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College Comparison

University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Auburn 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

Auburn University

Auburn, AL

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUW-MadisonAuburn
Acceptance Rate43.4%wins50.5%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1360–1510wins1240–1380
ACT Range (25th–75th)28–32wins25–31
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,603$33,944wins
Avg Net Price$16,928wins$23,897
Median Earnings (10 yr)$73,792wins$65,337
Graduation Rate89.3%wins79.2%
Retention Rate94.5%wins93.2%
Student–Faculty Ratio18:1wins21:1
Total Enrollment35,665wins25,732

Verdict

Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out Auburn on 9 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
  • Avg Net Price: $16,928

Auburn Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $33,944

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