Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
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
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
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.
#105 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#17 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Colleges in Wisconsin
#1 in Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin
#126 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1340/1510 |
| ACT | 26/32 |
| GPA | 3.88 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Wisconsin Resident Tuition
| 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
| 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 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 15% |
| Biology | 12% |
| Business | 10% |
| Engineering | 8% |
| Communication | 6% |
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.