Frequently Asked Questions
About Actuarial Science
About Risk Management and Insurance (RMI)
About Tuition and Financial Aid
Where can I get more information about the undergraduate admissions process?
For more information about admissions, please visit the Undergraduate Programs Office Web site.
Where can I get more information about the MS in Actuarial Science program?
For more information about admission, please see the Specialized MS Web site.
Where can I get more information about the admissions process for the Wisconsin MBA in Risk Management and Insurance?
Please visit the Wisconsin MBA Admissions site to learn more. You may also wish to visit the FAQs section on the MBA Admissions Web site.
Can I schedule a campus visit?
Yes! To schedule a campus visit, register through the University's Office of Admissions Web page. Guests may sign up for business school information session on Mondays and Fridays (fall and spring semesters only). If you will be visiting campus and would like to meet with a Actuarial Science or Risk Management faculty member, contact Brenda Jansen.
What if I am not admitted to the Wisconsin School of Business?
Although most students obtain a BBA in Actuarial Science through the Wisconsin School of Business, some students study actuarial science by earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Math, Statistics or Economics. Students pursuing these degrees take the same actuarial science courses as students in the BBA program.
See the "Guidebook for Undergraduate Math Majors" for additional information on a degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Actuarial Science. Visit the Web sites of the Statistics and Economics departments for more information on these undergraduate degrees.
What is an actuary?
To learn more, please visit the What is an Actuary? Web page.
Where are actuaries employed after they graduate?
Many actuaries are employed by insurance companies. Others are in consulting practice, providing actuarial services to smaller insurance companies, banks, labor unions, and a variety of business firms. Still others are employed by governments in regulating the insurance and pension industries and in providing actuarial guidance to social insurance systems.
What can I do in high school to prepare to be an actuary?
It is recommended that students complete calculus, statistics, and 3-4 units/years of a single foreign language in high school. Students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams in high school can receive college credits for their effort.
What is the average starting salary of an actuary?
The Wisconsin School of Business Career Center compiles undergraduate starting salary statistics.
Where are RMI majors employed after they graduate?
RMI graduates work for corporate and governmental risk management departments, insurance companies, insurance brokers/agents, and consulting firms that address risk management issues and employee benefits.
What is the average starting salary of RMI majors?
The Wisconsin School of Business Career Center compiles undergraduate starting salary statistics.
How much are tuition expenses?
Please visit the Office of the Registrar for current information.
What financial aid is offered by the department?
High school seniors interested in majoring in actuarial science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are eligible to apply for the high school actuarial science scholarship program. We also offer financial support for both undergraduate and graduate students. For information on all of the financial support offered by the department, please visit our scholarship and financial aid page.
