UW-Madison vs University of Georgia (UGA)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, and Athens, Georgia, home to two esteemed universities: University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) and University of Georgia (UGA). While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. UW-Madison boasts a higher acceptance rate, attracting a diverse student body from across the nation. UGA, on the other hand, has a more selective admissions process, resulting in a student population predominantly from Georgia. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further differences, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your college decision. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for a transformative educational journey.

	University of Georgia	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Athens, Georgia	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	95.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	40.0%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1270 - 1450	1320 - 1500
ACT range	29 - 33	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	45.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	40.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	39,229	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	15,685	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,819	8,465
Yield rate	37.1%	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: $26,622 Out of state: $45,662	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$16,902	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $9,790 Out of state: $28,830	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,292 Meal plan: $4,036	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)	92.0% Average amount $11,045	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	25.0% Average amount $5,227	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $13,477	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	30,166 Men 42.0% Women 58.0%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	9,952 Men 38.2% Women 61.8%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	17.5%	50.6%
International students	4.8%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	10,050	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Georgia Texas North Carolina Florida New York	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Communication and Journalism Education Health Professions Engineering	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	3.6%	10.0%
Transferred out	7.5%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $107,603 Year 2: $120,325 Year 3: $122,859 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,544 Year 2: $111,283 Year 3: $122,491 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $117,307 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $71,726 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $92,754 Marketing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,513 Year 2: $81,333 Year 3: $91,218 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $87,059 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $85,532 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,138 Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $79,772 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,908 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $79,190 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $64,622 Year 2: $64,068 Year 3: $78,529 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,002 Year 2: $77,144 Year 3: $77,709	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 in academic focus between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Georgia?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a comprehensive research university with strengths across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in STEM fields, agriculture, and the humanities. It's known for its strong emphasis on research and graduate programs. The University of Georgia, while also a comprehensive university, has a particularly strong reputation in areas like journalism, law, business, and agricultural sciences. UGA also has a strong focus on public service and outreach.
How do the campus environments compare?

UW-Madison is located in the vibrant city of Madison, Wisconsin, offering a mix of urban and natural settings with its beautiful lakeshore campus. The city provides a lively atmosphere with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. UGA is situated in Athens, Georgia, a classic college town known for its music scene, historic architecture, and more relaxed pace of life. Athens offers a strong sense of community and a more traditional college town experience.
What are the typical tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students at each university?

Tuition costs vary annually, but generally, UW-Madison has higher tuition for out-of-state students compared to in-state students. UGA also has a significant difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition, but its out-of-state tuition is often lower than UW-Madison's. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition rates and fees.
How do the student populations differ in terms of size and diversity?

UW-Madison typically has a larger student population than UGA. Both universities attract students from across the United States and internationally, contributing to diverse student bodies. However, UW-Madison tends to have a higher percentage of students from the Midwest, while UGA draws a larger proportion of students from the Southeast.
What are the strengths of each university in terms of research opportunities?

Both UW-Madison and UGA are major research institutions. UW-Madison excels in areas like biomedical research, engineering, and agricultural sciences, offering numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in cutting-edge research. UGA is strong in areas such as infectious diseases, plant sciences, and environmental research, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and research projects.
How do the athletic programs compare between UW-Madison and UGA?

Both universities have strong athletic programs and compete in the NCAA Division I. UW-Madison is a member of the Big Ten Conference, with notable success in sports like football, basketball, and volleyball. UGA is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its dominance in football, as well as strong programs in gymnastics, baseball, and other sports. Both universities offer a vibrant sports culture and passionate fan bases.
What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at each university?

Both UW-Madison and UGA offer a range of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and student loans. The specific scholarships and eligibility criteria vary. It's recommended to explore the financial aid websites of both universities to determine which options are available and to apply for relevant scholarships and grants. Completing the FAFSA is a crucial step in the financial aid process for both institutions.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Both UW-Madison and UGA offer comprehensive career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job searching. UW-Madison benefits from its location in a state capital and its strong alumni network across various industries. UGA has strong connections with businesses and organizations in the Southeast, particularly in Atlanta, offering numerous internship and job opportunities in the region. Both universities host career fairs and networking events to connect students with potential employers.
What are the popular majors at each university?

At UW-Madison, popular majors include Biology, Engineering (various disciplines), Business, Computer Science, and Political Science. At UGA, popular majors include Business, Biology, Journalism, Psychology, and Marketing. The popularity of majors can fluctuate, so it's always a good idea to check the university websites for the most current information on enrollment trends.
How does the social and extracurricular life differ between the two universities?

UW-Madison offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, reflecting the diverse interests of its large student body. The city of Madison provides a vibrant social scene with numerous restaurants, bars, and cultural events. UGA also has a thriving student life with a strong emphasis on Greek life, student government, and community service. Athens is known for its live music scene and its close-knit community feel. Both universities offer ample opportunities for students to get involved and make friends.

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