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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Explore one of the most distinguished institutions in WI. Your pathway to a brighter future begins here.
Annual Tuition
$11,205
Average Sticker Price
Admission Rate
43.4%
Selectivity Level
Graduation Rate
89.3%
Completion Success
Median Earnings
$73,792
10y Career Outlook
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About Institution
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a distinguished Public, 4-Year institution located in Madison, WI. With a competitive tuition profile of $11,205, it remains an attractive choice for ambitious students. A strong graduation rate of 89.3% underscores its academic rigor and effective student support systems.
Admissions Intel
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Acceptance Rate
43.4%
What You Need to Apply
Application requirements for University of Wisconsin-Madison
GPA: 3.7 – 4 (unweighted mid-50%)
2 Essays Required
Common App personal essay (or UW App prompt) + Why UW-Madison/why your major essay.
1 Recommendation Letter Required
One letter from teacher/counselor/faculty required
Required Documents
- • Common App or UW Application
- • High school transcript
- • Recommendation letter
- • 2 essays
- • SAT/ACT (optional)
Key Deadlines
Early Action
November 1, 2025
Regular Decision
January 15, 2026
EA decisions by Jan 31. RD decisions by Mar 31.
Financial Aid Priority Deadline
December 1, 2025
File FAFSA by this date to maximize aid eligibility.
Important
Test-optional through Spring 2027. Accepts Common App or UW Application (no preference).
Last verified: April 12, 2026. Source: UW-Madison Admissions. Always verify requirements directly with University of Wisconsin-Madison before applying.
Investment Return
Estimated College ROI Analysis
Total 4-Year Cost
$44,820
Based on sticker tuition
Estimated Payback
1.0 yrs
Time to recoup investment
Annual Earnings Boost
+$43,792
vs. $30k HS diploma baseline
10-Year Net Gain
+$393,100
Cumulative earnings advantage minus total college cost
20-Year Net Gain
+$831,020
Long-term projected return on your education investment
ROI estimates use the BLS national median of $30,000/yr for high school diploma holders as a baseline. Actual results vary based on major, career path, location, and individual circumstances. Median graduate debt at University of Wisconsin-Madison is $20,484.
Student Community
Gender Balance
Ethnic Diversity
Security Audit
Incidents
0
Burglary
0
Theft
0
Assault
0
Robbery
0
Rape
0
Arson
0
Murder
0
Financial Outlook
Total Sticker Price
$11,205
Estimated cost before aid.
Net Price By Income
Debt & Financial Aid
Repayment measured in 2016–17; this federal measure was discontinued.
* Most students receive significant grants and scholarships, reducing the actual cost. Grant data from IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey.
Quick Overview
Faculty Ratio
N/A
Retention
94.5%
Success
89.3%
In-State Cost
$11,205
Age 25+ Students
3.4%
Carnegie Class
R1: Doctoral — Very High Research
Working at 6yr
5,086 students
Security Benchmark
Campus vs. City Comparison (Per 100k)
Violent Offenses
PER 100KProperty Crimes
PER 100KStats sourced from institutional reports and municipal data. These rates provide a standardized baseline for comparing safety across different environments.
Living In Madison
Off-Campus Market Estimator
Studio
$1,004
Monthly Average
1 Bedroom
$1,182
Monthly Average
2 Bedrooms
$1,372
Monthly Average
3 Bedrooms
$
Monthly Average
Data provided by HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR). These estimates assist with financial planning for off-campus housing in the Madison metropolitan area.