PublicUrbanUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin 53706-1380
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Strong graduate outcomes — known for business
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public institution in Madison with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1402, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 35.7K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
89% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $73,792 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $16,928.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — AreaRED
History & Fun Facts
- •On July 26, 1848, Nelson Dewey, Wisconsin's first governor, signed the act that formally created the University of Wisconsin.
- •Lathrop became the university's first chancellor, in the fall of 1849.
- •Sterling as the university's first professor (mathematics), the first class of 17 students met at Madison Female Academy on February 5, 1849.
- •" This building, University Hall, now known as Bascom Hall, was finally completed in 1859.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1402
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
78.0%
Median Debt at Grad
$18,058
Programs (381)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
95%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
271
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from WI state average + large city premium