University Of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-Madison admits approximately 43.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the university in the selective tier, representing significantly more competitive admission than typical public institutions.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights the substantial difference between University of Wisconsin-Madison's selectivity and that of most four-year colleges. Even among major public research universities, Wisconsin-Madison maintains more rigorous admission standards than many peers.

This level of selectivity means that qualified students face meaningful uncertainty in the admission process, and many students who could succeed academically may not receive admission due to capacity constraints. Students considering University of Wisconsin-Madison should build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates but comparable academic quality and career outcomes.

The university's position as a flagship institution creates strong in-state and out-of-state demand, contributing to its selective admission profile. For this reason, students should treat University of Wisconsin-Madison as a selective choice regardless of their qualifications, requiring backup options with more accessible admission processes.

The sections below provide guidance on alternative institutions that deliver similar post-graduation outcomes with more realistic admission prospects.

University of Wisconsin-Madison's published cost of attendance is $27,770 per year, consisting of $40,603 in out-of-state tuition (or $11,205 for Wisconsin residents), $13,500 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $16,928 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,842 from the sticker price.

The university's net price falls $1,338 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating more generous aid or lower base costs compared to similar institutions. This net price varies significantly by family income, ranging from $4,458 for families earning under $30,000 to $26,427 for families earning over $110,000.

The substantial aid savings and below-peer net pricing create favorable conditions for degree completion without excessive debt. Wisconsin residents benefit from significantly lower tuition rates, further improving affordability for in-state students.

The university's aid strategy appears targeted toward making education accessible across income levels while maintaining the academic quality associated with its selective admission standards. Students should evaluate costs based on their specific residency status and family income rather than the published sticker price.

University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings increase from $61,275 six years after enrollment to $69,868 at eight years and $73,792 at ten years, representing 20.4% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 6,257 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn at the 89th percentile nationally for long-term earnings, though they earn $7,204 below expectations when adjusted for student demographics and program composition, ranking at the 25th percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $72,100, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds. The earnings distribution spans from $52,171 at the 25th percentile to $108,161 at the 75th percentile, with a 2.1:1 ratio reflecting program diversity and career variation.

Approximately 23.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both advanced education and workforce entry. Compared to peer institutions, University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $13,249 more annually, highlighting the institution's competitive positioning within the public research university landscape.

University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Real Estate ranks #1 nationally, producing 156 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $100,995 and a perfect value score of 100.0.

Artificial Intelligence ranks #28 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin, graduating 628 students with median earnings of $97,595 and representing the institution's largest high-earning program. Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #30 nationally and #1 in Wisconsin, graduating 404 students with earnings of $86,244.

Applied Economics ranks #68 nationally but #1 in Wisconsin, with 566 graduates earning $69,594, making it one of the university's largest programs. Digital Marketing ranks #5 nationally with a value score of 98.2, while Psychology ranks #26 nationally with 463 graduates.

Several programs hold the #1 position in Wisconsin, demonstrating the university's statewide leadership across multiple disciplines. The program portfolio combines high-enrollment majors with specialized offerings that deliver strong labor market outcomes.