Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
73,912 applied, 30,167 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
What does UW–Madison cost?
$16,600 a year in-state
Out of state: about $48,625 a year
What in-state students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The in-state sticker price, with housing and food, is $29,943.
Tap your family income:
Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000
$3,424
$30,000–$48,000
$3,837
$48,000–$75,000
$6,026
$75,000–$110,000
$15,839
over $110,000
$28,208
Sticker, in-state
$29,943
In-state, with aid
$16,600
At your income
Out-of-state tuition is $44,191 a year, against $12,166 in state. The out-of-state figure adds that $32,025 to the in-state average. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
Checked on admissions.wisc.edu Nov 5, 2026. See the source
Does UW–Madison need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 15% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1450 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
Is University of Wisconsin–Madison test-optional for fall 2027?
Yes. UW–Madison is test-optional for students entering in fall 2027, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. Checked on admissions.wisc.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is University of Wisconsin–Madison's acceptance rate?
41% for fall 2025: 30,167 of 73,912 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for University of Wisconsin–Madison?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1400 to 1490 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does University of Wisconsin–Madison cost for a family earning $60,000?
In-state families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $6,026 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $29,943.
How much does University of Wisconsin–Madison cost for out-of-state students?
Out-of-state tuition at UW–Madison is $44,191 a year, against $12,166 for in-state students in 2025-26. In-state students who got federal aid paid $16,600 on average after grants in 2024-25. Adding the $32,025 tuition gap gives about $48,625 a year from out of state. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
When is the University of Wisconsin–Madison application deadline for fall 2027?
Early action closed Nov 1, 2026. Regular decision is due Jan 15, 2027. Checked on admissions.wisc.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
