University of Wisconsin–Madison acceptance rate
University of Wisconsin–Madison admitted 40.8% of first-year applicants for fall 2025. Of 73,912 students who applied, 30,167 got in.
- 73,912applied
- 30,167admitted
- 8,495enrolled
- 28%of admitted students enrolled (yield)
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: University of Wisconsin–Madison, Common Data Set 2025–26, section C1. Checked October 30, 2026.
How this compares with the federal figure
The Department of Education's College Scorecard still shows fall 2024, the latest year federal data covers. The college's own report is a year newer.
| Entering class | Acceptance rate | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | 40.8% | Common Data Set 2025–26 |
| Fall 2024 | 45.2% | College Scorecard (IPEDS 2024–25) |
Admission got harder by 4.4 percentage points in one year.
Acceptance rate by residency
University of Wisconsin–Madison reports applicants and admits separately for Wisconsin residents, out-of-state students and international students.
| Wisconsin residents | 56.4% | |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state | 40.3% | |
| International | 31.6% |
Computed from the residency breakdown in section C1 of the Common Data Set 2025–26.
Early decision and early action
University of Wisconsin–Madison does not offer early decision. It offers non-binding early action. Apply by November 1 and you'll hear back by January 31. It is not restrictive, so you can apply early to other colleges too. Regular applications are due January 15.
SAT and ACT scores
Test scores are optional and considered if you send them. In fall 2025, 12% of enrolled first-years submitted SAT scores and 29% submitted ACT scores, so these ranges describe only those students.
The middle 50% of enrolled students who submitted the SAT scored between 1400 and 1490.
25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of enrolled first-years, fall 2025. Source: Common Data Set 2025–26, section C9. The green bar is the middle 50% and the dark tick is the median.
High school GPA
The average high school GPA of enrolled first-years was 3.91. 88% had a 3.75 or higher.
| 4.0 | 53.9% | |
|---|---|---|
| 3.75-3.99 | 33.7% | |
| 3.50-3.74 | 8.5% | |
| 3.25-3.49 | 2.9% | |
| 3.00-3.24 | 0.7% | |
| Below 3.00 | 0.3% |
Share of enrolled first-years in each GPA range, fall 2025. Source: Common Data Set 2025–26, sections C11–C12.
Check your chances
Enter your GPA and test scores to see whether UW–Madison is a reach, a target or a likely school for you.
Check my chances at UW–MadisonWaitlist
6,476 applicants were offered a place on the waitlist, 4,317 accepted it and 1,088 were admitted from it (25.2% of those who stayed on the list).
Source: Common Data Set 2025–26, section C2.
Application fee and cost
Application fee: $80 (can be waived for financial need).
Tuition and fees for 2025–26 are $12,166 for Wisconsin residents and $44,191 for out-of-state students; the average net price after grants was $16,600 in 2024–25. See UW–Madison's full cost and net price by family income.
Common questions
What is the UW–Madison acceptance rate?
40.8% for students entering in fall 2025. The college admitted 30,167 of 73,912 first-year applicants, according to its Common Data Set 2025–26. The federal figure for fall 2024 was 45.2%.
Is UW–Madison test-optional?
Yes. University of Wisconsin–Madison does not require the SAT or ACT, but considers scores if you send them. In fall 2025, 12% of enrolled first-years submitted SAT scores and 29% submitted ACT scores.
What GPA do you need for UW–Madison?
There is no published minimum. The average high school GPA of enrolled first-years in fall 2025 was 3.91, and 88% had a GPA of 3.75 or higher.
Sources
- University of Wisconsin–Madison, Common Data Set 2025–26 (from the college's institutional research office), checked October 30, 2026.
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, release of October 15, 2026.
Each figure was copied from the source document and checked by hand. If you spot an error, tell us and we'll correct it. Read how we check the data.