UW-Madison vs University at Buffalo (UB)

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. University of Wisconsin-Madison and University at Buffalo are two distinct universities with unique offerings. With an acceptance rate of 52% and a graduation rate of 86%, University of Wisconsin-Madison boasts a larger student body and a higher graduation rate compared to University at Buffalo, which has an acceptance rate of 49% and a graduation rate of 79%. While both universities offer a wide range of popular majors, University of Wisconsin-Madison excels in fields like engineering, biological sciences, and social sciences, while University at Buffalo is known for its strengths in health professions, business, and social sciences. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences in student demographics, costs, and more, and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University at Buffalo	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Buffalo, New York	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	Suburb: 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	83.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	70.1%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1180 - 1360	1320 - 1500
ACT range	25 - 31	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	29.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	5.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	30,750	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	21,552	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,309	8,465
Yield rate	20.0%	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: $30,240 Out of state: $48,160	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$17,954	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $7,070 Out of state: $24,990	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,952 Meal plan: $6,500	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)	71.0% Average amount $8,810	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,071	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	8.0% Average amount $13,892	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	21,467 Men 54.3% Women 45.7%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	10,865 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	3.2%	50.6%
International students	18.3%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	7,711	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Connecticut Florida	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Computer and Information Science Education Social Sciences	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	73.8%	89.2%
Dropout rate	8.7%	10.0%
Transferred out	16.4%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $140,469 Year 2: $159,761 Year 3: $146,042 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $70,533 Year 2: $67,772 Year 3: $132,503 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,335 Year 2: $104,510 Year 3: $123,979 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,109 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $82,514 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $70,415 Year 2: $68,499 Year 3: $78,884 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,859 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $76,613 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,249 Year 2: $61,078 Year 3: $75,877 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,773 Year 2: $66,653 Year 3: $75,097 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,581 Year 2: $59,350 Year 3: $74,704 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,797 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $72,822	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 differences in location and campus environment between University of Wisconsin-Madison and University at Buffalo?

University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant city known for its progressive culture and strong ties to the state government. The campus is situated on an isthmus between two lakes, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. University at Buffalo (UB), on the other hand, is located in Amherst, New York, a suburban area near Buffalo. UB's campus is more spread out, with a modern architectural style. While both offer a traditional college experience, Madison provides a more quintessential 'college town' atmosphere, while UB offers proximity to a larger metropolitan area.
How do the academic programs and research opportunities compare at UW-Madison and UB?

Both universities are highly regarded research institutions. UW-Madison is particularly strong in areas like engineering, business, and the humanities, with a long-standing reputation for groundbreaking research. UB also excels in research, especially in fields like engineering, architecture, and medicine. UW-Madison generally has a broader range of highly ranked programs, while UB offers excellent programs with a more focused approach in certain areas. Both universities provide ample opportunities for undergraduate research, graduate studies, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
What is the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, at UW-Madison and UB?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and specific program. Generally, UW-Madison tends to have higher tuition and fees for out-of-state students compared to UB. However, both universities offer financial aid, scholarships, and other resources to help students manage the cost of education. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities.
How would you describe the student life and extracurricular activities at UW-Madison and UB?

Both universities offer a wide array of extracurricular activities and a vibrant student life. UW-Madison is known for its strong sense of community, active student organizations, and a lively social scene, particularly around football games and other campus events. UB also has a diverse student body and a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities. UB's location provides easy access to the city of Buffalo, offering additional cultural and entertainment options. The specific student experience will depend on individual interests, but both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and build a strong social network.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity levels for UW-Madison and UB?

Both universities are selective, but UW-Madison generally has a higher level of selectivity. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. UW-Madison often has higher average SAT/ACT scores and a more competitive applicant pool. UB also considers a holistic review of applications, but the overall acceptance rate is generally higher than at UW-Madison. Prospective students should carefully review the specific admission requirements and deadlines for each university on their respective websites.
How do the career services and alumni networks differ between UW-Madison and UB?

Both universities provide robust career services to assist students with career planning, job searching, and networking. UW-Madison benefits from a strong alumni network, particularly in the Midwest and across the nation, which can provide valuable career connections. UB also has a growing and active alumni network, especially in the Northeast, and offers career resources tailored to its students' needs. The specific career opportunities and industry connections may vary depending on the program of study, but both universities are committed to helping their graduates succeed in their chosen fields.
What are the housing options like at UW-Madison and UB?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UW-Madison has a well-established residential system with a range of dorms and residence halls, often providing a strong sense of community. UB also offers on-campus housing, including traditional dorms and apartment-style living. Both universities provide resources to help students find off-campus housing as well. The specific housing options and costs will vary, so it's important to research the available options and apply early, especially for on-campus housing.
How would you compare the diversity and inclusion initiatives at UW-Madison and UB?

Both universities are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. UW-Madison has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion, with various programs and initiatives aimed at supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. UB also prioritizes diversity and inclusion, with a range of resources and programs designed to create a welcoming and equitable campus environment. Both universities have offices and centers dedicated to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and promoting a culture of respect and understanding.

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.