College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Michigan: 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 Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | University of Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4% | 17.9%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | 1350–1530 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32 | 31–34wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603wins | $58,072 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928 | $14,832wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792 | $83,648wins |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3% | 93.2%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.5% | 97.6%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 11:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665wins | 33,488 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, University of Michigan edges out UW-Madison on 7 of 10 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
- ✓Total Enrollment: 35,665
University of Michigan Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 17.9%
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 31–34
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,832
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $83,648
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