College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst: 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 Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | UMass Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4%wins | 57.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | 1300–1480 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32 | 29–33wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603 | $39,293wins |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928wins | $23,691 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792wins | $71,631 |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 83.2% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5%wins | 91.0% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665wins | 23,694 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out UMass Amherst on 7 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
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $73,792
UMass Amherst Strengths
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 29–33
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $39,293
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