US University · Ranked #38
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a moderately selective university in Madison, Wisconsin, admitting around 49.8% of those who apply. Ranked #38 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
UW-Madison is a premier research university on the shores of Lake Mendota, known for its Big Ten athletics, strong STEM programs, and lively campus culture.
This guide breaks down University of Wisconsin-Madison's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Wisconsin-Madison admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 49.8%
- SAT range
- 1260–1470
- Average GPA
- 3.72
- In-state
- $10,796
- Out-of-state
- $39,427
- Enrollment
- 35,474
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Madison, Wisconsin
How hard is it to get into University of Wisconsin-Madison?
With 49.8% of applicants admitted, University of Wisconsin-Madison is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, University of Wisconsin-Madison is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison typically score between 1260 and 1470 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1260 and a quarter above 1470. A score at or above 1470 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.72 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1365 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.72. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1260) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Wisconsin-Madisonapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Feb 1
University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Feb 1. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Feb 1.
Notable programs at University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Biology — a common pre-health major with heavy lab and prerequisite expectations.
- Political Science — a discipline that pairs well with the school's research and internship networks.
University of Wisconsin-Madison is particularly known for Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Biology, and Political Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Wisconsin-Madison
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Wisconsin-Madison costs significantly less for Wisconsin residents: in-state tuition is about $10,796 per year versus roughly $39,427 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $28,631 annually. If you are not a Wisconsin resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of Wisconsin-Madison an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of Wisconsin-Madison: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
- University of Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 49.8%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, University of Wisconsin-Madison is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Wisconsin-Madison?
- Admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison typically score between 1260 and 1470 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1470 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1260 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Wisconsin-Madison?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison is approximately 3.72 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.72 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Wisconsin-Madison?
- University of Wisconsin-Madison's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Feb 1. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Wisconsin-Madison a public or private university?
- University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public university. In-state students from Wisconsin pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Wisconsin-Madison costs significantly less for Wisconsin residents: in-state tuition is about $10,796 per year versus roughly $39,427 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $28,631 annually. If you are not a Wisconsin resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.