College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Colorado Boulder: 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 Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | CU Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4%wins | 83.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | 1230–1420 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32 | 28–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603wins | $41,943 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928wins | $21,480 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792wins | $69,738 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 75.0% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 89.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1wins | 19:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665wins | 31,578 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out CU Boulder on 9 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
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 43.4%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
CU Boulder Strengths
- No clear advantages in available data
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.