Government-Verified Education Data

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Q: How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost?

In-state tuition is $11,205 and out-of-state tuition is $40,603 per year.

Q: What do University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn?

The median earnings 5 years after graduation is $61,275 and 10 years after is $73,792.

Q: What percentage of students at University of Wisconsin-Madison take federal loans?

21.7% of students take out federal loans.

Q: What is the enrollment at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

University of Wisconsin-Madison has a total enrollment of 35,665 students (public institution). That is about 23× the national median of 1,556 students for U.S. degree-granting institutions.

Q: How much is out-of-state tuition at University of Wisconsin-Madison?

Out-of-state tuition at University of Wisconsin-Madison is $40,603 per year, compared with $11,205 for in-state students — a difference of $29,398. That is 53% above the national median of $26,585 for out-of-state tuition nationally.

Q: What SAT score do you need to get into University of Wisconsin-Madison?

Admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison typically score between 1380 and 1520 on the SAT (middle 50%), with an average composite score of 1427. Reading/writing range: 670–740; math range: 710–780.

Q: What ACT score do you need to get into University of Wisconsin-Madison?

The middle 50% of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Madison score between 29 and 33 on the ACT.

Q: How do University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates' earnings compare to the national median?

Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry — 36% above the national median of $54,122 across 1,889 U.S. institutions in the College Scorecard. That is higher than 86% of ranked U.S. colleges.

Madison, Wisconsin · Public

Compare ROI Analysis

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$61,275

Acceptance Rate

43%

Graduation Rate

89%

Annual Tuition

$11,205

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry — 36% above the national median. Acceptance rate 43.4%, average SAT score 1427, in-state tuition $11,205.

At a Glance

Total Students

35,665

Retention Rate

95%

Faculty Ratio

Financial Aid

22%

Median Debt

$20,484

Campus Setting

City

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,427

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

670–740

SAT Math (middle 50%)

710–780

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

29–33

Institution Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a large public institution with an undergraduate student population of 35,665. The university has a moderately selective admissions process, accepting 43.4% of applicants. The university retains a high percentage of students, with a 94.5% retention rate. Nearly 90% of students graduate.

The university offers a strong return on investment. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $53,379. Five years after graduation, median earnings rise to $61,275, and ten years after graduation, median earnings are $73,792. The median debt for graduates is $20,484. Over 20% of students receive financial aid, and in-state tuition is $11,205.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$53k

1 YEAR

$61k

5 YEARS

$74k

10 YEARS

Top 14% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni earn a median salary of $53,379. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $61,275, and after ten years, median earnings reach $73,792. The median debt for graduates is $20,484. The university has a high retention rate of 94.5% and an 89.3% graduation rate.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a 43.4% acceptance rate. The university's in-state tuition is $11,205. A total of 21.7% of students receive financial aid.