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University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI

PublicCity: LargeYellow Ribbon (undergraduate)Test Optional
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45%
Acceptance Rate
36,902
Undergraduates
$42k
Out-of-state tuition
90%
6-yr grad rate
$74k
Median Earnings (10 yrs)

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Data as of September 2026
Can I Get In?
45%
Selective
Acceptance Rate (2024-25)
Test Optional
45% of applicants admitted
SAT Range (2023-24)1380–1520
ACT Range (2023-24)29–33
Avg Admitted GPA (CDS)4.00
$80 application fee
36,902 degree-seeking undergraduates (2024-25)
Public · City: Large
Early Action: Nov 1, 2026
Regular Decision: Jan 15, 2027
Your MatchBasic and up
45% acceptance rate. Compare your scores against admitted students — is this a Match, Reach, or Safety for you?
What University of Wisconsin-Madison rates very important: Rigor of secondary school record, Academic GPA (its 2025-26 Common Data Set). This is how the college weighs all applicants, not part of your chance above. · Source
Can I Afford It?
Out-of-state tuition (2024-25)
$42,103
Average Net Price (2023-24)
$17,354
This college's average after grants, all family incomes. Not your price.
$20,484Median Debt
Median earnings 10 yrs after entry$73,792/yr
Debt-to-earnings ratio28%
Your Net Price EstimateBasic and up
See what University of Wisconsin-Madison is likely to cost at your family's income, after grants.
Why Go Here?
6-yr grad rate90%
First-year retention96%
$74k
Median Earnings
10 yrs after entry
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
36.9k
Undergraduates
Large
Public · City: Large
Your Scores HereBasic and up
Is this school right for you? See how your SAT, ACT and GPA compare with admitted students.
How Does It Stack Up?
#44
Deal Score in WI
of 70 rated colleges
Deal Score76
Good value
17% First-Gen Students
16% Pell Grant Recipients
Your Admission ChanceBasic and up
See your admission chance at University of Wisconsin-Madison, based on your scores and GPA.
Get Basic →
13Days
Next Application Deadline
Early Action: Nov 1, 2026
From the school’s admissions page, checked Sep 23, 2026. The year is projected for this cycle; confirm it with the school. Source
At a Glance
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public college in Madison, WI. It enrolls 36,902 degree-seeking undergraduates (2024-25).
Deal Score
76
/ 100
Good value
Based on cost, earnings, & outcomes
Academics & Admissions
Student-Faculty Ratio
18:1
SAT Middle 50% / Avg GPA
1380–1520
SAT (2023-24)
4.00
GPA (CDS)
Test Optional
Application Deadline
Regular Decision: Jan 15, 2027
via Common Application
Cost & Financial Aid
Out-of-state tuition (2024-25)$42,103
Avg net price, % of cost of attendance (2023-24)61%
Room & Board (2024-25)$14,124
Median Debt at Graduation$20,484
Highest-Earning Programs
Chemical Engineering$86k/yr
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$83k/yr
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$82k/yr
Computer and Information Sciences, General$81k/yr
Industrial Engineering$80k/yr
Insurance$79k/yr
How to Apply
Early ActionNov 1, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2027
From the school’s admissions page; years projected for fall 2027 entry. Source
The Vibe
9
Rigor
7
Career
8
Value
City: Large
Setting

Out of 10. Rigor from the SAT middle-50% midpoint (400 = 0, 1600 = 10); Career from median earnings 10 years after entry ($10k per point); Value is the Deal Score ÷ 10. Setting is the federal locale.

College Decoded Grades

A+
Academics
B
Value
A
Outcomes
B
Diversity
Not enough data
Housing

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How much do families pay at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

Average net price by family income at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Family incomeAverage net price
$0 to $30,000$4,200
$30,001 to $48,000$4,101
$48,001 to $75,000$8,134
$75,001 to $110,000$17,763
Over $110,000$27,292

Average net price after grants, from the federal College Scorecard. See the full Cost tab

See your real chances and true cost at University of Wisconsin-Madison