College Comparison
Boston University 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
Boston University
Boston, MA
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston University | UW-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.8%wins | 43.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1520wins | 1360–1510 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34wins | 28–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,168 | $40,603wins |
| Avg Net Price | $26,996 | $16,928wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,238wins | $73,792 |
| Graduation Rate | 90.0%wins | 89.3% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5% | 94.5%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 17,850 | 35,665wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Boston University edges out UW-Madison on 6 of 10 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.
Boston University Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 10.8%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1520
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $83,238
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
- ✓Retention Rate: 94.5%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 35,665
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