College Comparison
UC Berkeley vs University of Wisconsin-Madison: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Berkeley | UW-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.7%wins | 43.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1360–1510wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 28–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,627 | $40,603wins |
| Avg Net Price | $14,979wins | $16,928 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,446wins | $73,792 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.9%wins | 89.3% |
| Retention Rate | 96.8%wins | 94.5% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 33,073 | 35,665wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UC Berkeley edges out UW-Madison on 5 of 8 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
UC Berkeley Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 11.7%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,979
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $92,446
- ✓Graduation Rate: 92.9%
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Total Enrollment: 35,665
Want a deeper comparison?
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