College Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs UT Austin: 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
UT Austin
Austin, TX
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UW-Madison | UT Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 43.4% | 29.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1360–1510wins | 1230–1490 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 28–32wins | 27–33 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $40,603wins | $42,778 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,928wins | $19,678 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792 | $75,121wins |
| Graduation Rate | 89.3%wins | 87.6% |
| Retention Rate | 94.5% | 96.1%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 35,665 | 42,100wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, UW-Madison edges out UT Austin 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
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 28–32
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
- ✓Avg Net Price: $16,928
UT Austin Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 29.1%
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $75,121
- ✓Retention Rate: 96.1%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 42,100
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