U of O vs UW-Madison

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Eugene, Oregon, and Madison, Wisconsin, home to the University of Oregon (UO) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), respectively. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a diverse range of programs, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your college experience. UO boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while UW-Madison's lower acceptance rate indicates a highly selective admissions process. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Oregon	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Eugene, Oregon	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	87.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	93.4%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	1320 - 1500
ACT range	N/A	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score		15.0%
Students submitting ACT score		55.0%
Total number of applicants	31,558	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	29,483	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,589	8,465
Yield rate	15.6%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $28,404 Out of state: $54,447	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$18,556	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $11,974 Out of state: $38,017	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	$13,509	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	63.0% Average amount $13,590	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	32.0% Average amount $5,093	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $28,121	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,602 Men 44.5% Women 55.5%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	3,655 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	54.8%	50.6%
International students	4.8%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,523	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Oregon California Washington Colorado Texas	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Business Visual & Performing Arts Social Sciences Architecture	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	74.4%	89.2%
Dropout rate	8.7%	10.0%
Transferred out	16.4%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $89,230 Year 3: $95,616 Physics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,844 Year 2: $75,832 Year 3: $90,800 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $61,666 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $90,002 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $68,849 Year 2: $86,621 Year 3: $87,239 Chemistry (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $67,269 Year 2: $72,231 Year 3: $82,154 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,287 Year 2: $61,681 Year 3: $80,277 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,279 Year 2: $59,425 Year 3: $68,549 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $57,062 Year 2: $56,840 Year 3: $67,900 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,838 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $67,123 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,818 Year 2: $55,464 Year 3: $66,741	Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $131,458 Marketing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,083 Year 2: $111,992 Year 3: $130,357 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,390 Year 2: $113,091 Year 3: $124,360 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $96,320 Year 2: $117,042 Year 3: $123,777 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $110,338 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $111,424 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $115,339 Year 3: $104,219 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,387 Year 2: $100,213 Year 3: $103,937 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,839 Year 2: $81,997 Year 3: $97,306 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $85,538 Year 3: $94,093 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,730 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $91,306

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Oregon (UO) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison)?

The University of Oregon and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are both excellent public universities, but they differ in several key aspects. UO is located in Eugene, Oregon, known for its natural beauty and progressive culture, while UW-Madison is situated in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant state capital with a strong Midwestern feel. UW-Madison is generally larger and offers a broader range of programs, particularly at the graduate level, and has a stronger emphasis on research. UO is known for its strengths in journalism, architecture, and environmental studies, and offers a more intimate campus environment compared to UW-Madison.
How do the academic reputations of UO and UW-Madison compare?

Both universities hold strong academic reputations. UW-Madison is generally considered to be more highly ranked nationally and internationally, particularly for its research output and graduate programs. It's a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). UO is also a well-regarded institution, especially known for its programs in journalism and communication, architecture, and environmental law. While UO's overall ranking might be slightly lower, it offers excellent academic opportunities and a strong faculty.
What is the typical student body size and campus environment like at each university?

UW-Madison has a significantly larger student body, typically around 45,000 students, creating a bustling and diverse campus environment. UO, with around 22,000 students, offers a more close-knit and intimate campus feel. UW-Madison's campus is located in the heart of Madison, offering easy access to city amenities. UO's campus is located in Eugene, a smaller city known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and laid-back atmosphere.
How do the costs of attending UO and UW-Madison compare, considering tuition, fees, and living expenses?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. For in-state students, UW-Madison generally has lower tuition costs than UO. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition costs are more comparable. Living expenses in Madison and Eugene are also factors to consider. Eugene might have slightly lower housing costs, but this can fluctuate. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date cost of attendance information, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses.
What are the popular majors and academic strengths of each university?

UW-Madison is renowned for its programs in engineering, business, agriculture, life sciences, and social sciences. It has a particularly strong reputation in research-intensive fields. UO excels in journalism and communication, architecture, law (especially environmental law), business, and education. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of specialization differ.
What are the athletic programs like at UO and UW-Madison?

Both universities have strong athletic programs and are members of major athletic conferences. UW-Madison is a member of the Big Ten Conference, while UO is a member of the Pac-12 Conference (though it will be joining the Big Ten in the future). Both universities offer a wide range of varsity sports and have passionate fan bases. UO is particularly known for its track and field and football programs, while UW-Madison is known for its hockey, volleyball, and football programs.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at each university?

Both UO and UW-Madison offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. UW-Madison, due to its larger size and location in a state capital, may offer a wider range of internship opportunities, particularly in government and business. UO, with its strong connections to the Pacific Northwest, provides excellent internship opportunities in technology, environmental science, and journalism. Both universities actively work to connect students with employers and prepare them for their future careers.
What is the social scene and campus culture like at UO and UW-Madison?

UW-Madison has a vibrant and active social scene, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and events. The city of Madison offers a wide range of entertainment options, including live music, restaurants, and cultural attractions. UO has a more laid-back and outdoorsy campus culture, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness. Eugene is known for its arts scene, craft breweries, and proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities. The social scene at UO is generally considered to be more tight-knit and community-oriented.
How do the locations of UO and UW-Madison impact the student experience?

The location of each university significantly shapes the student experience. UW-Madison is located in a bustling state capital, providing students with access to government, business, and cultural opportunities. Madison is a larger city with a more urban feel. UO is located in Eugene, a smaller city known for its natural beauty and progressive culture. Eugene offers easy access to hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. The Pacific Northwest environment influences the campus culture and academic focus at UO.
What are the key factors to consider when deciding between UO and UW-Madison?

When deciding between UO and UW-Madison, consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, career goals, and financial situation. If you're interested in a large, research-intensive university with a wide range of programs and a vibrant city environment, UW-Madison might be a good fit. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate campus with a strong emphasis on environmental studies, journalism, and outdoor recreation, UO could be a better choice. Also, consider the cost of attendance and the availability of financial aid at each university. Ultimately, the best university for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

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