Quick Summary
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public research university founded in 1848, located in Madison, United States. Ranked #116 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 50662 students including 13% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Communication & Media Studies, Agriculture & Forestry, Education, it maintains an acceptance rate of 43%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
UW-Madison is a world-class research powerhouse located in one of America's best college towns. It offers a perfect balance of rigorous academics, Big Ten athletics, and a vibrant social scene.
Subject Strengths
Communication & Media StudiesAgriculture & ForestryEducationSociologyVeterinary ScienceChemical Engineering
Founded1848
TypePublic Research University
Total Students50662
Intl Students13%
Faculty Ratio18
CampusUrban/Lakeside
Campus Size936 acres
Affiliated HospitalsUW Health University Hospital, American Family Children's Hospital
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (HLC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#116
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#63
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#35
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
136 undergraduate majors, 148 master's programs, 120 doctoral programs
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Morgridge Institute for Research, Space Science and Engineering Center, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate43%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GREOptional (Program-dependent)
GMATRequired for most MBA tracks
SATOptional (Test-optional policy)
ACTOptional (Test-optional policy)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 15 (Regular), November 1 (Early Action)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Madison uses a holistic review process. Strong emphasis is placed on the rigor of the high school curriculum and involvement in leadership or community service. The 'Wisconsin Idea' should be reflected in the application essays.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$40,603/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$16,500/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$26,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$60
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$57,103/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$5,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 136 undergraduate majors, 148 master's programs, 120 doctoral programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Biology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Economics | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Finance | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$67,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh; supported by SuccessWorks and industry-specific career centers.
Industry Connections
Epic SystemsAmerican Family InsuranceGE HealthCareGoogleMicrosoft
Notable Alumni
Dick Cheney, Frank Lloyd Wright, Virgil Abloh, John Muir, Carol Bartz
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Camp Randall Stadium, Kohl Center, Nielsen Tennis Stadium, Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
Student Clubs
1000
Library Resources
40+ libraries including Memorial Library and Steenbock Library; over 8 million volumes.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available