About University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is the original University of Wisconsin, created at the same time Wisconsin achieved statehood in 1848. For 168 years, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been a catalyst for the extraordinary. As a public land-grant university and prolific research institution, students and faculty members partake in a world-class education and solve real-world problems. UW Madison operates with a mission to remain “…a preeminent center for discovery, learning, and engagement by opening new forms of access to citizens from every background; creating a welcoming, empowered, and inclusive community; and preparing current and future generations to live satisfying, useful, and ethical lives.”
UW Madison offers a comprehensive range of degrees and certificates. Other bachelor’s completion, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as some certificates, are available from UW Madison Online. These online programs are designed for students with some college credits who wish to prepare for dynamic careers in growing industries. Students benefit from dedicated coaches and advisors.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Wisconsin-Madison is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 39,637 ; Graduate: 14,137Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 4% ; Graduate: 8%Graduation Rate:
90%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$73,792Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,484Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
43%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$15,223Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by University of Wisconsin-Madison
All Programs
Business
Computer Science & IT
Education
Engineering
Healthcare
Math & Science
Nursing
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UW–Madison runs at a demanding pace, and time to finish depends heavily on credit load. A common planning range is 13–15 credits for incoming freshmen, which matches the school’s rigorous course expectations. Heavier terms can mean major studying and late nights, so completion tends to be strongest when schedules are built for steady effort across the full term.
Price is a real part of the UW–Madison timeline. Madison is often described as pricey, with housing as a frequent pressure point, yet the degree is also framed as worth the investment. Aid pathways are visible through scholarships, grants, loans, and campus jobs. The overall cost/completion profile is high effort and high cost, with strong long-term return potential.
UW–Madison builds help into many classes. TAs often provide one-on-one support, and group help sessions are set at times students can attend. Professors also add office hours before exams, so students have clear places to get help during busy weeks.
Support is strong, though it can differ by class. TA quality is not always the same, and communication can be harder in some sections. Students usually do best when they use office hours, TA help, and group sessions early, before a class gets too hard to manage.
UW–Madison fits online learners who like structure and pace. Classes are rigorous and move fast. The workload takes steady weekly effort. Good results come from strong time planning.
Online students do best when they use support early. Office hours and help channels matter here. This is a large university, so connection is active, not automatic. The best fit is independent learners who communicate often and keep a consistent study routine.
Classes at UW–Madison are hard and academically rigorous. The pace can be intense. Major studying and late nights are often part of earning a strong GPA. Teaching quality is a clear upside, with knowledgeable professors and engaging instruction that keeps courses intellectually serious.
Course options are broad, including room to add certificates or minors. Work in technical areas is described as tough but rewarding, with current tools and practical relevance. That mix gives the classroom experience real career value. Support through TAs and extra-help groups is a plus, though day-to-day support quality can vary by course section.
UW–Madison is a rigorous school with high academic standards. Classes can be challenging, especially with heavier credit loads. Professors know their fields and keep lessons engaging. Coursework is practical and ties well to career goals.
The cost can be high, and housing in Madison adds to the total. Even so, many students feel the degree is worth the investment. Help is available through TAs, office hours, and study groups.
This school is a strong fit for students who manage time well. It rewards steady planning and using support early. Students looking for a smaller or lighter college experience may find it tough.
UW–Madison is a rigorous school with high academic standards. Classes can be challenging, especially with heavier credit loads. Professors know their fields and keep lessons engaging. Coursework is practical and ties well to career goals.
The cost can be high, and housing in Madison adds to the total. Even so, many students feel the degree is worth the investment. Help is available through TAs, office hours, and study groups.
This school is a strong fit for students who manage time well. It rewards steady planning and using support early. Students looking for a smaller or lighter college experience may find it tough.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Wisconsin-Madison
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison accredited?
Yes. University of Wisconsin-Madison is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does University of Wisconsin-Madison offer?
University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 29 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Wisconsin-Madison offer?
University of Wisconsin-Madison offers graduate-level programs, including master's, doctoral, and graduate certificate pathways.
How should students contact admissions at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Wisconsin-Madison falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Wisconsin-Madison first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Wisconsin-Madison programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.8 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison military friendly?
University of Wisconsin-Madison shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of Wisconsin-Madison through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Wisconsin-Madison applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Wisconsin-Madison accept life experience credit?
University of Wisconsin-Madison does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of Wisconsin-Madison programs fully online or mixed?
University of Wisconsin-Madison includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
Do any University of Wisconsin-Madison programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); American Library Association (ALA); Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
Are any admission tests required for University of Wisconsin-Madison programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any University of Wisconsin-Madison programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Wisconsin-Madison, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Wisconsin-Madison programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a University of Wisconsin-Madison program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of Wisconsin-Madison is featured in 12 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in Wisconsin
Wisconsin at a Glance:
Top Majors in Wisconsin:
Top Incentives in Wisconsin:
- Wisconsin Grant: Up to $3,150 annually
Top Career Pathways in Wisconsin:
- Entry Level: Process Engineer ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Manufacturing Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Plant Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: Six Sigma, PE