Wisconsin · College profile
University of Wisconsin-Madison: SAT & ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate and Costs
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public four-year university in Madison, Wisconsin, enrolling about 36,902 undergraduates. It admits roughly 45% of applicants, which makes it moderately selective relative to four-year colleges nationally.
SAT and ACT scores at University of Wisconsin-Madison
| Measure | Score |
|---|---|
| SAT 25th percentile | 1380 |
| SAT 75th percentile | 1520 |
| SAT midpoint (estimated) | 1460 |
| ACT 25th percentile | 29 |
| ACT 75th percentile | 33 |
| ACT midpoint (estimated) | 31 |
A quarter of enrolled students scored below 1380 and a quarter scored above 1520. Treat 1520 as the target that makes your score a clear strength in this applicant pool, and 1380 as the point below which the rest of your application has to carry more weight.
The two ranges describe the same class, so submit whichever test places you higher in its own range — an ACT 33 and an SAT 1520 are read as equivalent here.
Admissions and selectivity
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 36,902 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Setting | City |
| Control | Public |
Cost and financial aid
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| In-state tuition and fees | $11,603 |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees | $42,103 |
| Room and board | $14,124 |
| Average net price (first-year students) | $17,354 |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 15.9% |
| Students taking federal loans | 20.4% |
| Median federal loan debt at graduation | $18,058 |
Net price is the number that matters: $17,354 is what a typical first-year student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price. Run the college's own net price calculator with your family's numbers before ruling it out on cost.
Graduation and earnings outcomes
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Graduation rate (6-year) | 89.5% |
| First-year retention | 96.2% |
| Median earnings 10 years after entry | $73,792 |
| Students who are first-generation | 16.8% |
Most popular majors
- Business & marketing — 17% of bachelor's degrees
- Biological & biomedical sciences — 12% of bachelor's degrees
- Engineering — 12% of bachelor's degrees
- Social sciences — 10% of bachelor's degrees
Shares are of bachelor's degrees awarded, so a concentrated list usually signals a college known for those programs.
How your score compares
Take a free adaptive practice test on FunSAT, get an unofficial score estimate, and see exactly where you land inside University of Wisconsin-Madison's reported range alongside the rest of your college list.
Start a free practice test →Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for University of Wisconsin-Madison?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at University of Wisconsin-Madison scored between 1380 and 1520 on the SAT. A score at or above 1520 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1380 the rest of your application carries more weight.
What ACT score do you need for University of Wisconsin-Madison?
The middle 50% ACT range at University of Wisconsin-Madison is 29 to 33. Aim for 33 to make the score a clear strength.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison admits about 45.2% of applicants according to the most recent U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost?
Published tuition and fees are $11,603 in-state and $42,103 out-of-state, but the average first-year student pays a net price of $17,354 after grant aid.
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, Most-Recent-Cohorts-Institution. May 2026 release (file published 2026-05-26). Score ranges and costs are reported by the institution to the U.S. Department of Education and can lag the current admissions cycle by a year or more.
FunSAT is a free browser-based SAT and ACT prep app: digital SAT and ACT practice tests, unofficial score calculators, a built-in graphing calculator, college admissions chances from official U.S. Department of Education data, and a scholarship search. Start free practice →