UW-Madison vs Berkeley

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the vibrant University of California-Berkeley, situated on the West Coast, stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique locations, student demographics, and academic strengths. With acceptance rates of 52% and 17%, respectively, these universities cater to different levels of competitiveness. Dive into our comprehensive comparison table to explore the nuances that set these institutions apart, including popular majors, student body diversity, graduation rates, and more. Discover which university aligns best with your aspirations and find the perfect fit for your academic journey.

	University of California-Berkeley	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Berkeley, California	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	96.0%	95.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	14.4%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120	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	112,843	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	16,295	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,931	8,465
Yield rate	42.5%	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: $37,920 Out of state: $67,674	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$17,652	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	$20,236	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)	52.0% Average amount $21,406	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	15.0% Average amount $4,586	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $7,122	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	31,814 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	13,222 Men 51.7% Women 48.3%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	16.9%	50.6%
International students	18.0%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	9,630	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California New Jersey Texas Virginia New York	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Legal Profession Health Professions	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	92.8%	89.2%
Dropout rate	6.3%	10.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $171,936 Year 3: $191,597 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $167,052 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $125,250 Year 2: $125,388 Year 3: $161,399 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $126,367 Year 2: $128,868 Year 3: $160,666 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $160,390 Year 2: $142,470 Year 3: $143,984 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $119,358 Year 3: $143,516 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $107,442 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $112,973 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $74,750 Year 2: $91,363 Year 3: $104,601 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $95,600 Year 2: $85,760 Year 3: $103,738 Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,282 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $102,543	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 UW-Madison and UC Berkeley?

UW-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant city with a strong college-town atmosphere. The campus is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Mendota and its strong sense of community. UC Berkeley is situated in Berkeley, California, a diverse and politically active city in the San Francisco Bay Area. The campus is urban, with a more independent and intellectually driven environment, and offers easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of the Bay Area.
How do the academic programs compare at UW-Madison and UC Berkeley?

Both universities are highly regarded for their academic excellence. UC Berkeley is particularly strong in STEM fields, including computer science, engineering, and the natural sciences, as well as in humanities and social sciences. UW-Madison also excels in STEM, particularly in engineering, and is renowned for its strong programs in agriculture, business, and the humanities. Both offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and the specific strengths of each program should be considered based on your academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance like at UW-Madison versus UC Berkeley?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status and financial aid. Generally, UC Berkeley has a higher tuition for out-of-state students compared to UW-Madison. However, both universities offer financial aid packages, including grants, scholarships, and loans, to help make education more affordable. It's essential to review the specific tuition and fees, along with the estimated cost of living, on each university's website to get a clear picture of the overall expenses.
How does the student life and campus culture differ between the two universities?

UW-Madison is known for its strong school spirit, vibrant social scene, and emphasis on community. Badger football games are a major event, and the campus offers numerous student organizations and activities. UC Berkeley has a more independent and intellectually focused culture, with a strong emphasis on activism and social justice. Students are often engaged in research and debate, and the campus is known for its diverse student body and progressive values. Both universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, but the overall atmosphere differs significantly.
What are the research opportunities like at UW-Madison and UC Berkeley?

Both universities are major research institutions with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UC Berkeley is at the forefront of research in many fields, particularly in technology and the sciences, with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources. UW-Madison also has a strong research focus, with a wide range of research centers and institutes, and opportunities for students to participate in research projects across various disciplines. The specific research opportunities available will depend on your field of study.
How competitive is the admissions process at UW-Madison and UC Berkeley?

Both universities are highly selective, but the admissions processes differ slightly. UC Berkeley generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate than UW-Madison, making it a bit more competitive. Both universities consider a variety of factors in their admissions decisions, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, and a strong application is essential for both schools.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at each university?

Both universities offer robust career services to help students with job searching, internships, and career planning. UC Berkeley, located in the Bay Area, has strong connections to the tech industry and other major employers, providing excellent opportunities for internships and job placement. UW-Madison also has strong career services, with connections to employers in the Midwest and across the country. Both universities have high job placement rates for graduates, and the specific opportunities available will depend on your field of study and career goals.
How does the weather and climate differ between Madison and Berkeley?

Madison, Wisconsin experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. The weather can be a significant factor for students who prefer a milder climate. Berkeley, California, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The weather is generally pleasant year-round, making it a popular destination for students from all over the world.
What are the housing options like at UW-Madison and UC Berkeley?

Both universities offer a variety of housing options, including on-campus dormitories and off-campus apartments. UW-Madison has a strong residential life program, with many students living on campus during their first year. UC Berkeley also offers on-campus housing, but the demand is high, and many students live off-campus in apartments or shared housing. The cost of housing varies depending on the location and type of accommodation.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The best university for you depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider your academic interests, desired campus environment, preferred climate, and career goals. If you are looking for a strong sense of community, a vibrant social scene, and a Midwestern experience, UW-Madison might be a good fit. If you are seeking a more independent, intellectually driven environment with access to the opportunities of the Bay Area, UC Berkeley might be a better choice. Research both universities thoroughly and visit if possible to get a feel for the campus culture.

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