College Comparison
University of Minnesota 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 Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
School
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | U of Minnesota | UW-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 77.0% | 43.4%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1310–1480 | 1360–1510wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 27–31 | 28–32wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $36,402wins | $40,603 |
| Avg Net Price | $17,139 | $16,928wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $69,020 | $73,792wins |
| Graduation Rate | 84.8% | 89.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 90.9% | 94.5%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 16:1wins | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 30,469 | 35,665wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out U of Minnesota 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.
U of Minnesota Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,402
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 16:1
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–32
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
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