by our College Data Analytics TeamIs UW - Madison worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
UW - Madison is ranked #1,221 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D. Within Wisconsin, it ranks #27 of 57 for value.
Among the majors UW - Madison offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | #1 of 6 |
| Retail and Sales | #2 of 5 |
| Retailing and Retail Operations | #2 of 5 |
| General Engineering Mechanics | #2 of 2 |
| Engineering Mechanics | #2 of 2 |
| Engineering | #2 of 2 |
| Pharmacology & Toxicology | #3 of 4 |
| Scandinavian Studies | #3 of 3 |
| Dairy Science | #4 of 10 |
| Plant Pathology/Phytopathology | #4 of 6 |
Read the full UW - Madison value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
University of Wisconsin-Madison is ranked #1 out of #62 in Wisconsin for quality and #27 out of #57 for Wisconsin value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the UW - Madison financial aid page to be sure.
University of Wisconsin-Madison is ranked #1,221 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, University of Wisconsin-Madison is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at UW - Madison costs about $23,556. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $94,225 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $28,631 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $17,354 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $23,556 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,225 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about UW - Madison net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a UW - Madison degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $114,524 | — | — |
| All Students | $94,225 | #1,221 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $69,416 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $114,524 | — | — |
| All Students | $94,225 | #27 | C |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $69,416 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at UW - Madison shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $4,458 |
| $30K–$48K | $5,268 |
| $48K–$75K | $9,613 |
| $75K–$110K | $21,123 |
| Over $110K | $26,427 |
About 45% of UW - Madison undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $15,223 per year. Get more details on the UW - Madison financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average UW - Madison cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.