UW-Madison vs ASU Tempe

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, or Tempe, Arizona, home to the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Madison and Arizona State University, respectively. While both institutions offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your college experience. UW-Madison boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating a more selective admissions process, while ASU welcomes a larger and more diverse student body. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, such as popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that set these universities apart, aiding you in making an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Arizona State University Campus Immersion	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Tempe, Arizona	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	86.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.2%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 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	61,603	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	54,329	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	14,250	8,465
Yield rate	26.2%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,034 Out of state: $45,124	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$14,934	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $10,710 Out of state: $28,800	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,176 Meal plan: $5,520	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	89.0% Average amount $12,201	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	28.0% Average amount $4,913	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $20,834	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	64,716 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	13,165 Men 52.1% Women 47.9%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	37.3%	50.6%
International students	11.8%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	16,334	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arizona California Illinois Washington Texas	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Biological and Biomedical Sciences Computer and Information Science Health Professions	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	66.0%	89.2%
Dropout rate	11.4%	10.0%
Transferred out	20.8%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,851 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $114,816 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $103,690 Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $111,949 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,013 Year 2: $98,650 Year 3: $105,146 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,598 Year 2: $94,075 Year 3: $98,470 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,654 Year 2: $94,817 Year 3: $97,267 Chemical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,735 Year 2: $77,401 Year 3: $94,702 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,560 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $89,330 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,448 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $86,958 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,698 Year 2: $77,618 Year 3: $86,662 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,373 Year 2: $75,804 Year 3: $85,635	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 Wisconsin-Madison and Arizona State University (Campus Immersion)?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is a large, public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in engineering, life sciences, and social sciences. It has a traditional college town atmosphere and experiences distinct four seasons. Arizona State University (ASU) Campus Immersion, located in Tempe, Arizona, is also a large public research university, but it's known for its innovation, entrepreneurship, and a focus on interdisciplinary studies. ASU boasts a warm, desert climate and a more modern, sprawling campus environment. Key differences lie in location, climate, academic focus, and campus culture.
Which university is better for students interested in a traditional college experience?

If you're seeking a classic, traditional college experience with a strong emphasis on campus traditions, a vibrant Greek life, and a quintessential college town atmosphere, UW-Madison is generally considered a better fit. ASU, while offering a robust campus life, has a more modern and diverse student body and a less traditional campus feel.
How do the academic reputations of UW-Madison and ASU compare?

UW-Madison generally holds a higher overall academic ranking, particularly in specific fields like engineering, life sciences, and social sciences. ASU, however, is rapidly rising in prominence and is highly regarded for its innovative programs, particularly in areas like sustainability, business, and design. Both are strong research institutions, but UW-Madison has a longer-established reputation for academic excellence across a broader range of disciplines.
What is the difference in cost of attendance between UW-Madison and ASU?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. Generally, UW-Madison is more affordable for Wisconsin residents, while ASU is more affordable for Arizona residents. For out-of-state students, both universities have similar tuition rates, but factors like cost of living in Madison versus Tempe can influence the overall expense. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
How does the campus environment differ between UW-Madison and ASU?

UW-Madison's campus is situated in a classic college town, with the state capitol building nearby and a strong connection to the surrounding city. It features historic buildings and a beautiful lakeside setting. ASU's Tempe campus is more integrated into the Phoenix metropolitan area, offering a more urban and modern feel. The campus is larger and more spread out, reflecting the university's rapid growth and focus on innovation.
What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UW-Madison versus ASU?

Both universities offer strong career services and alumni networks. UW-Madison has strong ties to industries in the Midwest, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. ASU benefits from its location in the growing Phoenix metropolitan area, offering opportunities in technology, aerospace, and business. The best choice depends on your desired career path and geographic preferences.
Which university is better for students interested in research?

Both UW-Madison and ASU are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UW-Madison has a longer history of research excellence and a larger research budget, particularly in areas like biomedical research and engineering. ASU is rapidly expanding its research capabilities and is known for its interdisciplinary research initiatives, especially in sustainability and renewable energy. Your choice depends on your specific research interests and the faculty expertise available at each institution.
How does the student life and campus culture compare?

UW-Madison is known for its strong school spirit, passionate sports fans (especially for Badger football and hockey), and a vibrant social scene centered around State Street and the Memorial Union. ASU has a more diverse student body and a more relaxed, less tradition-bound campus culture. Both universities offer a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities to suit diverse interests.
What is the climate like at UW-Madison versus ASU?

UW-Madison experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters with snow and warm, humid summers. ASU, located in Tempe, Arizona, has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. If you prefer warm weather year-round, ASU is the better choice. If you enjoy experiencing all four seasons, including snow, UW-Madison is a better fit.
Which university is more focused on innovation and entrepreneurship?

While both universities value innovation, ASU has made a concerted effort to position itself as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. It offers numerous programs, resources, and initiatives to support student startups and entrepreneurial ventures. UW-Madison also has strong entrepreneurship programs, but ASU's focus on innovation is more central to its overall identity.

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