College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs UC Irvine: 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 Irvine
Irvine, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4% | 25.6%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603wins | $45,014 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928 | $12,840wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792 | $80,735wins |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 86.0% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 93.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665wins | 29,494 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out UC Irvine on 5 of 8 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 Irvine Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 25.6%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,840
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $80,735
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