UW-Madison vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign stand as two beacons of academic excellence. While both institutions share a commitment to providing a world-class education, they offer distinct experiences that cater to diverse student aspirations. With acceptance rates of 52% and 63%, respectively, these universities attract a mix of high-achieving students. UW-Madison boasts a slightly larger student body, with over 40,000 undergraduates, while UIUC enrolls around 36,000. In terms of popular majors, UW-Madison excels in fields like engineering, business, and life sciences, while UIUC shines in engineering, computer science, and agriculture. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, with UW-Madison's four-year rate at 72% and UIUC's at 79%. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table

	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Champaign, Illinois	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	93.0%	95.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	59.7%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1320 - 1510	1320 - 1500
ACT range	29 - 34	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	43.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	24.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	47,593	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	28,395	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	8,297	8,465
Yield rate	29.2%	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: $31,636 Out of state: $49,086	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$14,272	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $12,254 Out of state: $29,704	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	$12,494	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)	82.0% Average amount $11,212	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	33.0% Average amount $4,889	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	8.0% Average amount $7,014	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,779 Men 54.1% Women 45.9%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	21,828 Men 55.8% Women 44.2%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	19.1%	50.6%
International students	20.4%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	16,111	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	Yes	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Illinois California New Jersey Texas New York	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Computer and Information Science Agriculture Education	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	21:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.9%	89.2%
Dropout rate	14.2%	10.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $144,200 Year 2: $138,932 Year 3: $205,343 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $101,262 Year 2: $101,592 Year 3: $118,452 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,177 Year 2: $95,930 Year 3: $115,158 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $88,455 Year 2: $84,100 Year 3: $103,246 Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,923 Year 2: $93,033 Year 3: $99,026 Taxation (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,057 Year 2: $99,404 Year 3: $96,431 Veterinary Medicine (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,448 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $93,057 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,643 Year 2: $87,604 Year 3: $92,498 Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $67,633 Year 2: $74,200 Year 3: $92,189 Engineering Physics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,606 Year 2: $74,845 Year 3: $90,556	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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)?

UW-Madison is particularly strong in areas like business, engineering, and the humanities, with a renowned School of Education and a strong focus on research across various disciplines. UIUC excels in engineering, computer science, and architecture, boasting a highly regarded College of Engineering and a significant presence in technology-related fields. Both universities offer excellent programs across a wide range of subjects, but their specific areas of prominence differ.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UW-Madison and UIUC?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between UW-Madison and UIUC for in-state students. However, for out-of-state students, the total cost can be slightly higher at UW-Madison. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available at both institutions to help offset these costs, so it's important to explore those options.
What is the campus environment like at UW-Madison versus UIUC?

UW-Madison offers a vibrant campus environment centered around the iconic State Street and the Memorial Union, fostering a strong sense of community and school spirit. The campus is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Mendota. UIUC has a large, sprawling campus with a more urban feel, located in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign. It also has a strong sense of community, with numerous student organizations and activities.
How do the research opportunities differ at UW-Madison and UIUC?

Both UW-Madison and UIUC are leading research institutions, providing extensive opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UW-Madison has a particularly strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, with numerous research centers and institutes. UIUC is a powerhouse in engineering and technology research, with significant funding and resources dedicated to these areas. The specific research opportunities available will vary depending on your field of study, so it's important to investigate the faculty and research projects within your area of interest at each university.
What are the student life and extracurricular activities like at UW-Madison and UIUC?

Both universities offer a wide array of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, and sports. UW-Madison is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly football and hockey, and a lively social scene. UIUC also has a robust athletic program and a diverse range of student organizations catering to various interests, including a strong presence in the arts and technology. The specific activities and social atmosphere will vary depending on your personal preferences.
How does the location and surrounding community influence the experience at UW-Madison and UIUC?

UW-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant city with a strong emphasis on arts, culture, and outdoor recreation. The city offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. UIUC is situated in the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, which provide a more suburban environment with a focus on student life and community events. Both locations offer a supportive environment for students, but the specific atmosphere and amenities differ.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at UW-Madison and UIUC?

Both universities have well-developed career services departments that assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. They offer career fairs, resume workshops, and networking opportunities. Job placement rates for graduates are generally strong at both institutions, with graduates finding employment in a variety of industries. The specific career outcomes will depend on your major and career goals.
How do the admission requirements and selectivity compare between UW-Madison and UIUC?

Both UW-Madison and UIUC are highly selective universities. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and extracurricular involvement. The specific requirements and selectivity may vary slightly depending on the program and the applicant pool for each year. It's important to review the specific admission criteria for each university and program you are interested in.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific major, such as engineering or business?

UIUC is generally considered to have a slightly stronger reputation in engineering and computer science, while UW-Madison is often recognized for its strength in business and the humanities. However, both universities offer excellent programs in these and many other fields. The best choice depends on the specific program, faculty, and research opportunities that align with your individual interests and career goals. Research the specific departments and programs within each university to determine the best fit for your academic aspirations.
Are there any significant differences in the diversity of the student body at UW-Madison and UIUC?

Both universities strive for diversity in their student bodies. UIUC, being a large public university, generally has a diverse student population. UW-Madison also has a diverse student body, with ongoing efforts to increase representation from underrepresented groups. The specific demographics may vary slightly, so it's recommended to review the most recent enrollment data available on each university's website.

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