Public Institution

University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, Wisconsin

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Annual Tuition $11,205

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 43.4%

Selective

Enrollment 35,665

Active Students

Avg. Salary $73,792

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Madison, Wisconsin

Institution type Public

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 12/19/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of Wisconsin-Madison stands as a pillar of higher education in Madison, providing a robust academic foundation for 35,665 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does University of Wisconsin-Madison offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of Wisconsin-Madison. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

15%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

9.3%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

8.9%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

8.2%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Communications

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at University of Wisconsin-Madison provides a comprehensive education...

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

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 43.4%

Difficulty Moderate

University of Wisconsin-Madison maintains an acceptance rate of 43.4%, reflecting its status as a selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 47%

Women Enrollment 53%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 660 - 730

SAT Mathematics 700 - 780

ACT English 27 - 34

ACT Mathematics 26 - 32

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $11,205

Out-of-State Tuition $40,603

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 15.3%

Median Student Debt $20,484

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $11,205, graduates see a median starting salary of $73,792, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Wisconsin.

What salary can University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $73,792

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 89.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $16,928

Median Salary (6yr) $61,275

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison?

35,665 Students

Gender Comparison

47% Men

53% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

94.5%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.2%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

10.5%

Black

2.5%

White

60.4%

Unknown

3.2%

Hispanic

8.3%

Two or More Races

4.8%

International

10%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 16.8%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 33.1%

🎖️

Veterans 0.2%

💍

Married Students 1.2%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 91.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$71,185
Average Family Income	$106,025
Median Family Income	$92,428

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

57%

43%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Madison Campus Environment

Located at 500 Lincoln Dr, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Wisconsin. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does University of Wisconsin-Madison compare?

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Common Questions about University of Wisconsin-Madison

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison a good college in Madison, Wisconsin?

University of Wisconsin-Madison is a recognized institution in Madison with an enrollment of 35,665 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Wisconsin based on Department of Education data.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison worth attending in 2026?

Yes, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $73,792. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost for Wisconsin residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of Wisconsin-Madison is approximately $11,205. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $40,603. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of Wisconsin-Madison after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending University of Wisconsin-Madison for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 33.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison good for Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs?

University of Wisconsin-Madison is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending University of Wisconsin-Madison?

Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $73,792, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of Wisconsin-Madison?

University of Wisconsin-Madison operates with a Selective policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does University of Wisconsin-Madison require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, University of Wisconsin-Madison follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison earn a median salary of $73,792 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of Wisconsin-Madison a good investment compared to other WI colleges?

University of Wisconsin-Madison stands out as a high-value investment in Wisconsin. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is University of Wisconsin-Madison located and what is the campus like?

University of Wisconsin-Madison is located at 500 Lincoln Dr in Madison, WI. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 35,665 learners.

Who typically attends University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI?

The student body at University of Wisconsin-Madison is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 16.8% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Wisconsin

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of Wisconsin-Madison with other leading institutions in Wisconsin across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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