College Comparison
Michigan State 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
Michigan State
East Lansing, MI
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Michigan State | UW-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 83.9% | 43.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1150–1350 | 1360–1510wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 26–31 | 28–32wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $43,372 | $40,603wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,751 | $16,928wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $67,253 | $73,792wins |
| Graduation Rate | 82.2% | 89.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 91.4% | 94.5%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 17:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 40,243wins | 35,665 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out Michigan State on 8 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.
Michigan State Strengths
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,243
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–32
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
Want a deeper comparison?
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