University of Wisconsin-Madison
Public university · Madison, WI · 36,902 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
45%
Selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1380–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
29–33
Average net price
$16,600
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$29,943
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
90%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts about 45 of every 100 applicants (45%), which makes it selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1380 and 1520 on the SAT. A score at or above 1520 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1380, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 29–33.
The latest federal data says University of Wisconsin-Madison is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on University of Wisconsin-Madison's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $29,943 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $16,600 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $12,166 for WI residents and $44,191 for out-of-state students.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$12,166
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$44,191
- Room & board$14,520
- Total cost of attendance$29,943
- Average net price after grants$16,600
Popular majors
Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Biology.
University of Wisconsin-Madison FAQ
- What is University of Wisconsin-Madison's acceptance rate?
- 45% — selective.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Wisconsin-Madison?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1380–1520. Aim for 1520 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for University of Wisconsin-Madison?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 29–33.
- Is University of Wisconsin-Madison test-optional?
- The latest federal data says University of Wisconsin-Madison is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on University of Wisconsin-Madison's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost?
- About $29,943 a year before aid; $16,600 on average after grants.
- What is University of Wisconsin-Madison's FAFSA school code?
- 003895. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so University of Wisconsin-Madison receives your information.
- What is University of Wisconsin-Madison's graduation rate?
- 90% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to University of Wisconsin-Madison
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles, CA | 45% | 1260–1430 | $50,518 | 79% |
| University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MD | 45% | 1400–1530 | $14,296 | 88% |
| Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth, TX | 44% | 1140–1350 | $35,045 | 86% |
| Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL | 46% | 1260–1390 | $25,424 | 82% |
| Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY | 46% | 1270–1440 | $43,336 | 81% |
| Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX | 44% | 890–1090 | $336 | 49% |