College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of South Carolina-Columbia: 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 South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4%wins | 61.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | 1180–1380 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32wins | 26–32 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603 | $34,934wins |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928wins | $24,532 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792wins | $62,177 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 77.8% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 90.7% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665wins | 28,113 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out South Carolina on 8 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
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–32
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
South Carolina Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $34,934
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