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University of Wisconsin-Madison and Lawrence University are both public institutions — University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI and Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Madison, WI · Public
Acceptance rate: 45.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 36,902
Tuition: $42,103/year
Student-faculty ratio: 18.0:1
Graduation rate: 89.5%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Madison, WI with published program strength in Business and marketing and Social sciences.
Appleton, WI · Private
Acceptance rate: 63.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,396
Tuition: $56,982/year
Student-faculty ratio: 7.0:1
Graduation rate: 76.8%
Top programs: Visual and performing arts, Biological sciences, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Appleton, WI with published program strength in Visual and performing arts and Biological sciences.
| Factor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Lawrence University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% | 63.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1380–1520 |
| 1200–1420 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 29–33 | 24–31 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 36,902 | 1,396 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $42,103/year | $56,982/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,354 | $23,401 |
| Graduation rate | 89.5% | 76.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $73,792 | $55,789 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 18.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Madison, WI | Appleton, WI |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences | Visual and performing arts, Biological sciences, Psychology |
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective (45.2% vs 63.9% acceptance rate). University of Wisconsin-Madison has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,354 vs $23,401). University of Wisconsin-Madison reports the higher graduation rate (89.5% vs 76.8%). University of Wisconsin-Madison is the larger undergraduate campus (36,902 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between University of Wisconsin-Madison and Lawrence University
University of Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 45.2%; Lawrence University is around 63.9%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Wisconsin-Madison tuition is $42,103/year. Lawrence University is $56,982/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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