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College Comparison

University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Villanova University: 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

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricUW-MadisonVillanova
Acceptance Rate43.4%25.1%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1360–15101400–1510wins
ACT Range (25th–75th)28–3232–34wins
Tuition (Out-of-State)$40,603wins$64,701
Avg Net Price$16,928wins$44,876
Median Earnings (10 yr)$73,792$100,423wins
Graduation Rate89.3%92.4%wins
Retention Rate94.5%95.0%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio18:110:1wins
Total Enrollment35,665wins7,005

Verdict

Based on the data above, Villanova 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

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $40,603
  • Avg Net Price: $16,928
  • Total Enrollment: 35,665

Villanova Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 25.1%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1510
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 32–34
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $100,423

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