University of Wisconsin-Madison – Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Contents
Check here UW Madison Acceptance Rate for all years. Here I have listed UW Madison Acceptance Rate.
- UW Madison Acceptance Rate 2022
- UW Madison Acceptance Rate 2023
- UW Madison Acceptance Rate 2024
- UW Madison Acceptance Rate 2025
- UW Madison Acceptance Rate 2026
UW Madison Acceptance Rate: The University of Wisconsin-Madison can be located in Madison, WI, a private institution centered on a small number of programs offered. Students enrolled at UW are nearly 45,000 each year. It is one of the top institutions in the state.
Most students who received admission to UW received an SAT score in the range of 1300 to 1480 or were admitted having scores of 1300-1480 or an ACT composite score within the scope of 27 to 32.
We could determine how much the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) average GPA (3.55 – 3.78) of accepted students was using samples of GPA data from over 150 schools. UW accepts 54 percent, with a third of applicants opting to stay in the process and apply.
Based on the data from previous years, we’ve estimated that the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) acceptance rate in 2021 will be 50%. You can get more information from the admissions office website at .admissions.wisc.edu.
UW-Madison Acceptance Rate
There was a record of 53,829 applications to be admitted to 2025’s Badger Class of 2025. The acceptance rate of 60%. In general, it is simpler to get accepted as you become a Wisconsin resident.
UW-Madison Admissions – SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank
According to the most current information (Class 2025), The upper 50% SAT band for first-year students enrolled was 1350-1480. The ACT range was between 28 and 32.
The only difference was that fifteen% of the applicants included an SAT score, while 46% submitted an ACT score in their applications. An impressive 48% of first-year students came from among the 10 top%, and 86% were able to be in the upper 25%.
The high school average GPA was 3.88, and an astounding 45% of first-year students entering the class had more than 4.0. Just 5% of the 2025 class had less than a 3.5 GPA.
University of Wisconsin – Madison GPA Requirements
Some schools require upper GPA requirements. However, this is typically only the minimum needed to apply without worrying about being rejected immediately.
The essential GPA requirement is the GPA you must have for a real chance of getting into. To determine this, we analyze the average GPA of the students currently.
It is estimated that the typical GPA at the University of Wisconsin – Madison is 3.86.
(Most schools employ a weighted GPA based on 4.0. However, some schools report unweighted grades.
With an average GPA of 3.86, the University of Wisconsin Madison Madison requires that you be at the top within your classes and also well above the average.
Your transcript should have a lot of A’s. In the ideal scenario, you’ll have completed several AP and IB classes to prove that you can handle academics at a college level.
If you’re in your senior or junior years, your GPA must improve to be ready for college applications. If your GPA is below or lower than the school average of 3.86, you’ll need an increased SAT or ACT score to make up the difference. This will enable you to be competitive against candidates with higher GPAs than you.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Each school has its own set of standards for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many require SAT subject tests.
You need to pass or take the SAT and ACT to apply to the University of Wisconsin – Madison. More importantly, you must do your best to be able to submit a solid application.
University of Wisconsin – Madison SAT Requirements
Some schools claim that they don’t have an SAT score cutoff. However, the reality is that there’s a secret SAT requirement. It is based on the average score for the school.
It is estimated that the mean SAT scores composite score at the University of Wisconsin – Madison is 1390 on the 1600 SAT scale.
This score places the University of Wisconsin – Madison moderately competitive in SATs.
University of Wisconsin – Madison SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
A 25th-percentile SAT score of 1300 and the 75th percentile SAT score of 128. Also, a score of 1300 on the SAT is below average; however, a score of 1480 can elevate you to over average.
Here’s a summary of SAT scores according to a section:
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 725 | 670 | 780 |
| Reading + Writing | 665 | 630 | 700 |
| Composite | 1390 | 1300 | 1480 |
University of Wisconsin – Madison ACT Requirements
Like SAT, the University of Wisconsin in Madison will likely not have a rigid ACT cutoff. However, should you score below, the application will be rejected.
The mean ACT score for the University of Wisconsin – Madison is 30. This score puts the University of Wisconsin – Madison Highly Competitive in ACT scores.
The 25th-percentile ACT score was 27, while the 75th-percentile ACT score was 32.
Although the University of Wisconsin – Madison most likely states that they do not have a minimum ACT requirement, If you apply with a score below 27, you’ll have a problematic admission except if you’ve got something more remarkable within your applications.
University of Wisconsin Madison Admission Process
Requirements Before Applying for Admission at the University of Wisconsin Madison
The application process for the University of Wisconsin-Madison starts every year on August 1st. The deadlines for application are the same for international and domestic students.
Application forms not online are available at the university’s office before 11:59 pm on the indicated deadlines, and the same applies to online applications.
The university’s officials begin to look over an application once all of the necessary documents are received. Here are the most critical application deadlines:
| Decision Plan | Application Deadline | Materials Deadline | Decision |
| Spring Regular Decision | October 1 | October 8 | On or before December 31st |
| Fall Early Action | November 1 | November 8 | On or before January 31 |
| Fall Regular Decision | February 1 | February 8 | On or before March 31st |
Admissions Trends & Notes
- In the first place, The Class of 2025 consisted of 8 465 first-year students, down from 7,306 from the previous year.
- The number of applicants for the 2025 Class increased by 17,17% compared to the prior cycle.
- The new students include 3,859 Wisconsin residents.
- The number of underrepresented students from the United States in the class of 2025 increased from 989 the year before.
- A record number of National Merit Scholars enrolled has been growing by 175% in the past five years.
- Finally, the university has extended the test-optional policy to 2024-25.
How UW-Madison Rates Applicants
UW Madison rates only two elements to be “very important” to the admissions process: the quality of the high school course load and essays for application. Additionally, the items considered “important” as part of the admissions process are GPA recommendations, GPA, and state residency.
“Considered” factors are test scores or class rank, extracurricular activities, personality/personal traits, aptitude/talent, first-generation status, and volunteering experiences.
The UW-Madison admissions team reads every application carefully. In their own words, “We don’t employ tables or calculations.
Each application is thoroughly read each one at a time.” In evaluating each candidate, they first focus on “academic performance and training.” From the Admissions Office: “Beyond academics, we seek qualities like leadership, contribution to your community, and achievements in athletics, the arts and other areas.
We also look for diversity in your the personal and professional background of applicants as well as your potential for positive contributions in your Wisconsin communities.”
It is also important to mention that athletes who are recruited have the advantage of having a massive advantage. UW-Madison is exceptionally proud of the 23 NCAA Division I sports teams. Around 900 athletes currently attend the school.
Who Gets Into UW-Madison?
Let’s take a look at the demographics of the first-year students of today (2021-22)
- In-State: 50%
- Out-of-State: 50%
The most significant portion of first-year students in 2021-22 hail from the states listed below:
- Wisconsin: 2,856
- Illinois: 695
- Minnesota: 449
- California: 368
- New York: 217
In the case of non-residents, competition is the most intense among those who hail from states with an endless supply of applicants (the whole Northeast and those from the West Coast).
But, if you’re or are from your State in the Deep South like Alabama (1 currently freshman) or Mississippi (1 now freshman), or a state with fewer people such as Wyoming (2 freshmen now) and North Dakota (0 current freshmen) the location you are in will likely provide an advantage to your UW-Madison admissions prospects.
In State, top schools that have the most current Badger first-years include:
- Middleton High School: 105
- James Madison Memorial High School: 90
- Arrowhead High School: 84
- Madison East High School: 61
- Brookfield East High School: 58
- Homestead High School: 56
- West High School: 55
- Waunakee Community High School: 55
The shift to ethnicity The break-up is as the following:
- Caucasian/White: 68%
- Asian American: 8%
- Hispanic: 6%
- African American: 2%
- International: 9%
Students from abroad currently come from the following countries:
- China: 61%
- India: 11%
- South Korea: 7%
- Malaysia: 4%
- Saudi Arabia: 2%
When we look at the gender breakdown currently, the University is home to more women than men:
- Men: 48%
- Women: 52%
UW-Madison’s “Yield Rate”
The yield rate at UW Madison, the percent of students accepted who choose to enroll divided by the number of students accepted, has been calculated to be 26%.
This is significantly lower than other top state universities such as UCLA (41%), UVA (43%), and the University of Michigan (41%), UVA (43%) in addition to UCLA (44%).
Tips for Applying to UW-Madison
If you’re planning on joining the 54,000 UW-Madison hopefuls in this year’s admissions process, be aware of the following:
- You can apply with either the Standard Application or the UW System Application.
- UW-Madison doesn’t use interviews in its evaluation method.
- The school does not explicitly give any favor to the children of alums; however, data from recent years show that students who have been in the past enjoy an acceptance rate of 20% higher than those who have not been able to get a legacy.
- UW Madison does not consider “demonstrated interest,” so you won’t be judged by whether or not you attended a campus tour or contacted an admissions official or a student.
- Make sure you devote enough time and energy to the essay that UW-Madison requires. In the 2021-22 period, the essay prompt for applicants via Common App was: Common App was as follows:
1.) Let us know why you’d prefer to attend UW Madison at the time of your choice. Also, be sure to mention why you’re interested in taking classes in chosen major(s) you’ve selected. If you are undecided about your major, then please list your areas of research interest.
Is UW Madison a Good School?
No single method defines a “good” college or university. Admissions requirements, acceptance rate, and the average GPA are excellent indicators of the degree of competition an institution has.
Let’s examine these areas to understand the services UW Madison offers and if it’s a suitable selection for you.
How Hard Is It to Get Into University of Wisconsin-Madison?
In the Fall of 2020 in the fall of 2020, the fall of 2020, the University of Wisconsin-Madison received 53,800 applications, which increased by almost 17% over the previous year. Their admission rate for 2020 was 54.5% 2020.
While UW-Madison is very competitive, your chances of being accepted could be greater or less based on a variety of factors, including your test scores, grades, extracurriculars, as well as your diversity profile. Please look at our free admissions calculator to estimate your chances of acceptance at UW-Madison.
Should I Apply to UW-Madison?
Scores of SAT/ACT that are within the middle 50% mark at UW-Madison and at the highest of their high school classes are qualified to apply to UW-Madison.
If you reside in Wisconsin, the path to acceptance will be more straightforward than if you’re an international or an out-of-state student. This means you’ll have to present even more impressive academic credentials even if you don’t come to Wisconsin.
Badger State. Of course, it is that students who are applying to schools that are part of that University’s kind must also include an appropriate mix of “target” and “safety” colleges on their list of colleges. More information on creating a balanced college list can be found here.
What is UW-Madison Looking for?
Admissions officers at UW Madison look for students who excel academically and are active in their community.
Apart from studying AP, Honors, or IB courses, students can stand out from the other applicants by showing they are leaders by demonstrating leadership through extracurriculars such as work experience, academics, and individual passions.
Candidates should write essays highlighting their experiences and explaining how their interests align in the context of UW-Madison and how they will help the university community.
UW Madison Tuition Information
In 2022, tuition fees for full-time students attending the University of Wisconsin Madison were $10,796 per year for students in the state and $39,427 for students from outside the state.
Typically, colleges increase tuition by around 3% every year.
If you think these figures are absurd, keep in mind that the advertised cost of tuition doesn’t always reflect the complete picture.
Most students owe less than the tuition once grants, scholarships, and tuition reductions are used. In addition, student loans make the cost of attending college seem more manageable the time of the time of graduation.
International students can pay tuition at the University of Wisconsin Madison is $40,428 per year.
In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at UW Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an official state institution. It, therefore, offers a reduced tuition rate of $10,796 to students who are state residents and are enrolled at least full-time.
For students who do not qualify as Wisconsin residents outside of the state, tuition for out-of-state students is $39,427 for the year.
The government of Wisconsin funds public colleges and universities. They also offer reduced tuition rates to those who are Wisconsin residents.
Selecting a school where you qualify for tuition in-state can dramatically cut college costs. Make sure you check your state’s guidelines for the requirements to be eligible for in-state residency. Every state has its criteria to be considered a resident in the state.
The most commonly used condition is that students be a state residents for the entire year before beginning school. There could be other requirements, in addition, based on the state in which you, as well as your parents, reside.
Annual Fees
Most colleges require an annual fee to pay for facilities such as the library, gyms, and computer labs.
Be aware that additional expenses may be associated with participating in specific activities, such as Greek Life, or participating in other extracurricular activities or sports.
Many schools provide ways that students who struggle to be a part of the group due to cost may find ways to cut down or eliminate these expenses.
Financial Aid at UW Madison
By 2022, 10.034 out of the 35,474 students who enrolled were awarded financial aid. UW Madison meets 80% of the financial need of undergraduate students.
Financial aid for a full-time first-year student is about $22,043 per year. Over 40% of UW-Madison undergrads take out student loans to pay for the remaining expenses. UW-Madison graduates with student loans have an average of $27,323 in loans for student debt.
The average amount of debt for each type of loan differs.
| Average Debt By Loan Type | |
|---|---|
| Federal Loans | $20,206 |
| UW Madison-Specific Loans | $7,349 |
| Private Loans | $32,768 |
| Most Common Loans for UW Madison Students | |
|---|---|
| Federal Loans | 38% |
| Institutional Loans | 4% |
| Private loans | 10% |
Most students opt for government or institutional loans because they usually offer lower interest rates with more flexibility in repayment than loans from private lenders. Federal government loans are subsidized or unsubsidized.
The loans that are subsidized do not incur interest while in school, whereas unsubsidized loans start accruing interest when the loan is granted. If students don’t qualify for federal loans that are sufficient to pay for tuition, some students take out loans from private lenders.
Parents can also get ParentsPLUS loans. These are the government loans parents can take to help their children to pay for college.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assists colleges in determining the number of students in financial need and their families.
It can provide an aid package that will meet or comes close to meeting their needs. For more details on UW Madison financial aid, continue reading or visit their financial assistance site.
Scholarships at UW Madison
Students may be eligible for grants or scholarships to help them pay for college. In contrast to loans, scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid.
The year 2022 saw UW Madison award 8,272 need-based scholarships to students, distributing a sum of $136 million to assist students with financial needs in paying for their school expenses.
Additionally, $30.86 million worth of merit-based scholarship funds were awarded to students without financial need.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Net Cost
The net cost of college represents the actual cost of attending a college for a year. The net cost is determined by subtracting any scholarships and grants or any other aid that does not have to be repaid from the total charges. The student loan is not considered part of the calculation because it must be repaid.
We are now aware of the total estimated cost of UW Madison students; we can subtract the median amount of financial aid to determine the net amount. Net prices can differ based on the need of a student and the financial aid received.
If you are deciding if a school is within your budget, it’s crucial to look at the net costs, not only the tuition price listed on the school’s website. Most schools with the highest tuition have the most extensive aid packages. So, calculate your net cost before eliminating schools that do not meet your budget.
The median sum of aid received by a full-time, first-year student with a demonstrated financial need at UW Madison was $22,043 in 2022.
Subtracting the financial aid package that is the most common from the estimated cost, we are left with a figure which could make the price associated with UW Madison seem more manageable.
| Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students | |
|---|---|
| In-State, On-Campus | $-15,432.54 |
| Net In-state, Off-campus | $-6,283.54 |
| Out-of-State, On-Campus | $35,241.5 |
A negative number may indicate that reimbursement for other expenses like fees, housing, or books will be offered. In such instances, contact the school directly for clarification or concerns.
What does the cost of attending UW Madison cost you? The answer is contingent on a variety of variables.
In 2011, all colleges must have a net cost calculator on their websites to assist pupils and families in making informed decisions regarding the actual costs of attending the school in light of the financial circumstances of their families. You can access the University of Wisconsin Madison’s Net Cost Calculator on their site.
How does the University of Wisconsin–Madison review applications?
After looking at the UW-Madison GPA requirements, the UW-Madison acceptance rate, admissions criteria, UW-Madison additional essays, and the UW-Madison application deadlines, it’s time to move to the next stage in your “how to get into UW-Madison” strategy.
After the UW-Madison Early Action deadline and regular UW-Madison deadlines for applications have been met, Admissions officers at UW-Madison will commence their comprehensive assessment process.
Each application is read carefully since UW-Madison admissions officers are looking to accept students who will contribute to the history of UW-Madison.
Academic Life at the University of Wisconsin
The ratio of students to faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is 18:1. The school is home to 46.3% of its classes with less than 20 pupils.
The most popular programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are the following fields: Information not accessible. The average rate of retention for first-year students, which is a measure of satisfaction among students, is 95%.
Student Life at the University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is home to an undergraduate total of 35,474 (fall 2021), and the gender ratio comprises 47% female students while males constitute 53% females.
In this college, 26% of students reside in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing. 74% of students are outside the campus. In sports, The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a part of NCAA I.
University of Wisconsin–Madison Campus
The University of Wisconsin-Madison provides various student services for students, such as nonremedial tutoring, women’s centers, placement services, daycare and health services, and health insurance.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers campus security and safety, including 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late-night transportation/escort services, 24-hour emergency telephones, well-lit pathways/sidewalks, students’ patrols, and controlled access to the dormitories (key or security card, etc.). Alcohol is allowed for students of legal age to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
uw madison acceptance rate FAQs
Q.1 What GPA do you need to get in UW Madison?
ANS. A GPA of 3.50 at a minimum (on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1850. Admission is highly competitive and selective.
Candidates with the highest qualifications, such as the number of courses completed and the rigor of their academic curriculum (honors as well as Advanced Placement courses, etc.)
Q.2 Is UW Madison a hard school to get into?
ANS. The acceptance rate for the University of Wisconsin – Madison is 51.7%. For every 100 students that are accepted, 52 students are admitted.
This is a sign that the institution has relatively selective. The school will require that you meet their standards in terms of GPA as well as SAT/ACT score; however, they are more flexible than other schools.
Q.3 Is University of Wisconsin – Madison prestigious?
ANS. The UW Madison is ranked 33rd around the globe with 23rd place in the United States in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
It is the 3rd-highest-ranked Big Ten school, behind only Northwestern University and the University of Michigan and Northwestern University.
Q.5 Is UW Madison Top 10?
ANS. University of Wisconsin–Madison’s 2022-2023 Rankings
The University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks 38th among the 443 National Universities. Schools are rated following a performance in a series of accepted indicators for excellence. Check out how this school performed on the most important factors to determine the rankings.