top Majors at University of Wisconsin-Madison

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing1,414
Biological & Biomedical Sciences1,029
Engineering959
Social Sciences796
Computer & Information Sciences691
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies458
Psychology424
Communication & Journalism362
Health Professions348
Parks, Recreation & Fitness206

Financial Aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

Official website: https://www.wisc.edu/

Admissions: https://www.admissions.wisc.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Wisconsin-Madison

What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

University of Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 43%. it received about 63,505 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1460; the average net price is $17,354 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to University of Wisconsin-Madison for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into University of Wisconsin-Madison?

Getting into University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective — it admits 43% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1460. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at University of Wisconsin-Madison for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for University of Wisconsin-Madison?

Admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison typically have a median SAT around 1460 and a median ACT around 31. With a 43% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison?

The average net price at University of Wisconsin-Madison is $17,354 per year after grants and scholarships. about 60% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $11,350 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

University of Wisconsin-Madison has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 96%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare University of Wisconsin-Madison against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, University of Wisconsin-Madison is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1460. With a 43% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors University of Wisconsin-Madison's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

Similar Colleges

University of Georgia

Athens, GA · 37% acceptance

Union College

Schenectady, NY · 44% acceptance

St. John's College

Annapolis, MD · 44% acceptance

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · 40% acceptance

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · 44% acceptance

Clark University

Worcester, MA · 42% acceptance

More Colleges in WI

Lawrence University

Appleton, WI · 63% acceptance

Beloit College

Beloit, WI · 57% acceptance

Carroll University

Waukesha, WI · 58% acceptance

Viterbo University

La Crosse, WI · 73% acceptance

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Milwaukee, WI · 63% acceptance

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI · 87% acceptance

Explore More

All 3,500+ universities · Most affordable colleges · Best value colleges · Test-optional colleges · Engineering programs · Computer science programs · Highest graduation rates · Compare planning tools

Check Your Admission Chances at University of Wisconsin-Madison — Free