College Comparison
Ohio State 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
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Ohio State | UW-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.8% | 43.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1330–1480 | 1360–1510wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 29–32wins | 28–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $38,365wins | $40,603 |
| Avg Net Price | $18,292 | $16,928wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $60,409 | $73,792wins |
| Graduation Rate | 87.7% | 89.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.1% | 94.5%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 44,617wins | 35,665 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out Ohio State on 6 of 9 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.
Ohio State Strengths
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–32
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $38,365
- ✓Total Enrollment: 44,617
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $73,792
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