College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs American University: 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 Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
School
American University
Washington, DC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4%wins | 47.4% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | 1300–1450 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603wins | $56,543 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928wins | $41,945 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792 | $77,370wins |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 78.5% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 86.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 10:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665wins | 7,593 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out American University 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.
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
American University Strengths
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $77,370
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 10:1
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