University of Wisconsin-Madison
Campus Identity
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a large public university in Madison, WI. Approximately 36,902 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 45% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Mendota, just 0 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 26 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 47/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a large public university in Madison, WI. Approximately 36,902 students are enrolled. Admissions are moderately selective with a 45% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Mendota, just 0 miles from the water. Ski resorts are within 26 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 47/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a 20,000+, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics and a moderate greek life Greek scene. The campus is 19 miles from Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Big Ten
Greek Life
Moderate Greek Life
9% frats · 8% sororities
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Urban setting
Weather
Cold Climate
40°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
University of Wisconsin-Madison students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Tyrol Basin Ski & Snowboard Area, 19 miles away with 5 lifts and 32 skiable acres. All are within 30 miles of campus.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Lake Life Campus
Lake Mendota is less than a mile from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving University of Wisconsin-Madison students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Lake Mendota
Lake access within 0.3 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Madison, WI
Madison has a cool climate, with winters averaging 19°F in Jan and summers peaking around 72°F in Jul.
Station: UW ARBORETUM MADISON · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
University of Wisconsin-Madison in WI earns a composite safety score of 47/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $11,603 | $42,103 |
| Fees | $1,447 | $1,447 |
| Room & Board | $12,133 | $12,133 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $25,183 | $55,683 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
396 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is University of Wisconsin-Madison located?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI. The main campus address is 500 Lincoln Dr, Madison, WI. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%, making it selective. Out of 65,894 applicants, 29,782 were admitted in the most recent year. 36,902 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for University of Wisconsin-Madison?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at University of Wisconsin-Madison scored between 29 and 33 on the ACT, with a median of 31. About 29% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend University of Wisconsin-Madison?
For the 2024-25 academic year, University of Wisconsin-Madison charges $11,603/year for in-state students and $42,103/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($12,133/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $38,608/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $17,354/year — what students actually pay. Use University of Wisconsin-Madison's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for University of Wisconsin-Madison?
The undergraduate application fee at University of Wisconsin-Madison is $70. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does University of Wisconsin-Madison have college sports?
Yes — University of Wisconsin-Madison competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Big Ten. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison the right fit for me?
Whether University of Wisconsin-Madison is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (45% admit rate), avg net price ($17,354/year after aid), campus culture in Madison, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh University of Wisconsin-Madison against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with University of Wisconsin-Madison directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Madison, WI
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- Land Grant
- Yes
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Big Ten
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 40°F avg
- App Fee
- $70
- On Campus Safety Score
- 47/100
- Nearest Airport
- Madison, WI (MSN) · 6 mialso RFD (63 mi), VOK (73 mi)
Location
Madison, WI