UW-Madison vs U of K

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, and Lexington, Kentucky, home to two esteemed universities: University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Kentucky. While both institutions offer a world-class education, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. Dive into our comprehensive comparison to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, discover the spectrum of popular majors available, delve into the diverse student body demographics, and assess the impactful graduation rates. This side-by-side analysis empowers you to make an informed decision, aligning your aspirations with the university that best resonates with your academic pursuits and personal growth.

	University of Kentucky	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Lexington, Kentucky	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	86.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	94.0%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1083 - 1330	1320 - 1500
ACT range	22 - 29	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	10.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	70.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	21,695	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	20,396	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,721	8,465
Yield rate	23.1%	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)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $31,690 Out of state: $50,688	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$20,043	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $11,247 Out of state: $30,245	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,650 Meal plan: $4,536	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 $11,623	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	41.0% Average amount $5,177	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $19,204	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	21,900 Men 43.1% Women 56.9%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	8,490 Men 37.7% Women 62.3%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	50.6%
International students	4.0%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	7,294	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Ohio Illinois Georgia Tennessee	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Public Administration and Social Service	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	68.2%	89.2%
Dropout rate	30.6%	10.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $106,223 Year 2: $114,892 Year 3: $134,605 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $81,971 Year 2: $114,730 Year 3: $122,422 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,348 Year 2: $116,083 Year 3: $111,861 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $99,330 Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $102,019 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,048 Year 2: $93,555 Year 3: $98,399 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $83,128 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,062 Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $78,282 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,632 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $76,500 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $71,089 Year 2: $70,512 Year 3: $74,487 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,465 Year 2: $68,666 Year 3: $72,801	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 the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Kentucky?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant city known for its progressive culture and strong emphasis on outdoor activities due to its proximity to lakes. The campus itself is large and integrated with the city, offering a blend of urban and natural settings. The University of Kentucky is situated in Lexington, Kentucky, a city renowned for its horse farms and Southern charm. The campus is more self-contained, with a traditional college-town feel, and offers a more suburban environment.
How do the academic programs compare at UW-Madison and UK?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UW-Madison is particularly strong in areas like engineering, business, and the humanities, with a significant research focus. The University of Kentucky excels in programs related to agriculture, pharmacy, and healthcare, reflecting its land-grant mission and regional strengths. Both universities have highly-regarded programs, but the specific areas of excellence differ.
What is the cost of attendance like at each university?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition at both institutions is higher. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed cost information, including potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities, as these can significantly impact the overall cost.
How would you describe the student life and extracurricular activities at each university?

Student life at UW-Madison is known for its energetic atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on campus traditions, such as Badger football games and the Memorial Union Terrace. There are numerous student organizations, a vibrant Greek life, and a thriving arts scene. The University of Kentucky offers a similar range of activities, with a focus on athletics, particularly basketball, and a strong sense of community. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to get involved and build a social network.
What are the research opportunities like at UW-Madison and UK?

Both universities are major research institutions, providing extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UW-Madison is a leading research university, with significant funding and a wide array of research centers and institutes. The University of Kentucky also has a strong research presence, particularly in areas related to its core strengths, such as healthcare and agriculture. Students at both universities have access to cutting-edge research facilities and the chance to work alongside leading faculty.
How does the admissions process differ between the two universities?

The admissions processes at both universities are competitive. Both consider factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place, so check the specific requirements), extracurricular activities, and essays. UW-Madison often has a slightly more selective admissions process due to its national and international reputation. It's crucial to review the specific admission requirements and deadlines for each university on their respective websites.
What are the career services and job placement rates like at each university?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. UW-Madison benefits from its location in a state capital and its strong connections to various industries. The University of Kentucky has strong ties to regional employers, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and business. Both universities have good job placement rates, with outcomes varying depending on the specific field of study.
How would you describe the diversity and inclusion efforts at each university?

Both universities are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. They offer various programs and resources to support students from underrepresented backgrounds. UW-Madison has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion, with numerous initiatives and student organizations focused on these areas. The University of Kentucky also actively works to create an inclusive environment, with a focus on supporting students from diverse backgrounds and promoting cultural understanding.
What are the housing options like at UW-Madison and UK?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UW-Madison has a range of residence halls, apartments, and off-campus housing options to accommodate students. The University of Kentucky also provides on-campus housing, including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living, as well as numerous off-campus housing choices in the Lexington area. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to research options early.
Which university is better for a student interested in a specific field, such as engineering or agriculture?

UW-Madison is generally considered stronger in engineering, business, and the humanities. The University of Kentucky excels in agriculture, pharmacy, and healthcare. Therefore, the best choice depends on your specific academic interests. Research the specific programs, faculty, and resources available in your chosen field at each university to make an informed decision.

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