University of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI US News #53

30.0%

Acceptance Rate

1380

Avg SAT

Avg ACT

3.78

Avg GPA

University of Wisconsin-Madison stands as one of the nation's most comprehensive public research universities, combining academic breadth with the spirit of Big Ten athletics and the progressive tradition of Wisconsin's capital city. Founded in 1848, just months after Wisconsin achieved statehood, UW-Madison has grown into a research powerhouse serving over 47,000 students. The campus occupies a stunning isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona in downtown Madison. Wisconsin's research prominence places it among the top universities nationally, with annual expenditures exceeding $1.3 billion. The university maintains particular strength in biological sciences, engineering, agriculture, and the social sciences. The Wisconsin Idea, the principle that the university should improve people's lives beyond the campus, continues shaping institutional culture. The Madison campus combines academic intensity with quality of life that consistently ranks the city among America's most desirable places. Students enjoy lakeside recreation, a vibrant State Street scene, and outdoor activities year-round. This combination of scholarly seriousness and enviable lifestyle creates a distinctive university culture. Badgers athletics generate tremendous school spirit, with football at Camp Randall Stadium and basketball at the Kohl Center creating legendary atmospheres. The Jump Around tradition between the third and fourth quarters of football games exemplifies Wisconsin's energetic fan culture.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate: 30.0%
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Avg GPA: 3.78

Campus & Students

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Outcomes & Cost

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Student Life & Environment

Campus life at UW-Madison pulses with energy, offering students an extraordinary range of activities, traditions, and communities that complement rigorous academics with memorable experiences and lifelong friendships. The Terrace at the Memorial Union stands as the iconic heart of campus social life, where students gather on colorful sunburst chairs overlooking Lake Mendota to study, socialize, and enjoy live music during legendary summer evenings. Over 900 student organizations span every conceivable interest from academic and professional societies to cultural groups, outdoor recreation clubs, performing arts ensembles, and social advocacy organizations. Big Ten athletics unite the campus community, with football Saturdays at Camp Randall Stadium creating unforgettable experiences as 80,000 fans jump to "Jump Around" between the third and fourth quarters. The Wisconsin Hoofers outdoor recreation club offers sailing, skiing, horseback riding, and adventure trips that help students explore Wisconsin's natural beauty. Residence halls house approximately 8,000 students, with living-learning communities connecting academics with residential life. Greek life involves about 10% of students across numerous fraternities and sororities supporting philanthropy and social connection. Cultural centers provide resources and community for students from diverse backgrounds, while the recreation and wellbeing facilities support physical and mental health throughout the demanding academic year.

Location & Surroundings

Madison consistently ranks among America's most livable cities, providing UW students with an exceptional quality of life that combines Big Ten university excitement with the safety, culture, and natural beauty of Wisconsin's capital city. The isthmus setting between Lakes Mendota and Monona creates stunning scenery and abundant water recreation opportunities including sailing, kayaking, ice skating, and frozen lake festivals during Wisconsin's legendary winters. State Street connects the university campus to the Capitol Square, lined with independent bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, and music venues creating a vibrant pedestrian corridor unique to Madison. The city's commitment to cycling makes it one of America's most bike-friendly communities, with paths circling the lakes and connecting neighborhoods throughout the isthmus. Madison's economy thrives on a combination of state government, healthcare centered around UW Hospital, insurance companies, and a growing technology sector that provides internship and career opportunities across industries. Cultural amenities include the Overture Center for performing arts, numerous museums, summer festivals, and a food scene celebrated for farm-to-table dining and the legendary Dane County Farmers' Market circling the Capitol each Saturday. The four-season climate includes beautiful autumn colors, snowy winters embraced through ice fishing and skiing, refreshing springs, and warm summers perfect for lakeside relaxation.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Investing in a UW-Madison education yields exceptional returns, with the university's research prestige, alumni network, and career resources positioning graduates for success in every field while maintaining public university affordability that increases accessibility for Wisconsin families. Wisconsin resident undergraduate tuition and fees total approximately $11,000 annually, with non-residents paying around $39,000, rates that represent outstanding value given the university's rankings alongside far more expensive private institutions. The Bucky's Tuition Promise program covers tuition and fees for Wisconsin families earning under $65,000 annually, while generous scholarship programs reward academic achievement and diverse talents. Living costs in Madison remain moderate compared to coastal cities, with varied housing options from residence halls to off-campus apartments in neighborhoods surrounding the isthmus. Career outcomes for Badger alumni are exceptional, with graduates achieving high employment rates, strong starting salaries, and advancement into leadership positions across industries. The university's career services network connects students with internships and employment opportunities at major corporations, government agencies, and innovative startups. The alumni network spans hundreds of thousands of graduates worldwide, providing mentorship, networking, and recruiting connections throughout careers. Graduate and professional school acceptance rates reflect the quality of undergraduate preparation, with UW-Madison alumni pursuing advanced degrees at top institutions in medicine, law, business, and every academic discipline. Research experience gained as undergraduates provides particularly strong preparation for academic and scientific careers.