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#17 Best Public Universities in America

University of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, Wisconsin

 1 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

48,956
University of Wisconsin Madison overview
Location Madison, Wisconsin
Online wisc.edu
School Type Public 4 Year
Setting Midsize City
University of Wisconsin Madison overview
Size Large
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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The University of Wisconsin-Madison, chartered in 1848 and settled on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, leverages a sprawling 936-acre campus that blends natural landscapes with over 400 buildings showcasing varied architectural styles including Romanesque, Modernist, and Neoclassical. Situated in the vibrant city of Madison, approximately 80 miles west of Milwaukee, the university is a pivotal institution in the state's higher education landscape. UW-Madison stands out for its comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, with notable strengths in research, engineering, and environmental science. Additionally, the university fosters a rigorous academic climate with a history of competitive application processes. On-campus housing is offered, with a mix of residence halls and learning communities providing accommodations to a significant portion of the student body. While not its primary claim to fame, UW-Madison does field competitive teams in the Big Ten Conference, notably in football and basketball, under the banner of the Wisconsin Badgers.

In the most recent statistical year 60,214 prospective students applied, and 29,539 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 8,628 enrolled in the school.  44,262 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 4,694 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $9,273 plus fees of $1,523. Wisconsin is ranked 105 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

8/10

Overall

10/10

Academics

7/10

Resources

9/10

Outcomes

9/10

Value

Wisconsin is rated within the top 21% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for University of Wisconsin Madison within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Elite
University of Wisconsin Madison overview
SAT 1340/1510
ACT 26/32
GPA 3.88

Applications Accepted

49.1% 
University of Wisconsin Madison overview
Applications Due Jan 15, 2025
Applicant Competition Average
Application Fee $60

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Wisconsin Resident Tuition

$9,273
In State Costs for University of Wisconsin Madison
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,150
Other Fees$1,523
Room and Board $12,894
Budget for Other Expenses$3,154
Total One Year Cost$27,994

Out of State Resident Tuition

$37,904
Out of State Costs for University of Wisconsin Madison
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,150
Other Fees$1,523
Room and Board $12,894
Budget for Other Expenses$3,154
Total One Year Cost$56,625

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$64,800 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

82% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by University of Wisconsin Madison students
Subject Percent of Class
Social Sciences 15%
Biology 12%
Business 10%
Engineering 8%
Communication 6%

View All 129 Majors

Other Colleges to Consider 

Students considering Wisconsin are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=240444 IPEDS survey data for University of Wisconsin Madison.

Current students may use the University of Wisconsin Madison GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024