By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

The University of Wisconsin – Madison (UW-Madison) is a prestigious public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded in 1848, it is the flagship campus of the Universities of Wisconsin. Known for its rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, and strong research programs, UW-Madison offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The university is a member of the Big Ten Conference and boasts a spirited athletic tradition. Its lakeside campus and progressive culture attract students from around the globe.

Total Cost of Attendance

The University of Wisconsin – Madison tuition in 2024-25 for state residents was $11,603. This is close to the national average of $11,260 for in-state tuition at public universities. For residents of other states, UW tuition was $42,103, which is well above the national average for out-of-state tuition of $29,150.

Tuition, however, is only part of the total cost of attending college. Here’s a look at other expenses students can expect when attending the University of Wisconsin.

Financial Aid

Over half of undergraduates (60%) receive some form of financial aid to help cover the UW-Madison tuition and other costs. This may be scholarships, grants, or student loans, or a combination of these.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  SoFi Scholarship Finder – Use our handy tool to streamline your search by award type, location, level of study and more.

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

Many undergraduates tap student loans to help pay the University of Wisconsin tuition and other costs: 24% take out federal loans, and 6% get private student loans (with an average amount of $19,241).

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The University of Wisconsin – Madison cost of attendance for four years — including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses — is $120,020 for in-state students (based on 2024-25 numbers). By comparison, the national average at public universities for in-state students is $115,36 for four years.

For out-of-state residents, the four-year cost for attending UW is $242,020. This is above the national average of $186,920 for out-of-state cost of attendance.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2024-25

University of Wisconsin undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic years were $11,603 for in-state students, a 3.6% increase over 2023-34. The tuition and fees for out-of-state students were $42,103, a 3.7% increase over 2023-34.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2024-25

•   Average graduate tuition (in-state): $10,728

•   Average graduate tuition (out-of-state): $24,054

•   Fees (in-state/out-of-state): $1,597

Tuition and fees for graduate students at UW-Madison for 2024-25 averaged $12,325 for in-state students and $25,651 for out-of-state students. The average cost of graduate school tuition and fees in the U.S. is $22,430 per year.

There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

If you take 15 credits per semester, the cost per credit hour at UW-Madison comes out to $483 for Wisconsin residents and $1,403 for nonresidents.

Campus Housing Expenses

UW-Madison offers a variety of traditional residence halls, including focused learning and affinity communities. It also prides itself on offering some of the lowest on-campus housing rates in the Big Ten. Though freshmen aren’t required to live on campus, more than 90% of first-year students choose to do so. Many undergraduates also choose to live on campus for a second year, and beyond.

Costs for 2024-25

•   Housing and food expenses (on-campus): $14,124

•   Housing and food expenses (off-campus): $12,414

•   Other living expenses (on/off campus): $3,178

Total living expenses for 2024-25 were estimated at $17,302 for students who lived on campus and $15,592 for those who lived off campus.

University of Wisconsin – Madison Acceptance Rate

The University of Wisconsin – Madison acceptance rate is 43%, which makes the school moderately selective.

Admission Requirements

If you’re interested in applying to UW-Madison as a freshman, here’s what you’ll need to submit:

•   Admission application (either the Common Application or the Universities of Wisconsin Application)

•   Nonrefundable $70 application fee

•   Two essays

•   High school coursework and grade information

•   One letter of recommendation

•   ACT or SAT scores (optional for students applying for admission through the spring 2027 term, with an application deadline of October 1, 2026)

Important deadlines to know:

•   January 15: Regular decision application deadline

•   January 22: Regular decision materials deadline

•   November 1: Early action application deadline

•   November 10: Early action materials deadline

SAT and ACT Scores

Though submitting test scores is optional through the spring 2027 term at UW-Madison, it can be helpful to know the average scores of other students who chose to submit their scores.

Here are the standardized test scores of students who enrolled in Fall 2023 at the 25th and 75th percentiles.

Popular Majors at the University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin – Madison offers hundreds of undergraduate majors across 13 schools and colleges. Here are 10 of the most popular areas of study.

1. Computer Science

At UW-Madison, you may earn a B.A., B.S., or Certificate in Computer Sciences. Students in this major learn to solve real-world problems using core computing principles like abstractions and algorithms. They gain knowledge of theoretical foundations, key elements of computer systems (hardware, software, networking), and various tools and techniques within the field.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 645

2. Economics

Economics majors learn the fundamental principles of how economies function, including supply and demand, market structures, and government policies. They develop strong quantitative and analytical skills, including the ability to analyze economic models and use data to evaluate policies. The curriculum also covers a range of topics, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, public finance, and international economics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 441

3. Psychology

Psychology students gain a deep understanding of human/animal behavior and mental processes that can be applied to almost any career. Graduates have successfully pursued careers in science, clinical/counseling, business, medicine, law, public service, and a variety of other areas.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 429

4. Biology

The biology major provides a broad foundation in the biological sciences, preparing students for graduate studies, pre-professional paths (like medicine), or general science careers. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of evolution, structure and function of living things. They also acquire practical and professional skills through coursework and lab work.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 377

5. Finance

Finance majors learn about everything from financial markets and government policies to capital structure and financial risk management. The program prepares students for a wide variety of career pathways, including corporate finance, the investments and securities industry, the management of financial institutions, and the evolving fintech sector.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 284

6. Political Science and Government

Political science majors explore a wide range of topics related to government, politics, and public policy. They delve into theories of government, political systems, and the role of individuals and groups in the political process. They also have the opportunity to specialize in specific areas, such as American politics, comparative politics, and international relations. Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are valuable in various career paths.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 259

7. Communication Science and Rhetorical Studies

Students who major in Communication Science and Rhetorical Studies develop a deep understanding of communication processes, focusing on both social, psychological, and practical aspects of human interaction. They learn to analyze communication in various contexts, including public, online, organizational, group, and interpersonal settings. The program emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and effective communication (both written and oral).

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 246

8. Neurobiology

Neurobiology majors develop a strong foundation in basic sciences like biology, chemistry, and mathematics. This supports their study of neuroscience at the molecular, cellular, systems, and cognitive levels. The program prepares students for graduate school, as well as careers in health-related and scientific industries.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 225

9. Nursing

Students interested in nursing are typically admitted to UW–Madison as pre-nursing students. They then apply to the School of Nursing in their sophomore year and, if accepted, officially start the two-year nursing course sequence as juniors.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 218

10. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering majors learn about manufacturing processes, generation and use of energy, and how to design mechanical equipment and systems. Students can also specialize in a wide range of areas, including robotics, biomedical engineering, product design, and computational mechanics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2021-22: 214

Graduation Rate

The majority of UW-Madison students complete their degree in four years. But some students take longer. Here are the graduation rates for students who began at the school in 2017.

•  4 years: 73%

•  6 years: 89%

Post-Graduation Average Earnings

On average, UW-Madison graduates earn an annual salary of $83,000. This is higher than the average projected starting salary for the class of 2025 at the bachelor’s degree level, which is $68,680.