University of Wisconsin–Madison PA Program: Requirements, Tuition & Stats

• Middle-of-the-pack GPA — The average accepted overall GPA (3.7) is close to the national middle, so a solid-but-not-spectacular academic record is genuinely competitive here.

• The minimum is not the target — The stated minimum GPA is 3.2, but the average accepted is 3.7 — a gap of 0.50. Meeting the floor gets you screened in, not admitted.

• Experience-heavy — A 1,000-hour patient care minimum is at or above the national 75th percentile. Plan on a year or more of full-time work before you apply.

• Faster to practice — At 24 months, this program is shorter than most. That means less tuition and earlier income, but a denser schedule with little slack.

• Lower cost — In-state tuition of $41,547 is in the least expensive quarter of PA programs. Over a career that difference is real money.

• Residency matters — Out-of-state tuition ($84,346) runs 103% above in-state. If you can establish residency, this program gets substantially cheaper.

University of Wisconsin–Madison is located in Wisconsin. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.

At a glance

• Location: Wisconsin

• Institution type: Public

• Program length: 24 months

• Class size: 59 students

• Start month: May

• Application deadline: August

• In-state tuition: $41,547

• Out-of-state tuition: $84,346

• Average overall GPA: 3.7

• Average science GPA: 3.7

• Minimum overall GPA: 3.2

• Minimum science GPA: 3.2

• Minimum PCE hours: 1,000 hours

• Letters of recommendation: 3

• First-time PANCE pass rate: 93%

• Accreditation status: Continued

Admission requirements

• GRE: No

• PA-CAT: No

• CASPer: Yes

• TOEFL (international applicants): Yes

• Supplemental application: Yes

• Letters of recommendation: 3 — At least one should come from someone whom you have worked with in a health care setting

• Patient care experience: 1,000 hours minimum

• Interview format: Virtual; 2 days of interviews; January "The first day provides a PA program overview for candidates, focusing on curriculum delivery, unique academic and service opportunities, clearly outlined expectations for progression through training, and a chance to meet with current PA student" The second day contains two 20 minute interviews "and additional opportunities to interact with current students"

Prerequisites

• Minimum prerequisite grade: C

• Prerequisite expiration: Human anatomy and physiology within three years of matriculation; other prerequisites no specific expiration stated

• In-progress prerequisites accepted: Yes

Required coursework

• General biology with lab

• Microbiology with lab

• Biochemistry

• Human anatomy (within three years of matriculation)

• Human physiology (within three years of matriculation)

• Statistics (one semester)

• Intro/general/abnormal or developmental psychology (one semester)

Cost

• In-state tuition: $41,547

• Out-of-state tuition: $84,346

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• Program website: University of Wisconsin–Madison

• Admissions page: Admissions information

• Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 608-263-5621

• Address: School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Health Sciences Learning Center, 750 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705

Program information last verified July 7, 2026. Requirements change — always confirm directly with the program before applying.