College Comparison
MIT 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
MIT
Cambridge, MA
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | MIT | UW-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.7%wins | 43.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | 1360–1510 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–36wins | 28–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $60,156 | $40,603wins |
| Avg Net Price | $19,813 | $16,928wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $143,372wins | $73,792 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.1%wins | 89.3% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 94.5% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 4,571 | 35,665wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, MIT edges out UW-Madison on 7 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.
MIT Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–36
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $143,372
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
- ✓Total Enrollment: 35,665
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.