College Comparison
University of Notre Dame 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
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Notre Dame | UW-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 12.4%wins | 43.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1540wins | 1360–1510 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35wins | 28–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,693 | $40,603wins |
| Avg Net Price | $27,823 | $16,928wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $99,980wins | $73,792 |
| Graduation Rate | 96.8%wins | 89.3% |
| Retention Rate | 98.2%wins | 94.5% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,923 | 35,665wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Notre Dame 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.
Notre Dame Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 12.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1540
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 33–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $99,980
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
- ✓Total Enrollment: 35,665
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