
500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1380, USA


The University of Wisconsin-Madison holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which ensures that the institution meets rigorous standards of quality and integrity in its academic programs. This accreditation is a key factor for prospective students, as it signifies that credits earned are widely recognized and that the university maintains robust educational practices.
In addition to the overall institutional accreditation, various professional programs within the university possess specialized accreditations. These accreditations confirm that the university's specific departments or schools meet industry standards important for students pursuing careers requiring professional certification or licensure.
Such accreditation is significant because it affects eligibility for federal financial aid, transferability of credits, and recognition by employers and graduate schools. Therefore, students can be confident that their education at University of Wisconsin-Madison adheres to nationally recognized quality benchmarks.
Admission to University of Wisconsin-Madison requires completion of a General Educational Development (GED) or a high school diploma, with a strong emphasis on a solid secondary school record and a required minimum GPA. Applicants must have completed a recognized college preparatory program and submit recommendations as part of their application. While admission test scores data are not fully available, the university mandates TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers and recommends submitting other standardized tests to strengthen the application.
The institution does not follow an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit opportunities. However, it does accept college credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits, which may contribute to fulfilling degree requirements.
University of Wisconsin-Madison attracts a highly competitive pool of applicants, with an acceptance rate of approximately 43%, placing it in the lower 15% nationally in selectivity. Successful admitted students typically demonstrate strong academic capabilities, reflected in mean standardized test scores that are well above average-scores placing them in the top five to fifteen percent nationwide. The mean SAT score of enrolled students is 1410, including a math score averaging 730 and a writing score of 680. The average ACT score is 29, which ranks in the top 15% of test takers.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison requires an application fee to be submitted with each application. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications and is a standard requirement for prospective students. The amount of the fee can vary depending on the type of application and program to which the student is applying.
Prospective students who face financial hardships may be eligible for application fee waivers. These waivers are intended to reduce financial barriers and promote access to higher education for qualified individuals. To obtain a fee waiver, applicants typically must demonstrate financial need or meet certain eligibility criteria set by the university, such as participation in federal assistance programs or attendance at specific high schools.
The university provides clear instructions on how to request an application fee waiver, and applicants are encouraged to submit the necessary documentation early in the application process to ensure timely consideration. Fee waivers are not guaranteed and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to maintain fairness and transparency.
Applicants interested in fee waivers should review the official University of Wisconsin-Madison admissions website or contact the admissions office directly to understand the specific qualifications and requirements involved.
University of Wisconsin-Madison hosts a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) branch unit on its campus. This program provides students the opportunity to participate in military training while pursuing their academic degrees. The presence of an ROTC unit on campus enables prospective students interested in military leadership and service careers to integrate their education with structured military preparation.
University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts transfer students for the fall and spring terms, providing opportunities for those looking to continue their education without interruption during these seasons. The institution does accept transfer credits, which can facilitate a smoother transition by recognizing prior academic work. Prospective transfer students may also submit recommendations as part of their application, adding additional context to their academic profile.
Additionally, the university accepts credits earned through CLEP subject examinations, allowing students to potentially expedite their progress. However, other credit options such as CLEP general exams or DANTES are not indicated as accepted. This suggests a selective approach to incoming credit transfers, focused primarily on certain standardized assessments.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to accommodate various academic goals and personal interests. Students can participate in faculty-led short-term programs, which typically last a few weeks and provide immersive experiences tied closely to specific courses. These options are ideal for those seeking structured programs with direct academic credit.
For students interested in longer international experiences, the university supports semester- or year-long programs through partnerships with universities worldwide. Such exchanges allow students to live and study alongside peers in a different cultural environment, gaining deeper insights into global perspectives on their fields of study.
Additionally, the university facilitates participation in third-party provider programs. These offer greater flexibility in location and timing, enabling students to tailor their abroad experience to their academic and personal schedules. These programs often include internship placements, language immersion, or research opportunities, complementing the students' major requirements or interests.
University of Wisconsin-Madison also emphasizes accessibility by providing scholarships and advising services to help students plan and fund their study abroad adventures, ensuring a broad range of students can take advantage of international learning.
Median composite SAT score
1410Median composite ACT score
29Percent of students submitting ACT scores
35.1%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
14.7%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
YesApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring