College Comparison
Purdue 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
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Purdue | UW-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 50.3% | 43.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1190–1460 | 1360–1510wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–34 | 28–32wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $28,794wins | $40,603 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,945wins | $16,928 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $72,424 | $73,792wins |
| Graduation Rate | 83.1% | 89.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 92.0% | 94.5%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 14:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 39,637wins | 35,665 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out Purdue 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.
Purdue Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $28,794
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,945
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 39,637
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–32
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $73,792
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.