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University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are both public institutions — University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, WI and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, IL. 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.
Champaign, IL · Public
Acceptance rate: 42.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 36,258
Tuition: $35,124/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 85.1%
Top programs: Engineering, Computer science, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Champaign, IL with published program strength in Engineering and Computer science.
| Factor | University of Wisconsin-Madison | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% | 42.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1380–1520 |
| 1310–1520 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 29–33 | 30–34 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 36,902 | 36,258 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $42,103/year | $35,124/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,354 | $14,355 |
| Graduation rate | 89.5% | 85.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $73,792 | $81,054 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 18.0:1 | 20.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Madison, WI | Champaign, IL |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Social sciences, Biological sciences | Engineering, Computer science, Business and marketing |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (45.2% vs 42.4%). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a lower average net price after grant aid ($14,355 vs $17,354). University of Wisconsin-Madison reports the higher graduation rate (89.5% vs 85.1%). 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.
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Common questions when choosing between University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 45.2%; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is around 42.4%. 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. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is $35,124/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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