UW-Madison vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN)

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and a vibrant campus life, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. With acceptance rates of 52% and 49%, respectively, these universities attract a diverse pool of talented students. UW-Madison boasts a slightly larger student body, with over 40,000 undergraduates, while UMN-Twin Cities has a more balanced gender ratio. Dive into our comprehensive comparison table to explore the nuances of these two esteemed universities, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, and embark on an enriching educational journey that will shape your future.

	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Minneapolis, Minnesota	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	92.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	73.2%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1310 - 1490	1320 - 1500
ACT range	27 - 32	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	7.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	41.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	35,905	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	26,295	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,883	8,465
Yield rate	26.2%	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: $29,416 Out of state: $47,980	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$17,468	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $13,532 Out of state: $32,096	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,654 Meal plan: $4,860	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)	65.0% Average amount $10,362	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	37.0% Average amount $5,188	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $14,830	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	36,209 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	16,167 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	28.7%	50.6%
International students	9.7%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	7,558	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Minnesota Wisconsin Illinois North Dakota California	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

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

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.2%	89.2%
Dropout rate	5.2%	10.0%
Transferred out	9.3%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $124,702 Year 2: $140,032 Year 3: $149,958 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $97,739 Year 2: $121,673 Year 3: $129,233 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $117,587 Year 2: $112,319 Year 3: $124,271 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $76,570 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $85,198 Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,084 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $83,343 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,239 Year 2: $72,286 Year 3: $82,926 Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,261 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $82,547 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,091 Year 2: $72,022 Year 3: $79,753 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,745 Year 2: $70,176 Year 3: $79,071 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,508 Year 2: $68,943 Year 3: $78,938	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 Minnesota-Twin Cities (UMN-Twin Cities)?

UW-Madison is particularly renowned for its strong programs in engineering, business, and the humanities, with a notable emphasis on research across all disciplines. UMN-Twin Cities excels in medicine, engineering, and the sciences, and also boasts strong programs in agriculture and design. Both universities are highly regarded research institutions, but their specific areas of prominence differ slightly.
How does the cost of attendance compare between UW-Madison and UMN-Twin Cities?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is generally comparable between the two universities. However, specific costs can vary depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and the student's individual lifestyle. It's recommended to consult the official university websites for the most up-to-date and detailed financial information.
What is the campus environment like at UW-Madison versus UMN-Twin Cities?

UW-Madison has a classic, picturesque campus centered around a large lake, offering a vibrant atmosphere with a strong sense of community and school spirit. UMN-Twin Cities has a larger, more urban campus split into the East Bank and West Bank, providing a diverse and dynamic environment with easy access to the city of Minneapolis and its cultural attractions. Both campuses offer a wide range of student activities and organizations.
How do the student populations differ at UW-Madison and UMN-Twin Cities?

Both universities have large and diverse student populations. UW-Madison tends to attract a slightly higher percentage of out-of-state students, while UMN-Twin Cities has a larger overall student body. Both universities have a strong representation of students from various backgrounds, offering a rich and inclusive learning environment.
What are the opportunities for research and internships at UW-Madison and UMN-Twin Cities?

Both universities are leading research institutions, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects. They also have strong career services departments that facilitate internships and job placements with leading companies and organizations. The specific opportunities available will vary depending on the student's field of study.
How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

UW-Madison's location in Madison, Wisconsin, offers a quintessential college town experience with a focus on outdoor activities, a vibrant downtown, and a strong sense of community. UMN-Twin Cities, located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, provides access to a major metropolitan area with diverse cultural attractions, a thriving job market, and a wider range of entertainment options.
What are the athletic programs like at UW-Madison and UMN-Twin Cities?

Both universities have highly competitive athletic programs in the Big Ten Conference. UW-Madison's Badgers are known for their success in hockey, football, and basketball, while UMN-Twin Cities' Golden Gophers are strong in hockey, wrestling, and other sports. Both schools have a strong tradition of school spirit and fan support.
How do the admission requirements compare between UW-Madison and UMN-Twin Cities?

Admission requirements are generally similar, with both universities considering factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), extracurricular activities, and essays. Admission to both universities is competitive, and the specific requirements may vary depending on the program of study. It's important to review the specific requirements for each university on their respective websites.
What are the housing options like at UW-Madison and UMN-Twin Cities?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UW-Madison has a range of residence halls and apartments, while UMN-Twin Cities offers residence halls, apartments, and access to off-campus housing resources. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to research options and apply early.
Which university is a better fit for me: UW-Madison or UMN-Twin Cities?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. Consider your preferred campus environment, academic interests, career aspirations, and financial situation. If you prefer a classic college town experience with a strong sense of community, UW-Madison might be a good choice. If you prefer a more urban environment with access to a major city, UMN-Twin Cities might be a better fit. Research both universities thoroughly and visit if possible to get a feel for the campus culture.

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