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Colleges / WI / Madison
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University of Wisconsin-Madison

Public Madison, WI · Urban · Great Lakes · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
89%
Graduation Rate
$73,792
Earnings (10yr)
$17,354
Net Price
45%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.

Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.

When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.

Rankings

How University Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation89%Earnings 10yr$74KNet Price$17KRetention96%Median Debt$20KPell Grant Rate16%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$4K$0-30K$4K$30-48K$8K$48-75K$27K$110K+

Cost & Financial Aid

$11,603
In-State Tuition
$42,103
Out-of-State
$17,354
Avg Net Price
$20,484
Median Debt
16%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$4,200
Family Income $0–$30K
$4,101
Family Income $30K–$48K
$8,134
Family Income $48K–$75K
$27,292
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$61,275
6 Years After Entry
$69,868
8 Years
$73,792
10 Years
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
80%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$61,275 6yr $69,868 8yr $73,792 10yr

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.78
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
8.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#27
World Rank
74.3
Teaching
77.3
Research
90.6
Citations
23.8
International

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 45%
Retention Rate 96%
SAT Average 1427
ACT Midpoint 29
SAT Range 1380–1520
ACT Range 29–33
Full-Time Faculty 86%
Faculty Salary (mo) $15,643
Diversity Index 0.62
First-Gen Students 17%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 16%
Biology & Biomedical 9%
Social Sciences 9%
Engineering 8%
Computer Science & IT 7%
Health Professions 6%
Communications 6%
Psychology 3%