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University of Wisconsin-Madison and Milwaukee School of Engineering are both public institutions — University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI and Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, 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.
Milwaukee, WI · Private
Acceptance rate: 58.9%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,654
Tuition: $50,480/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 67.1%
Top programs: Engineering, Business and marketing, Computer science
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Milwaukee, WI with published program strength in Engineering and Business and marketing.
| Factor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Milwaukee School of Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% | 58.9% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1380–1520 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 29–33 | 27 average |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 36,902 | 2,654 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $42,103/year | $50,480/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,354 | $22,453 |
| Graduation rate | 89.5% | 67.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $73,792 | $89,070 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 18.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Madison, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences | Engineering, Business and marketing, Computer science |
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective (45.2% vs 58.9% acceptance rate). University of Wisconsin-Madison has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,354 vs $22,453). University of Wisconsin-Madison reports the higher graduation rate (89.5% vs 67.1%). 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.
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
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University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Lawrence University
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University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Carroll University
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Common questions when choosing between University of Wisconsin-Madison and Milwaukee School of Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 45.2%; Milwaukee School of Engineering is around 58.9%. 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. Milwaukee School of Engineering is $50,480/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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