UW-Madison vs Iowa State

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, and Ames, Iowa, home to the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) and Iowa State University (ISU), respectively. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. UW-Madison boasts a lower acceptance rate, attracting a diverse student body from across the globe. Its strengths lie in the humanities, social sciences, and engineering, while ISU excels in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. With higher graduation rates, ISU ensures its students are well-prepared for their careers. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Iowa State University	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Ames, Iowa	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Small	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	88.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	91.1%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1320 - 1500
ACT range	21 - 28	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	20,357	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	18,550	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,387	8,465
Yield rate	29.0%	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)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,152 Out of state: $37,964	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$15,422	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $8,324 Out of state: $24,136	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,590 Meal plan: $4,498	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)	87.0% Average amount $8,833	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	47.0% Average amount $5,202	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	11.0% Average amount $11,630	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	25,808 Men 56.1% Women 43.9%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	4,900 Men 50.6% Women 49.4%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	50.6%
International students	8.2%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,400	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences	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	76.0%	89.2%
Dropout rate	6.1%	10.0%
Transferred out	16.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,739 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $101,292 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,956 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $95,081 Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,120 Year 2: $89,059 Year 3: $92,521 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $77,573 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $85,108 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,299 Year 2: $73,321 Year 3: $83,452 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,598 Year 2: $73,839 Year 3: $83,292 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,184 Year 2: $71,734 Year 3: $81,196 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,223 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $79,916 Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,580 Year 2: $70,083 Year 3: $77,479 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,534 Year 2: $67,156 Year 3: $76,113	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 Iowa State University?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is a large, public research university known for its strong liberal arts programs, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, and its vibrant campus life in the state capital. Iowa State University (ISU) is also a large, public research university, but it's particularly renowned for its STEM programs, especially in engineering, agriculture, and design. UW-Madison tends to have a more urban feel, while ISU offers a more traditional college town experience.
Which university is better for engineering programs?

Iowa State University generally has a stronger reputation for its engineering programs, particularly in aerospace, agricultural, and mechanical engineering. While UW-Madison also has excellent engineering programs, ISU's focus and resources in this area often give it an edge in rankings and industry recognition.
How do the agricultural programs compare between UW-Madison and Iowa State?

Iowa State University is widely considered to have one of the top agricultural programs in the nation, with extensive research facilities and a strong connection to the agricultural industry. UW-Madison also has a reputable agricultural program, but it is generally smaller and less comprehensive than ISU's.
Which university has a stronger focus on research?

Both UW-Madison and Iowa State are major research universities with significant funding and numerous research opportunities for students. However, UW-Madison is often considered to have a slightly stronger overall research focus, particularly in areas outside of STEM, such as the humanities and social sciences. Both offer ample opportunities for undergraduate research.
What is the campus environment like at each university?

UW-Madison is located in the state capital, Madison, offering a vibrant urban environment with access to cultural attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. The campus is situated on an isthmus between two lakes, providing beautiful scenery. Iowa State University is located in Ames, a more traditional college town, offering a close-knit community feel. The campus is known for its beautiful landscaping and historic buildings.
How do the costs of attending UW-Madison and Iowa State compare?

Tuition and fees vary depending on residency status. Generally, for in-state students, Iowa State University tends to be slightly less expensive than UW-Madison. However, for out-of-state students, the costs can be comparable. It's important to check the most recent tuition rates and consider the cost of living in each location when making your decision.
What are the admission requirements for UW-Madison and Iowa State?

Both universities require a strong academic record, including a challenging high school curriculum, competitive GPA, and standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply). UW-Madison is generally considered more selective in its admissions process than Iowa State. Both universities also consider extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Which university is better for students interested in political science or government?

UW-Madison is generally considered to have a stronger political science program due to its location in the state capital and its proximity to government institutions. This provides students with more opportunities for internships and networking in the political arena. Iowa State also offers a political science program, but it may not have the same level of access to government resources.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Both UW-Madison and Iowa State offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. UW-Madison's location in a larger city may provide more diverse internship opportunities across various industries. Iowa State's strong industry connections, particularly in agriculture and engineering, can lead to excellent internship opportunities in those fields.
What is the student life like at each university?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. UW-Madison is known for its lively social scene and strong school spirit, particularly surrounding its athletic teams. Iowa State also has a strong sense of community and school spirit, with a focus on traditions and campus events. Both offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to suit diverse interests.
Which school is better for architecture?

Iowa State University has a well-regarded architecture program within its College of Design. While UW-Madison offers courses related to architecture, it does not have a dedicated architecture program like Iowa State. Therefore, if you are specifically interested in pursuing a degree in architecture, Iowa State would be the better choice.
Do both universities offer online programs?

Yes, both UW-Madison and Iowa State University offer a variety of online programs and courses. The specific programs available online may vary, so it's best to check each university's website for the most up-to-date information on online learning opportunities.

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