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University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, Wisconsin
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Admit Rate
45%* (source: College Scorecard · 2024)Selective
Cost of Attendance
$28,679
$59,179 out-of-state
Test Policy
SAT/ACT optional‡ (source: UW-Madison admissions · 2026-27 · accessed Sep 28, 2026)

The waiver is confirmed through Spring 2028; the Board of Regents has not yet decided on Fall 2028 and beyond.

Data sourced from IPEDS, Institutional Website, for the record as a whole — figures marked with a star are sourced separately, as noted at the bottom of the page. Testing policy and deadlines checked against the college's own pages on Oct 18, 2026.

Preparation

Helpful high school preparation
4 years English3-4 years math3 years lab science3 years social studies2 years same foreign language

This is helpful preparation, not a formal admission requirement.

Admissions

How admission works here

Where you apply
The Common App. Common App requirements grid
Test scores
Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional. The waiver is confirmed through Spring 2028; the Board of Regents has not yet decided on Fall 2028 and beyond. UW-Madison admissions
Essays
The Common App personal essay is required. Common App requirements grid
Recommendations
1 teacher recommendation. Common App requirements grid
Application fee
$80. The Common App fee waiver is accepted. Common App requirements grid
Deadlines
Early Action November 1, Regular Decision January 15. UW-Madison admissions
Overall
45%* (source: College Scorecard · 2024)

My Fit uses this overall rate to classify your chances here.

Mid-50% SAT
1380-1520
SAT/ACT optional
Top 10 majors
  1. 1Computer and Information Sciences
  2. 2Economics
  3. 3Psychology
  4. 4Data Science
  5. 5Finance
  6. 6Biology
  7. 7Political Science
  8. 8Neuroscience
  9. 9Retailing and Retail Operations
  10. 10Mechanical Engineering

Ordered by how many students graduated in each, 2023-24. Source: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS Completions survey). Names are the federal categories, so University of Wisconsin-Madison may call a major something slightly different.

Applying

Application Deadlines† (source: UW-Madison admissions · 2026-27)
Early Action
November 1 · Non-binding
Regular Decision
January 15 · Non-binding

Applying through the Common App

Application fee
$80
Common App fee waiver
Accepted
Common App personal essay
Required
Self-reported courses and grades
Required
Recommendations
1 teacher recommendation

Source: Common App requirements grid, updated 2026-09-18. Anything not listed here wasn't stated in the grid, which is not the same as not required.

Essay details are being verified

College-specific prompts can change each application cycle. Check the school's official application page for the latest requirements.

View official application requirements

Music & Sports Tracks

Sports

NCAA Division I (FBS)
Varsity sports (12)
BasketballFootballGolfIce hockeyRowingSoccerSoftballSwimming and divingTennisTrack and field and cross countryVolleyballWrestling
U.S. Department of Education, Equity in Athletics data (2024-25)
How music and sports fit into an application

Academics

Flagship Programs

School of EducationComputer SciencesWisconsin School of Business

Career & Major Pathways

Primary Disciplines
EngineeringBusinessLife SciencesEducationComputer Sciences
Interdisciplinary Pathways
Data ScienceEnvironmental StudiesGlobal Health

Cost

In-state cost of attendance
$28,679* (source: College Scorecard · 2024)
Out-of-state cost of attendance
$59,179* (source: College Scorecard · 2024)

This is the full yearly cost before any financial aid. What your family would actually pay is in the Financial Aid section. Cost figures are approximate, so confirm current numbers on the college's website.

Tuition only (part of the cost above)
In-state $11,603* (source: College Scorecard · 2024)Out-of-state $42,103* (source: College Scorecard · 2024)

Financial Aid

What families actually paid, by household income

Average for students who received federal aid. Your own figure depends on your family's finances and the aid this school offers you.

Under $30,000
$4,200
$30,001 – $48,000
$4,101
$48,001 – $75,000
$8,134
$75,001 – $110,000
$17,763
Over $110,000
$27,292

College Scorecard (latest.cost.net_price.public.by_income_level.*), 2024

Estimate what your family would pay

Every school is required to publish a net price calculator. It asks about your family's finances and returns an estimate for you specifically, which is worth more than any average on this page. Your school counselor and the college's financial aid office can also help.

Scholarships and merit aid

UW-Madison's out-of-state population is large and merit aid (e.g., the Bucky's Tuition Promise is need-based/in-state only) is limited for nonresidents, so most out-of-state families should plan for close to the sticker price unless a specific college-level scholarship applies.

Campus

Campus Fit

Location
Madison, Wisconsin· Urban
Undergraduates
38,040
Setting
Urban
In a fraternity or sorority
Not publicly reported
Living on campus
Not publicly reported

*College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education) · 2024

†UW-Madison admissions · 2026-27

‡UW-Madison admissions · 2026-27 · accessed Sep 28, 2026

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