College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Amherst College: 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
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4% | 9.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510 | 1360–1550 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32 | 31–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603wins | $67,280 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928wins | $18,246 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792 | $77,644wins |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3% | 93.4%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.5% | 96.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 7:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665wins | 1,907 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Amherst edges out UW-Madison 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.
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
- ✓Total Enrollment: 35,665
Amherst Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–35
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $77,644
- ✓Graduation Rate: 93.4%
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