Public

Large

Big Ten Conference

University of Wisconsin-Madison SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1370 to 1490

ACT Range29 to 33

Average GPA3.90

Acceptance Rate45.2%

Test-optional at Wisconsin does not mean test-irrelevant: 35% submit ACT scores, and the middle range is 29 to 33. If your GPA is near its 3.90 average, aim for a 32 or 33 ACT, or about a 1450+ SAT, to strengthen your odds.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

University of Wisconsin-Madison facts and stats

Quick Facts

University of Wisconsin-Madison enrolls 39,083 undergraduates in a city setting in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin has a 96% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 90%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17.9:1.

Location

Madison, WI

Undergrad Enrollment39,083

Freshman Retention96%

SettingN/A

Student to Faculty Ratio17.9:1

Graduation Rate90%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Wisconsin?

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Key University of Wisconsin-Madison application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 15

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

December 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Wisconsin, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and reserve the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, the October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake that can arrive in time.

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What you'll actually pay

At Wisconsin, in-state tuition is $10,006 and out-of-state tuition is $40,506 at a Big Ten public university. About 29% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the December 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

In-State Tuition$10,006

Out-of-State Tuition$40,506

Room and Board$14,124

Average Merit Award$9,313

Application Fee$70

Students on Aid29%

Average Aid Package$31,125

Average Debt at Grad$27,733

For out-of-state students, Wisconsin’s tuition is $40,506, while in-state tuition is $10,006, with room and board adding $14,124. Aid is part of the picture for 29% of students, with an average package of $31,125, and the average merit award is $9,313. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,733.