College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Penn State: 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
Penn State
University Park, PA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | Penn State |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4%wins | 54.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | 1220–1400 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32wins | 27–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603 | $40,188wins |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928wins | $32,598 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792wins | $63,435 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 92.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 15:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665 | 41,862wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out Penn State 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
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–32
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
Penn State Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,188
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 41,862
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