College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Arizona: 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
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | University of Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4%wins | 85.7% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | 1160–1420 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32wins | 21–30 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603wins | $41,095 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928 | $15,960wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792wins | $59,979 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 65.9% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 87.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665 | 40,769wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out University of Arizona 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.
UW-Madison Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–32
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
University of Arizona Strengths
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,960
- ✓Total Enrollment: 40,769
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.