DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 100 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
CAMPUS · MADISON, WI · PUBLIC

University of Wisconsin Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison
43.4%
ACCEPT
01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International
80
FIT
SAFETY
University of Wisconsin Madison is a safety for most applicants.
Score reflects acceptance odds × cost × outcome quality.
ACCEPTANCE
43.4%
of 63,505 applicants
SALARY · 10-YR
$73,792
across all majors
01

University of Wisconsin Madison at a Glance

53,219
Total Enrollment
$20,484
Median Debt
15.0%
Pell Grant Rate

Average SAT & ACT Scores for University of Wisconsin Madison

Test25th Percentile75th PercentileMidpoint
SAT Reading660730695
SAT Math700780740
SAT Total136015101435
ACT Composite283230

Admissions Funnel

Applications Received63,505
Students Admitted27,529
Students Enrolled7,964
Yield Rate28.9%

University of Wisconsin Madison Rankings

Ranking2025Year
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.

Full NameUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
LocationMadison, WI 53706-1380
TypePublic
Websitewisc.edu/
Total Enrollment53,219
Undergrad Enrollment39,256
Female Students52.6%

International Students at University of Wisconsin Madison: By the Numbers

11.9%
International Undergrads
4,687
International Undergrad Count
3,955
International Graduate Students
16.2%
International (All Students)

Cost of Attending University of Wisconsin Madison as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board$11,783/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total$47,132
Note for public universities: University of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. International students pay out-of-state tuition, which is significantly higher than in-state rates. Financial aid for international students at public universities is limited.

How to Apply to University of Wisconsin Madison as an International Student

1
Meet English Proficiency Requirements
Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.
2
Submit Standardized Tests
SAT: 1435+, ACT: 30+
3
Prepare Financial Documentation
You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
4
Apply for F-1 Student Visa
After admission, University of Wisconsin Madison will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

University of Wisconsin Madison Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of University of Wisconsin Madison's undergraduate student body.

White
60.8%
Black/African American
2.5%
Hispanic/Latino
7.4%
Asian
9.6%
International
11.9%

Career Outcomes for University of Wisconsin Madison International Graduates

International students at University of Wisconsin Madison can work in the U.S. after graduation through OPT (Optional Practical Training). STEM majors qualify for a 3-year OPT extension.

$73,792
Median Earnings (10yr)
$61,275
Median Salary (6yr)
$20,484
Median Debt
OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from University of Wisconsin Madison, international students get 12 months of OPT work authorization (36 months for STEM fields). Many use this time to secure H-1B visa sponsorship from employers.

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 IncomeAnnual Net Price4-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

The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.

Business/Marketing
16.6%
Biological Sciences
11.5%
Social Sciences
10.9%
Engineering
9.5%
Computer Science
8.2%
Best Majors at University of Wisconsin Madison →

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.

FactorImportance
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

GPA Profile of Admitted Students at University of Wisconsin Madison

High school GPA distribution of enrolled freshmen, from the Common Data Set.

3.75+
86.1%
3.50–3.74
10.1%
3.25–3.49
2.8%

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.

DeadlineDate
Early ActionNov 1
Regular DecisionFeb 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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More About University of Wisconsin Madison

University of Wisconsin Madison Acceptance Rate University of Wisconsin Madison Tuition & Cost Transfer to University of Wisconsin Madison University of Wisconsin Madison Salary & ROI University of Wisconsin Madison AP Credit Best Majors at University of Wisconsin Madison University of Wisconsin Madison Housing International at University of Wisconsin Madison

Other Colleges in WI

Marquette University
87.4% accept · Milwaukee

Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. University of Wisconsin Madison is not affiliated with DeepColleges.