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.