College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs UC Santa Barbara: 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 Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | UC Santa Barbara |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4% | 27.8%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603wins | $45,742 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928 | $13,825wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792 | $74,915wins |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 85.3% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 91.9% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 17:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665wins | 23,205 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out UC Santa Barbara 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
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1510
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Graduation Rate: 89.3%
- ✓Retention Rate: 94.5%
UC Santa Barbara Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 27.8%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $13,825
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $74,915
- ✓Student–Faculty Ratio: 17:1
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