University of Wisconsin-Madison: 49.1% Acceptance Rate

49.1%Acceptance

$11,205Tuition

35,665Students

89%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$73,792Earnings

#1 in WisconsinPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison is one of America's top public research universities, enrolling 35,665 students in Wisconsin's capital city. The school built its reputation on groundbreaking research, particularly in dairy science where it remains a world leader. Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and author Joyce Carol Oates both studied here. With a 49% acceptance rate, Madison attracts serious students who value both academic rigor and the famous Badger school spirit that fills Camp Randall Stadium every fall.

The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students pay an average net price of $16,928 after aid, which drops to just $4,458 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $73,792 ten years out, making their typical debt load of $20,484 quite manageable with monthly payments around $217. In-state students get an especially good deal at $11,205 in tuition, though out-of-state families pay $40,603.

Madison keeps 95% of freshmen coming back, and 89% graduate within six years. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, with about half coming from Wisconsin. As a Big Ten school with 20 varsity sports, athletics matter here. Students either love the long winters and lake-filled campus or transfer somewhere warmer.

Academics & Faculty

Wisconsin-Madison operates as a major public research university with particularly strong programs in dairy science, engineering, and business. The school's agricultural programs rank among the nation's best, which makes sense given Wisconsin's farming heritage. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students get decent access to professors despite the large size of 35,665 students. The 89.3% six-year graduation rate shows most students successfully navigate the academic demands. Research opportunities abound here, from the famous Wisconsin Idea that extends university research to benefit the state, to undergraduate research programs that let students work alongside faculty. The Big Ten academic reputation attracts serious students who want both strong academics and major college sports.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 83.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 89.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 89.3%
Retention Rate: 94.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $73,792
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Economics.	Doctoral	$136,278
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Doctoral	$117,042
Real Estate.	Master	$115,339
Business/Commerce, General.	Master	$113,091
Marketing.	Master	$111,992
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$108,649
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Master	$107,256
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Master	$106,421
Engineering, General.	Master	$106,421
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Doctoral	$106,421

View all 381 programs →

Campus Life

Madison sits right between two lakes, creating a campus that feels more like a resort than a typical college town. With housing for 8,949 students and total enrollment of 35,665, about 25% live on campus, though many upperclassmen move to apartments near State Street or the lakefront. Wisconsin winters are no joke (think heavy coats from November through March), but students embrace the cold with ice fishing, hockey games, and sledding on Bascom Hill.

Saturday means one thing: Badger football. The 775 varsity athletes compete in 20 sports, but football dominates campus culture in a way that brings together all 35,665 students. Before games, students flood State Street for breakfast at mickies Dairy Bar or grab cheese curds at the Memorial Union Terrace. The lakefront terrace becomes the unofficial campus living room when weather permits. Madison sits just 80 miles from Milwaukee, making it easy to escape for concerts or internships. Students here work hard during the week (that 94.53% retention rate doesn't happen by accident) but weekends revolve around lakes, sports, and the legendary State Street bar scene.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 8,949 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

193 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	34	11	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	32	0	4	4
Burglary	28	3	8	0
Rape	13	11	1	0
Aggravated Assault	5	3	1	4
Dating Violence	8	4	0	0
Domestic Violence	4	2	2	0
Fondling	5	2	0	0
Arson	2	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 11°–27°F
July Avg: 61°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.2"
Annual Snowfall: 38.5"

Student Demographics

Wisconsin draws students who want Big Ten athletics and strong research at a reasonable price. With 52% coming from in-state, it maintains strong Wisconsin roots while attracting students nationwide who know its academic reputation. The student body skews slightly female, typical for large public universities where education and social science programs are popular. At 61% white, it reflects Wisconsin's demographics but also draws diverse students to its highly ranked programs like engineering and business. Students here tend to be academically serious but also want the full college experience with football Saturdays and campus traditions.

Men: 47.0%
Women: 53.0%
White: 60.4%
Black: 2.5%
Hispanic: 8.3%
Asian: 10.5%
In-State Students: 51.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 15.3%

Location

Madison sits in south-central Wisconsin, about 80 miles west of Milwaukee and 150 miles northwest of Chicago. The city serves as both the state capital and a classic college town, with the university's 35,665 students making up a large part of the local population. Madison spreads across an isthmus between two lakes, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, creating a unique setting where students can walk from campus to waterfront areas in minutes. The city blends government workers, tech companies, and college life into a distinctly Midwestern atmosphere. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, but students embrace the cold with outdoor activities and strong school spirit. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare University of Wisconsin-Madison with similar schools in the region.

Address: Madison, Wisconsin 53706-1380

Wisconsin State University, Madison, Wis. 1879 LCCN

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $73,792
Median Earnings (5 years): $73,645
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $49,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 83.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,484

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 49.06% of applicants, making it moderately selective among flagship public universities. Students typically need strong academics, with the middle 50% scoring between 1340-1510 on the SAT.

How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $16,928 across all income levels, though low-income families pay just $4,458 annually. Wisconsin keeps costs manageable for residents with in-state tuition at $11,205, while out-of-state students pay $40,603.

What is University of Wisconsin-Madison known for academically?

Wisconsin is a powerhouse research university famous for its dairy science program and strong engineering, business, and liberal arts programs. With 35,665 students and an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, it offers the resources of a major research institution while maintaining its Midwestern character.

How well do University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates perform in the job market?

Graduates earn a median salary of $73,792 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's strong alumni network and reputation. The employment rate hits 96.5%, and typical monthly loan payments of $217 are manageable given earning potential.

Where do University of Wisconsin-Madison students live and what's campus life like?

The university houses 8,949 students in residence halls, creating a active campus community in downtown Madison. Known for exceptional school spirit, Wisconsin competes in the Big Ten Conference with 775 student-athletes across 20 varsity sports.

What makes University of Wisconsin-Madison's athletic culture special?

The Badgers compete at the highest level of college athletics with $17.9 million in athletic scholarships distributed across their programs. Wisconsin's legendary football and basketball teams, combined with the famous student section energy, create an atmosphere that defines the college experience for many students.