Average SAT & ACT Scores for University of Wisconsin Madison
Test
25th Percentile
75th Percentile
Midpoint
SAT Reading
660
730
695
SAT Math
700
780
740
SAT Total
1360
1510
1435
ACT Composite
28
32
30
Admissions Funnel
Applications Received
63,505
Students Admitted
27,529
Students Enrolled
7,964
Yield Rate
28.9%
University of Wisconsin Madison Rankings
Ranking
2025
Year
US News National Universities
#43
2025
QS World University Rankings
#83
2025
ARWU (Shanghai)
#28
2024
University of Wisconsin Madison Overview
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public university in Madison, WI with 53,219 students. At 43.4% acceptance, it's selective but accessible to students who meet the academic benchmarks. The most popular majors are Business/Marketing, Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences. Graduates earn a median of $73,792 ten years after enrollment.
Is University of Wisconsin Madison a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With a 43.4% acceptance rate, University of Wisconsin Madison is a Match for students who meet the academic profile. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school average, you have reasonable odds.
Your Profile
University of Wisconsin Madison Is...
What to Do
Meet academic requirements
Safety
Strong odds — apply with confidence
Slightly below average
Match
Apply — still realistic
University of Wisconsin Madison True Cost by Family Income
Sticker price doesn't tell the full story at UW-Madison. Families earning $30-48k pay around $4,101 per year after aid, while those in the $110k+ bracket pay about $27,292. 15% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating UW-Madison enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students. Median debt at graduation is $20,484, which is reasonable against the $61,275 typical early-career salary.
Family Income
Annual Net Price
4-Year Total
$0-30k
$4,200
$16,800
$30-48k
$4,101
$16,404
$48-75k
$8,134
$32,536
$75-110k
$17,763
$71,052
$110k+
$27,292
$109,168
Cost Breakdown
Room & Board
$11,783
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,679
Popular Majors at University of Wisconsin Madison
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Business/Marketing
16.6%
Biological Sciences
11.5%
Social Sciences
10.9%
Engineering
9.5%
Computer Science
8.2%
Multidisciplinary
5.8%
Psychology
5.5%
Communication
4.9%
Health Professions
3.5%
Mathematics/Statistics
3.2%
Foreign Languages
2.3%
Student Demographics
White
60.8%
Black/African American
2.5%
Hispanic/Latino
7.4%
Asian
9.6%
International
11.9%
How to Get Into University of Wisconsin Madison
UW-Madison is a Match school for students with solid academics. If your GPA and test scores are at or above the school median, you have good odds of admission. Focus your energy on the application essay and making a genuine case for why UW-Madison fits your goals.
1435
Target SAT Score
30
Target ACT Score
43.4%
Acceptance Rate
63,505
Total Applicants
What University of Wisconsin Madison Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
Factor
Importance
Academic Gpa
Very Important
Rigor Of Secondary School Record
Very Important
Class Rank
Considered
Standardized Test Scores
Important
Application Essay
Important
Recommendation
Considered
Extracurricular Activities
Important
Talent Ability
Important
Character Personal Qualities
Important
First Generation
Considered
Alumni Relation
Not Considered
Interview
Not Considered
Work Experience
Considered
Volunteer Work
Considered
University of Wisconsin Madison Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the University of Wisconsin Madison EA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
Deadline
Date
Early Action
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Feb 1
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS)
Mar 1
Early Action: University of Wisconsin Madison offers non-binding Early Action. Apply early for an earlier decision without committing — you can still compare offers.
Financial Aid & Student Debt
15.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
Students from low-income families
$20,484
Median Debt at Graduation
Federal loans only
$61,275
Median Earnings (6yr)
6 years after enrollment
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Wisconsin Madison
What is UW-Madison's acceptance rate?
UW-Madison has an acceptance rate of 43.4%, making it moderately selective. This rate reflects freshman applicants for the most recent admissions cycle.
What SAT score do I need for UW-Madison?
The middle 50% SAT range at UW-Madison is 1360-1510. For the ACT, the middle 50% range is 28-32. Scoring above the 75th percentile puts you in a strong position, but scores alone don't determine admission.
What are the most popular majors at UW-Madison?
The most popular majors at UW-Madison by degrees awarded are: Business/Marketing (16.6%), Biological Sciences (11.5%), Social Sciences (10.9%), Engineering (9.5%), Computer Science (8.2%). These percentages reflect undergraduate degrees conferred in the most recent reporting year.
How much do UW-Madison graduates earn?
UW-Madison graduates earn a median salary of $73,792 ten years after enrollment, based on federal data. Actual earnings vary significantly by major — STEM and business graduates typically earn more, while arts and education graduates earn less.
Is UW-Madison worth the cost?
With median earnings of $73,792 (10yr post-enrollment) and median debt of $20,484, The earning potential strongly outweighs the typical debt, making UW-Madison a solid investment for most students. Always compare the net price (after aid) to expected earnings in your intended field.
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