University of Wisconsin-Madison

Non-profit public

Public

Private

Regional

UW-Madison is Wisconsin's largest postsecondary institution, enrolling more than 45,000 students on its 938-acre campus and online. The university ranks among the best online colleges in Wisconsin, with diverse online offerings. These include more than 60 fully online programs and degrees in fields like education, science, and engineering. Students can choose from a variety of online bachelor's, master's, and professional degrees. Many programs deliver all coursework asynchronously. Comprehensive technology, career, and academic support services are available for online students. Distance learners can apply to online programs in the fall, spring, and summer. The university offers a set, per-credit tuition rate for online coursework, regardless of residency. UW-Madison Online also offers enrollment coaches and academic advisors to assist students.

Visit Site

Admissions Breakdown

Acceptance Rate Insight

57% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.

Retention Rate Insight

95% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.

Graduation Rate Insight

88% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.

Application Considerations

Test scores:	Considered (not required)	High school transcript:	Required
High school rank:	Recommended	Letter of recommendation:	Required
High school GPA:	Required	Open admission:	No
Completion of college prep program:	Required	Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL):

Transfer Credit Policy

Dual enrollment: Yes

Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes

Credit for qualified life experience*:

ⓘ *This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.

Learning Environment

45k

Students enrolledOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

93%

Online student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

16:1

Student to faculty ratio

Degrees Awarded by Program

Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.

#	Programs	BA	MA	Doc
1	Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science And Related Fields	✔	✔	✔
2	Agriculture, Agriculture Operations, And Related Sciences	✔	✔	✔
3	Architecture And Related Services	✔	✔	✔
4	Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies	✔	✔	✔
5	Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies	✔	✔	✔
6	Biological And Biomedical Sciences	✔	✔	✔
7	Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services	✔	✔	✔
8	Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs	✔	✔	✔
9	Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services	✔	✔	✔
10	Education	✔	✔	✔
11	Engineering	✔	✔	✔
12	English Language And Literature/Letters	✔	✔	✔
13	Family And Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences	✔	✔	✔
14	Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics	✔	✔	✔
15	Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences	✔	✔	✔
16	Health Professions And Related Programs	✔	✔	✔
17	History	✔	✔	✔
18	History	✔	✔	✔
19	Legal Professions And Studies	✔	✔	✔
20	Library Science	✕	✔	✔
21	Mathematics And Statistics	✔	✔	✔
22	Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies	✔	✔	✔
23	Natural Resources And Conservation	✔	✔	✔
24	Parks, Recreation, Leisure, And Fitness Studies	✔	✔	✔
25	Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, And Kinesiology	✔	✔	✔
26	Philosophy And Religious Studies	✔	✔	✔
27	Physical Sciences	✔	✔	✔
28	Psychology	✔	✔	✔
29	Public Administration And Social Service Professions	✔	✔	✔
30	Social Sciences	✔	✔	✔
31	Visual And Performing Arts	✔	✔	✔