UW - Madison Academic Snapshot

Admission Selectiveness:

  • Admission Rate: 45.20%. Selective, indicating a somewhat competitive admission process.
  • SAT Average: 1460. Excellent SAT scores, indicating highly competitive applicants and often placing them in the top percentiles nationally.

Tuition Overview:

  • In-State Tuition: $11,603
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $42,103
  • In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.

Student Population at UW - Madison:

  • Total Enrollment: 51,044, including 1,454 online students
  • 38,040 Undergraduate, 13,004 Graduate
  • Gender Distribution: 46.9% men, 53.1% women.
  • This is a very large institution, likely offering a vast array of programs, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities.

Graduation & Retention Rate

  • Graduation Rate: 90%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
  • First-Year Retention Rate: 96%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.

Programs & Degrees Offered

  • Programs Offered: 509 academic programs available.
  • Online Programs: 28 programs available fully online.
  • Graduate Programs: 258 graduate-level programs offered.
  • Special Programs: Law School, Medical School, Health Professions.
  • Degrees Awarded: Certificate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctor's.

UW - Madison Overview

University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW - Madison) is a four-year, public school located in Madison, WI. It is classified as Research University with very high research activity by Carnegie Classification, also known as R1 University. You can compare their tuition and admission statistics at R1 University comparison page.

The UW - Madison's tuition & fees is $11,603 for Wisconsin residents and $42,103 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 43% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $15,223.

The school has a total enrollment of 51,044 and the students to faculty ratio is 18 to 1 (5.56%).

UW - Madison's acceptance rate is 45.20% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 28.59%. The median SAT score is 1460 and the ACT score is 31.

UW - Madison ranked 56th in National Universities and 1st in Wisconsin Colleges rankings. University of Wisconsin-Madison is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation

For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of University of Wisconsin-Madison is $11,603 for in-state students and $42,103 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $12,325 for in-state students and $25,651 for out-of-state students.

The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $12,015 for Wisconsin residents and $43,658 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $12,361 for Wisconsin residents and $25,687 for out-of-state students.

In-StateOut-of-State
Undergraduate$11,603$42,103
Graduate$12,325$25,651
In-StateOut-of-State
Undergraduate$12,015$43,658
Graduate$12,361$25,687

The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.


Admission Key Statistics

Acceptance Rate »45.20% Acceptance Rate / 28.59% Yield
Test Scores »1,460 SAT / 31 ACT
Graduation Rate »90%
Retention Rate96%(full-time), 81% (part-time)
Student to Faculty Ratio5.56% (18 to 1)
Student Population »51,044 (38,040 undergraduate)
Average Financial Aid »$15,223

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), College Scorecard

Learning Opportunities and Campus Services

University of Wisconsin-Madison offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.

Special Learning Opportunities at UW - Madison
Learning Opportunities
ROTCArmy, NAVY, Air Force
Weekend/Evening CollegeNo
Teacher CertificationYes
Study AbroadYes
On-Campus Services
Academic/career counseling serviceYes
Employment services for studentsYes
Placement services for completersYes
On-campus day care for students' childrenYes

University of Wisconsin-Madison Directory Information

Address500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI 53706-1380
Phone608-263-2400
WEBSchool's Website
AdmissionAdmission Information
Online ApplicationApply Online
Financial AidDeadlines and Applications
Net Price CalculatorNet Price Calculator
Veterans TuitionVeterans Benefit Information
AthleticAthletic Team Information
Disability ServiceDisability Services
School Typefour-year, public
Carnegie CategoryR1 Universities
Highest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree

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