Colleges › Wisconsin › University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as UW-Madison, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 45% of applicants. It is a public university in Madison, Wisconsin, with about 36,902 undergraduates. The sticker price is $26,686 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $16,600.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for UW-Madison?
Admitly estimates a typical Wisconsin resident needs about a 3.9 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 64%.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into University of Wisconsin-Madison by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1410, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Wisconsin resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 | 12% Reach | 4% Reach |
| 3.3 | 17% Reach | 6% Reach |
| 3.5 | 27% Reach | 10% Reach |
| 3.7 | 41% Target | 17% Reach |
| 3.9 | 56% Target | 28% Reach |
| 4.0 | 64% Target | 34% Target |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
Get your own chance, free
Enter your GPA, test score and state to see your chance here and at 169 other colleges, with cost after aid for your family. No sign-up needed.
Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $26,686 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $6,700 | $30,600 |
| $50k – $100k | $6,700 | $33,200 |
| $100k – $150k | $15,800 | $43,100 |
| $150k – $250k | $26,686 | $57,700 |
| Over $250k | $26,686 | $58,700 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about University of Wisconsin-Madison
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison admits 45% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Admitly estimates a typical Wisconsin resident needs about a 3.9 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 64%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of Wisconsin-Madison?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1380–1520 on the SAT and 29–33 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Madison cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $26,686 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $16,600 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $6,700 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
90% of students finish their degree, and 96% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI · admits 91%
- University of Maryland, College ParkCollege Park, MD · admits 45%
- Auburn UniversityAuburn, AL · admits 46%
- Cal State Long BeachLong Beach, CA · admits 46%
- University of South FloridaTampa, FL · admits 43%
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana, IL · admits 42%