UW-Madison Acceptance Rate

The University of Wisconsin - Madison, a top-tier public research institution, is known for its competitive admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), the overall acceptance rate was approximately 43.0%, reflecting a selective yet accessible admissions landscape. This rate is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with over 60,000 applications received in recent years, as well as the university's commitment to academic excellence and diversity. UW-Madison publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing reliable insights into selectivity trends and applicant demographics.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 43.0%, with around 60,000 applicants and approximately 25,800 admitted students, consistent with prior cycles.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the Class of 2028; historically, early applicants face a slightly higher acceptance rate, estimated at 45.0–48.0%, due to smaller pool sizes.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable; based on historical trends, the rate is estimated at 35.0%, reflecting additional competitiveness for non-resident applicants.

Over the past decade, UW-Madison’s acceptance rate has trended downward, dropping from around 50% to the current 43.0%, signaling increasing competitiveness as application numbers rise. Early action applicants often see a marginal advantage, though the university does not heavily prioritize this pathway compared to peers. International admissions remain more selective due to limited spots and high demand. Compared to other Big Ten schools like the University of Michigan (acceptance rate ~18.0%), UW-Madison is less selective, but it remains a top choice for in-state and out-of-state students alike. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students can refer to the official UW-Madison admissions website or the Common Data Set reports.