University of Wisconsin-Madison
From its main campus located atop a hilltop in Wisconsin’s state capital, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a 4-year public institution and the flagship campus of the UW system. Founded in 1848 at the same time that Wisconsin achieved statehood, UW Madison is home to 24 colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in over 200 academic majors. All UW classes are centered around “The Wisconsin Idea,” a theory that education should positively affect students’ lives outside of the classroom. For a break from the rigors of academia, UW students flock to State Street, a pedestrian-friendly avenue through downtown Madison featuring coffee shops, restaurants, and a comedy club.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Major city
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 1 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | January 16 | May 1 |
| Spring Regular Decision | October 1 | |
| Other | February 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
40%
Submitting ACT
17%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 30
Average SAT Composite: 1371
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
48,956
Total Number of Undergrads
36,306
Classroom Sizes
0
100
66%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
88%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
18:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $11,205 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $40,603 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $13,500 |
| Books and Supplies | $1100 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
81%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
15%
Average Aid Per Year
$11,171
15%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,773
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$12,048
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
26%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$9,299
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$18,250
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$196
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
958
Size of Town
Major city
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Housing
0
100
25%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Badgers
School Colors
cardinal and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Big Ten Conference
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Madison
Chicago
Milwaukee
Minneapolis
New York
Employed
6 mos. after graduation
46%
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$68,000
What Students Are Saying
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the rare combination of academic rigor and excellence, a huge social scene, a beautiful campus, and endless opportunities for involvement. Whether you are a business student, a future engineer, or majoring in anything within the college of letters and science you have fantastic opportunities to get a degree in addition to experiences that will easily help you get a great job after college. Although it is a large college, it is easy to find groups of friends whether you choose to live in the quiet and beautiful Lakeshore area, or in the hustle and bustle of the Southeast, you will easily meet people and have opportunities to join organizations that bring you closer with people similar to you.
Austin from Downers Grove, IL
UW-Madison is a university prized for its small town feel with a huge social experience. Never is there a dull moment on campus. Your academics and extra curricular activities will be memories you'll never forget.
Louie from WI
Uw- Madison is a fantastic school. The academics are strong, there is always something fun to do, the school spirit is remarkable, and on top of it al you live on a beautiful campus. I don't know any one that dislikes their experience here.
Cordell from Barneveld, WI
Definitely upholds the work-hard play-hard mentality. Because of its large size, the campus offers over 800 activities, including Badger games (whoop!). Still an extremely rigorous school.
Elise from Milwaukee, WI
The best thing about a large research university like Wisconsin is the extraordinary wealth of academic and extracurricular choices. I've never been bored-there is always something I can learn or somewhere I can go. It really feels like home.
Hannah
Similar Colleges
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Stanford, CA
West Lafayette, IN
Chicago, IL
Champaign, IL
Evanston, IL
Bloomington, IN
Iowa City, IA
Ann Arbor, MI
Minneapolis, MN
New York, NY
