UW-Madison vs UT Austin

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, or Austin, Texas, home to two esteemed universities: University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) and The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin). While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. UW-Madison boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while UT-Austin stands out with its lower student-to-faculty ratio, fostering closer interactions. Explore their contrasting popular majors, from Engineering and Biological Sciences at UW-Madison to Business and Social Sciences at UT-Austin. Delve into the comparison table to uncover further differences in graduation rates, tuition fees, and more, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
The University of Texas at Austin logo

The University of Texas at Austin

University of Wisconsin-Madison logo

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Overview

Location Austin, Texas 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 96.0% 95.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 28.7% 60.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1230 - 1500 1320 - 1500
ACT range 27 - 33 26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 56.0% 15.0%
Students submitting ACT score 26.0% 55.0%
Total number of applicants 66,077 53,781
Total number of admissions given out 18,994 32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll 9,060 8,465
Yield rate 47.7% 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: $29,788

Out of state: $59,032
In state: $27,418

Out of state: $55,306
Average net price $16,589 $13,484
Tuition
In state: $11,752

Out of state: $40,996
In state: $9,273

Out of state: $37,161
Room & board $12,768
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)

51.0%
Average amount $12,725
54.0%
Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan 28.0%
Average amount $4,961
26.0%
Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans 1.0%
Average amount $16,366
6.0%
Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6%
34,561
Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students 11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5%
12,455
Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 9.2% 50.6%
International students 9.1% 13.8%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 7,809 9,226
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics

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

Outcome

Graduation rate 87.8% 89.2%
Dropout rate 11.7% 10.0%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $130,952
  • Year 2: $131,707
  • Year 3: $149,763
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,716
  • Year 2: $97,959
  • Year 3: $131,523
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $115,909
  • Year 2: $120,124
  • Year 3: $127,068
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,526
  • Year 2: $100,607
  • Year 3: $120,559
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,082
  • Year 2: $106,421
  • Year 3: $119,993
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,247
  • Year 2: $102,706
  • Year 3: $108,654
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,293
  • Year 2: $88,723
  • Year 3: $99,721
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,133
  • Year 2: $79,558
  • Year 3: $97,550
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,714
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $93,999
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,984
  • Year 2: $80,550
  • Year 3: $92,064
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 key academic strengths of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) compared to The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)?

    UW-Madison is particularly strong in areas like agricultural sciences, engineering, and social sciences, with a renowned School of Education. UT Austin excels in engineering, business, law, and natural sciences, boasting a strong presence in the tech and energy sectors. Both universities offer a wide range of programs, but your specific academic interests should guide your choice.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between UW-Madison and UT Austin?

    Generally, the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is comparable for in-state students at both universities. However, out-of-state tuition at both institutions can be significantly higher. Research the specific tuition rates and financial aid opportunities for your residency status to get a clear picture of the costs.

  • What is the campus environment like at UW-Madison versus UT Austin?

    UW-Madison offers a classic Midwestern campus experience with a strong sense of community and a vibrant student life centered around the Memorial Union and State Street. UT Austin has a large, bustling campus in a major city, Austin, known for its lively atmosphere, music scene, and diverse student body. Consider which environment best suits your personality and preferences.

  • How do the research opportunities differ at UW-Madison and UT Austin?

    Both universities are major research institutions with extensive research opportunities. UW-Madison has a long history of groundbreaking research, particularly in areas like medicine and environmental science. UT Austin is a powerhouse in research, especially in engineering, computer science, and energy-related fields. Explore the specific research areas that align with your academic interests at each university.

  • What are the student life and extracurricular activities like at UW-Madison and UT Austin?

    Both universities offer a wide array of extracurricular activities. UW-Madison has a strong tradition of student involvement in athletics, with a passionate fanbase for Badger sports. UT Austin has a vibrant Greek life, a thriving arts scene, and a diverse range of student organizations. Consider what activities you enjoy and what kind of social environment you are looking for.

  • How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

    UW-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant college town with a strong sense of community and access to outdoor recreation. UT Austin is located in Austin, Texas, a rapidly growing city known for its music, tech industry, and diverse culture. The location will significantly impact your lifestyle, access to opportunities, and overall experience.

  • What are the admission requirements and selectivity of UW-Madison and UT Austin?

    Both universities are highly selective. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), essays, and letters of recommendation. Research the specific requirements and application deadlines for each university, and be prepared to demonstrate your academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.

  • What are the career services and job placement rates like at UW-Madison and UT Austin?

    Both universities have robust career services departments that assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. They both have strong connections with employers across various industries. Research the specific career services offered by each university and consider the industries and geographic locations where you hope to work after graduation.

  • How do the alumni networks of UW-Madison and UT Austin compare?

    Both universities have large and active alumni networks. UW-Madison's alumni network is spread across the Midwest and beyond, with a strong presence in various industries. UT Austin's alumni network is particularly strong in Texas and the Southwest, with a growing presence nationally and internationally. Consider the geographic location and industry focus of each alumni network when making your decision.

  • Which university is better for a student interested in a specific major, such as engineering or business?

    Both universities have excellent programs in many fields. For engineering, both are highly ranked, but UT Austin may have a slight edge due to its location in a tech-heavy city. For business, both offer strong programs, but UT Austin's McCombs School of Business is particularly well-regarded. Research the specific rankings, faculty, and resources within your chosen major at each university to make an informed decision.

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.
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