University of Wisconsin-Madison
A good fit for students who want a major research university experience and in-state Wisconsin residents. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $68,000 within 10 years; strong 90% graduation rate.
About This School
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public institution located in Madison, Wisconsin with approximately 36,902 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 45% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $17,354 per year. The graduation rate is 90%, and the typical graduate earns $68,000 within 10 years of enrollment.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public land-grant research university in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. It was founded in 1848 when Wisconsin achieved statehood and is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. The 933-acre (378 ha) main campus is located on the shores of Lake Mendota; the university also owns and operates a 1,200-acre (486 ha) arboretum 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the main campus.
This is a strong option for students who want a well-resourced research university at a public school price — with an 89% graduation rate, a 95% freshman retention rate, and median earnings of $68,000 a decade out, the outcomes are genuinely solid. At an average net price of roughly $17,000/year and median debt of just $18,058 at graduation, the value proposition is hard to argue with, especially compared to private peers. The main concern is size — 35,000+ undergrads means you'll need to be proactive about finding community, securing research spots, and not getting lost in large lecture courses.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 19% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (36,902 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI · Public
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WI · Public
Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WI · Public
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI · Public
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI · Public
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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