University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public university in Madison, WI ranked #68 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 36,902 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 45.2%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 96.2% first-year retention, and 89.5% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $17,354, about $356 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -11.7%, roughly 97.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $61,275. That's about $17,587 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
University of Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 45.2%, annual tuition of $11,603, average net price of $17,354, and a national rank of #68 (Grade A), with a 89.5% six-year graduation rate, about 36,902 undergraduates, and median earnings of $61,275 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is University of Wisconsin-Madison Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates 89.5% of students within six years and keeps 96.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Wisconsin-Madison's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,603 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,124 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,178 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,679 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.9% of University of Wisconsin-Madison students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $4,200 annually, while high-income families pay $27,292. Use University of Wisconsin-Madison's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,763/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,292/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $61,275
- 10-Year Median Earnings $61,275
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,058
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 83.9%
- Employment Rate 92.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Wisconsin-Madison's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Wisconsin-Madison's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $61,275 median, the -11.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 670-740
- SAT Math 710-780
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 29-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 36,902
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 96.2%
- Graduation Rate 89.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into University of Wisconsin-Madison
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Wisconsin-Madison requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 45.2%, University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 45.2% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1380 and 1520 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Wisconsin-Madison undergraduates. Computer and Information Sciences, General, Economics, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 6.5%
- Economics 5.9%
- Psychology, General 4.8%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 4.2%
- Biology, General 3.9%
- Political Science and Government 3.8%
See more majors
- Mathematics 3.1%
- Communication and Media Studies 3.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $145,337
- 2. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $126,855
- 3. Real Estate $119,949
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $118,588
- 5. Nuclear Engineering $110,897
- 6. Insurance $110,596
- 7. Industrial Engineering $110,022
- 8. Finance and Financial Management Services $106,484
- 9. International Business $103,185
- 10. Chemical Engineering $102,023
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $191,376
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degree) $180,896
- 3. Real Estate (Master's Degree) $172,827
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Marketing (Master's Degree) $165,191
- 5. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $160,846
- 6. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $143,810
- 7. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $134,929
- 8. Engineering, General (Master's Degree) $133,037
- 9. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $125,310
- 10. Public Health (Doctoral Degree) $122,215
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $145,337—42% more than Chemical Engineering ($102,023). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $191,376 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Wisconsin-Madison. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 628 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 566 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 463 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 404 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 376 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (95 programs)â–¼
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Economics
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Journalism
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Marketing
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Real Estate
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Insurance
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- History
- Statistics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Engineering
- Sociology
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Genetics
- International/Global Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Chemistry
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Social Work
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Physics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Public Services
- Philosophy
- Special Education and Teaching
- Materials Engineering
- Animal Sciences
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Engineering Mechanics
- Design and Applied Arts
- International Business
- Area Studies
- Food Science and Technology
- Applied Mathematics
- Music
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Plant Sciences
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Landscape Architecture
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Nuclear Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Forestry
- Soil Sciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Engineering, Other
- Engineering Physics
- African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Sustainability Studies
Online Master's Degrees (99 programs)â–¼
- Social Work
- Economics
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Statistics
- Library Science and Administration
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Engineering, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Public Health
- Mechanical Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Public Policy Analysis
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Mathematics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Industrial Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Materials Engineering
- Real Estate
- Music
- Psychology, General
- Chemistry
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Genetics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Physics
- Journalism
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sociology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Agricultural Engineering
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Systems Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Area Studies
- Anthropology
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- History
- Food Science and Technology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Public Services
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Plant Sciences
- Philosophy
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Insurance
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Soil Sciences
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Landscape Architecture
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemical Engineering
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Political Science and Government
- Nutrition Sciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Forestry
- African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
Online Doctoral Degrees (78 programs)â–¼
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Economics
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Sociology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Statistics
- Music
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Public Health
- Genetics
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Geography and Cartography
- Psychology, General
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Industrial Engineering
- Business/Commerce, General
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Political Science and Government
- Nuclear Engineering
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Civil Engineering
- Animal Sciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Anthropology
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Social Work
- Nutrition Sciences
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Forestry
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Area Studies
- Soil Sciences
- Philosophy
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Library Science and Administration
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Food Science and Technology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Agricultural Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Plant Sciences
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Engineering Mechanics
- African Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Research and Experimental Psychology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (33 programs)â–¼
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Geography and Cartography
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Science, Technology and Society
- Sustainability Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Engineering, Other
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Public Health
- Political Science and Government
- Information Science/Studies
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Engineering, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer Science
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Area Studies
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (52 programs)â–¼
- Public Health
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Criminology
- Area Studies
- Business/Commerce, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Mathematics
- Education, General
- Biology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Sustainability Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Gerontology
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Science, Technology and Society
- Engineering, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Systems Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Food Science and Technology
- Engineering, Other
- Apparel and Textiles
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Political Science and Government
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Dance
- Archeology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Visual and Performing Arts, Other
- History
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
Online First Professional Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Medicine
- Law
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Veterinary Medicine
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 36,902
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.6%
- Female Students 53.4%
- Caucasian 59.1%
- Asian 10.9%
- Hispanic 8.5%
- Black 2.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Wisconsin-Madison's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Wisconsin-Madison's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Wisconsin-Madison support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Wisconsin-Madison, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 15.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Wisconsin-Madison support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Wisconsin-Madison, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #68 nationally, University of Wisconsin-Madison combines competitive admissions with -11.7% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $61,275 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 89.5% six-year rates, with 96.2% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $17,354 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 256 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: University of Wisconsin-Madison's Market Position
A grade | #68 of 6101 | 96.5/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: University of Wisconsin-Madison occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The -11.7% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $17,354 annually produces $61,275 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing University of Wisconsin-Madison should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: University of Wisconsin-Madison's #68 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 256 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 89.5% six-year graduation rate sits 27.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.2% first-year retention is 19.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -11.7% return on investment is 97.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $61,275 run about 40% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $17,354 is roughly $43 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.4% employment rate within three years sits 24.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 15.9% trails the national share by 23.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public university based in Madison, WI and earns a A overall grade. It holds a #68 national ranking Category results include Completion (A), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (A-), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
96.2% of learners come back after year one while 89.5% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -11.7% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $17,354 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,679.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $11,325 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,058 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $61,275 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 40% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 92.4%.
Plan around an ROI of about -11.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
45.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Wisconsin-Madison admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Nearby Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Wisconsin-Madison's acceptance rate?
University of Wisconsin-Madison's acceptance rate is 45.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost?
At University of Wisconsin-Madison, listed tuition and fees are $11,603 per year, and the average net price after aid is $17,354. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Wisconsin-Madison's ranking?
University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks #68 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Wisconsin-Madison's graduation rate?
At University of Wisconsin-Madison, the six-year graduation rate is 89.5%, and first-year retention is 96.2%.
What are University of Wisconsin-Madison's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison report median earnings of $61,275 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Wisconsin-Madison's student population?
University of Wisconsin-Madison enrolls about 36,902 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Madison, WI 53706-1380
- Website www.wisc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$5.53B