College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Rutgers 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
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | Rutgers |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4%wins | 65.3% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | 1270–1480 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32 | 28–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603 | $36,001wins |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928wins | $23,519 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792 | $74,479wins |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 85.0% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 92.6% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 15:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665 | 36,357wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out Rutgers on 5 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
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
- ✓Graduation Rate: 89.3%
Rutgers Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $36,001
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $74,479
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- ✓Total Enrollment: 36,357
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