College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs UC Davis: 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
UC Davis
Davis, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | UC Davis |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4% | 41.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603wins | $46,024 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928 | $15,288wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792 | $80,838wins |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 85.1% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 93.4% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1wins | 21:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665wins | 31,777 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out UC Davis on 6 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
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Graduation Rate: 89.3%
- ✓Retention Rate: 94.5%
UC Davis Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 41.6%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $15,288
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,838
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