UW-Madison vs Georgia Tech

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, or Atlanta, Georgia, as you embark on a journey to compare two esteemed institutions: University of Wisconsin-Madison and Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. With University of Wisconsin-Madison's higher acceptance rate and Georgia Tech's focus on STEM fields, the choice between these two schools hinges on your academic aspirations and preferences. Explore the detailed comparison table to uncover further differences in popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique educational goals.

	Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Atlanta, Georgia	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Large	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	97.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	16.0%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1310 - 1500	1320 - 1500
ACT range	30 - 34	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	53.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	36.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	44,048	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	7,030	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,453	8,465
Yield rate	49.1%	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: $32,698 Out of state: $53,810	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$17,360	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $10,258 Out of state: $31,370	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,918 Meal plan: $5,328	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)	70.0% Average amount $14,015	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	22.0% Average amount $4,919	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $13,058	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	17,461 Men 60.2% Women 39.8%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	26,398 Men 74.0% Women 26.0%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	40.2%	50.6%
International students	26.6%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	8,667	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Georgia Florida New Jersey North Carolina New York	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Computer and Information Science Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Architecture	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	91.9%	89.2%
Dropout rate	2.2%	10.0%
Transferred out	4.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,073 Year 2: $127,034 Year 3: $137,753 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $121,610 Year 2: $111,196 Year 3: $137,409 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,428 Year 2: $91,152 Year 3: $110,089 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $98,509 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $108,748 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $94,709 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $106,452 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,098 Year 2: $90,983 Year 3: $100,683 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,067 Year 2: $83,270 Year 3: $97,066 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,001 Year 2: $85,834 Year 3: $91,491 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,050 Year 2: $73,992 Year 3: $87,541 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,354 Year 2: $76,283 Year 3: $86,996	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 Georgia Tech?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is a large, public research university known for its broad range of academic programs, strong liberal arts offerings, and vibrant campus life in a classic college town setting. Georgia Tech, on the other hand, is a public technological university with a strong focus on STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and a more urban campus environment in Atlanta. UW-Madison is generally considered to have a more comprehensive academic profile, while Georgia Tech excels in technology-related disciplines.
Which school is better for engineering programs?

Georgia Tech is widely recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the United States. While UW-Madison also has a strong engineering program, Georgia Tech's reputation and resources in engineering are generally considered superior, particularly in fields like aerospace, computer, and industrial engineering. If your primary focus is engineering, Georgia Tech is likely the better choice.
How do the computer science programs compare?

Both UW-Madison and Georgia Tech have excellent computer science programs. Georgia Tech's program is often ranked slightly higher and has a stronger emphasis on research and innovation, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence and robotics. UW-Madison's computer science program is also highly regarded and offers a broader range of specializations. The best choice depends on your specific interests within computer science and your preferred learning environment.
What is the difference in campus culture and student life?

UW-Madison has a classic college town atmosphere with a strong emphasis on school spirit and a vibrant social scene. It's known for its active student organizations, strong athletic programs (especially football and basketball), and beautiful campus on the shores of Lake Mendota. Georgia Tech has a more urban campus environment in the heart of Atlanta. While it also has a strong sense of community, student life tends to be more focused on academics and career preparation. Georgia Tech's location provides access to numerous internships and job opportunities in the city.
How do the costs of attending compare?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, UW-Madison is more affordable for in-state students (Wisconsin residents), while Georgia Tech is more affordable for in-state students (Georgia residents). For out-of-state students, the tuition costs are relatively comparable, but it's important to factor in living expenses, which may be higher in Atlanta than in Madison. Be sure to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
Which school is better for students interested in business?

UW-Madison's Wisconsin School of Business is a highly respected business school with a strong reputation, particularly in areas like real estate and risk management. Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business offers a more technology-focused business education, emphasizing innovation and entrepreneurship. If you're interested in a traditional business education, UW-Madison might be a better fit. If you're interested in the intersection of business and technology, Georgia Tech could be a stronger choice.
What are the admission requirements like for each school?

Both UW-Madison and Georgia Tech are highly selective universities. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record (high GPA and challenging coursework), standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), compelling essays, and strong letters of recommendation. Georgia Tech tends to place a slightly greater emphasis on math and science scores, while UW-Madison may consider a broader range of factors. Check each university's admissions website for specific requirements and average admitted student profiles.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare?

Both universities have excellent career services departments that provide students with resources for internships, job searches, and career counseling. Georgia Tech's location in Atlanta provides access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in the technology sector. UW-Madison has strong connections with companies throughout the Midwest and beyond. Job placement rates are generally high for graduates of both universities, particularly in their respective areas of strength (STEM for Georgia Tech, and a broader range of fields for UW-Madison).
What is the research environment like at each university?

Both UW-Madison and Georgia Tech are major research universities with significant funding and opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. Georgia Tech's research is heavily focused on STEM fields, while UW-Madison has a broader range of research strengths across various disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences. If you're interested in research, both universities offer excellent opportunities, but the specific areas of research may differ.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

UW-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a classic college town with a vibrant cultural scene and a strong sense of community. The campus is situated on the shores of Lake Mendota, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Georgia Tech is located in the heart of Atlanta, a major metropolitan city with a diverse population and a thriving business community. Atlanta offers a wide range of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and career opportunities. The choice between the two depends on your preference for a college town versus a big city environment.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.