Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Madison, Wisconsin
43.4% Acceptance Rate
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
43.4%Acceptance Rate
3.88Avg GPA
1402Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$27,770Annual Cost
$73,792Grad Salary
15.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
43.4%
Avg GPA
3.88
Avg SAT
1402
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1360–1510
ACT Middle 50%
28–32
Avg Net Price
$16,928
Need-Based Aid
15.3% receive Pell
University of Wisconsin-Madison The University of Wisconsin-Madison, founded in 1848, is the flagship institution of the University of Wisconsin System and one of America's premier public research universities. The 936-acre campus situated between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona offers comprehensive programs across 13 schools and colleges, with particular strengths in life sciences, engineering, and business. UW-Madison is classified as an R1 research university with over $1 billion in annual research expenditures and consistently ranks among the top public universities nationally. The campus features iconic landmarks like Bascom Hall and state-of-the-art facilities including the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery. UW's athletic teams, the Badgers, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big Ten Conference.
UW-Madison takes pride in its 'Wisconsin Idea' philosophy that university knowledge should benefit people's lives beyond campus. The university maintains a 18:1 student-faculty ratio while offering the resources of a major research institution. Recent additions include the new Chemistry Building and the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center. UW's extensive library system is among the largest in North America. The university's combination of academic excellence, spirited campus life, and beautiful lakeside setting creates a quintessential Big Ten experience with world-class research opportunities.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Acceptance Rate
University of Wisconsin-Madison is selective but reasonable: about 43.4% of applicants (43 per 100) are admitted each cycle.
What University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions Looks For
- Holistic Read: Recommendations and community involvement carry real weight here.
- Test Scores Help: Where submitted, scores near or above the middle 50% strengthen an application.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 43.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Slightly below-average GPA? A strong test score or clear leadership track record can still keep you competitive.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.88 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.68 – 3.87
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.43
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Wisconsin-Madison Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for University of Wisconsin-Madison is January 15 for Regular Decision applicants, with additional plans listed below. Admission decisions are typically released by March 31.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 169 days left — Regular Decision
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by: March 31
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: January 31
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Wisconsin-Madison GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison is 3.88. That makes admissions here extremely selective. Most admitted students carry straight A's, with very little room for a B.
If your GPA sits between 3.58 and 3.88, a high SAT or ACT score is the most reliable way to compensate.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 4.08–4.28.University of Wisconsin-Madison GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.88 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.68 – 3.87
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.48 – 3.67
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.47
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Essay requirements differ by platform: Common App applicants write one supplemental essay; Universities of Wisconsin Application users write two.
- Direct-entry majors (Wisconsin School of Business, College of Engineering, Music, Dance) decide admission to the major at initial application - list them as first choice to be considered.
- Nursing (BSN) requires a separate application (~350-400 applicants for ~160 spots) with its own December-January cycle and mandatory interviews.
- Test-optional through the Spring 2027 admissions term.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Wisconsin-Madison's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if University of Wisconsin-Madison is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into University of Wisconsin-Madison Without SAT or ACT?
University of Wisconsin-Madison considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Average SAT Score: 1402
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison is 1402 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1402 — Very Competitive
A 1402 average puts University of Wisconsin-Madison well above the national mean SAT score.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1510 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Wisconsin-Madison allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1360, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 740 | 700 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 695 | 660 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1402 | 1360 | 1510 |
Below 1360, you're behind most admitted students; at 1510 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-Madison with a 1500 SAT?
A 1500 SAT puts you ahead of most of University of Wisconsin-Madison's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of Wisconsin-Madison ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at University of Wisconsin-Madison is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive
An average of 30 is well above the national ACT mean.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 29 | 26 | 32 |
| ACT English | 31 | 27 | 34 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 28 | 32 |
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-Madison with a 32 ACT?
A 32 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of University of Wisconsin-Madison's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Wisconsin-Madison
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At University of Wisconsin-Madison, admissions looks for reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to land as a top-tier applicant — that's what triggers both admission and the best merit aid.
Match your essay to your application platform
Common App applicants write one supplemental essay (~650 words, "why UW-Madison and why this major"). Universities of Wisconsin Application users write that essay plus a second one on what you'll bring to campus - confirm which platform you're using before drafting.
Apply for direct entry if targeting Business, Engineering, or Music/Dance
These are direct-entry majors decided at the time of your initial application - list your intended major as first choice specifically, since being admitted to UW-Madison doesn't automatically mean direct entry to these programs.
Understand nursing requires a second, separate application
Even after admission to UW-Madison, the competitive BSN program requires its own application (roughly 350-400 applicants for ~160 spots), opening in early December and closing mid-January, with required interviews.
If not directly admitted to Engineering, know the internal path back in
Non-direct-entry applicants can pursue Letters & Science coursework and later apply for progression into Engineering - ask specifically about the supplemental application process sent after initial admission.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes assume admission to UW-Madison guarantees their intended major. Business, Engineering, and Nursing all have separate, competitive internal admission processes - some run on entirely different timelines from general admission, and missing those deadlines can cost you a full year.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Profile
Full Name
University of Wisconsin-Madison
City
Madison
State
Wisconsin
ZIP Code
53706-1380
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of Wisconsin-Madison Degree Worth It?
Whether University of Wisconsin-Madison is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $71,200, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.83%.
How much does a degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison Cost?
The sticker price is $27,770/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is closer to $16,928.
15.3% of students receive a Pell Grant and 21.7% take federal loans at University of Wisconsin-Madison — file your FAFSA early and list University of Wisconsin-Madison as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $73,792 — about 82% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-Madison. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| Emerson College | Boston, MA | 1359 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Wisconsin-Madison. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-Madison. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
Degree Programs at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Wisconsin-Madison Admissions
Median graduate earnings at University of Wisconsin-Madison run about $73,792 a year.
At about $27,770 a year, University of Wisconsin-Madison is on the more affordable end.
University of Wisconsin-Madison's Pell Grant rate of 15.3% sits below the national average — merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 43.4%, University of Wisconsin-Madison's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison average a 3.88 GPA.
University of Wisconsin-Madison doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.58 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.48, University of Wisconsin-Madison becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of Wisconsin-Madison — aim above 1402, ideally within the 1360–1510 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for University of Wisconsin-Madison is January 15 for Regular Decision applicants. Admission decisions are released by March 31.
The application fee is 70. Fee waivers may be available — check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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