UW-Madison vs University of Washington-Seattle Campus (UDub)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, or Seattle, Washington, home to two esteemed universities: University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Washington-Seattle Campus. 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 with a strong focus on research. UW-Seattle, on the other hand, is more selective, fostering a collaborative learning environment with an emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that will help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	University of Washington-Seattle Campus	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Seattle, Washington	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	93.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	53.5%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $80 Graduate: $85	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	48,840	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	26,121	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,252	8,465
Yield rate	27.8%	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: $30,640 Out of state: $58,470	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$8,701	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $10,927 Out of state: $38,757	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	$14,871	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	41.0% Average amount $15,895	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	19.0% Average amount $4,460	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $24,258	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	36,201 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	16,233 Men 42.7% Women 57.3%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	50.6%
International students	14.8%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	11,123	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

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

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.9%	89.2%
Dropout rate	15.6%	10.0%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $189,764 Year 2: $218,927 Year 3: $206,965 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $116,990 Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $154,987 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $137,584 Year 2: $120,252 Year 3: $152,099 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $133,070 Year 2: $127,652 Year 3: $142,606 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $91,744 Year 3: $141,725 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $121,620 Year 2: $124,420 Year 3: $137,488 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $121,083 Year 2: $121,294 Year 3: $131,592 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $94,893 Year 2: $118,349 Year 3: $127,982 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,634 Year 2: $113,228 Year 3: $125,171 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $106,287 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $121,695	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 UW-Seattle?

UW-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant city known for its progressive politics and strong community feel. The campus is situated on an isthmus between two lakes, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. UW-Seattle is located in Seattle, Washington, a major metropolitan city with a thriving tech industry and a diverse cultural scene. The campus is in the University District, providing easy access to city amenities and a more urban environment. UW-Madison offers a more traditional college town experience, while UW-Seattle provides a more urban and career-focused atmosphere.
How do the academic programs compare at UW-Madison and UW-Seattle?

Both universities are highly regarded for their academic excellence. UW-Madison is particularly strong in fields like engineering, business, and the humanities, with a renowned agricultural program. UW-Seattle excels in computer science, engineering, medicine, and global health, benefiting from its proximity to major tech companies and research institutions. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, allowing students to pursue their academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance like at UW-Madison versus UW-Seattle?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, varies depending on residency status. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition is higher at both institutions. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, as well as potential financial aid opportunities, scholarships, and grants.
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 traditions like Badger football games and the Mifflin Street Block Party. The campus culture is often described as friendly and collaborative. UW-Seattle has a more diverse student body and a more independent atmosphere. Students at UW-Seattle often have a strong focus on career development and research opportunities. Both universities offer a wide array of student organizations, clubs, and activities to cater to diverse interests.
What are the research opportunities like at UW-Madison and UW-Seattle?

Both universities are leading research institutions with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UW-Madison has a strong research presence in areas like agriculture, medicine, and environmental science. UW-Seattle is a hub for research in computer science, engineering, and global health, with close ties to major tech companies and research organizations. Students at both universities have access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to work with leading researchers in their fields.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare?

Both universities have robust career services departments that provide students with resources for career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. UW-Madison's career services often focus on connecting students with opportunities in the Midwest and across the country. UW-Seattle's career services benefit from the university's location in a major tech hub, providing strong connections to companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. Both universities have excellent job placement rates for graduates.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity of each university?

Both UW-Madison and UW-Seattle are highly selective universities. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The specific requirements and selectivity rates can vary from year to year, so it's essential to consult the official admissions websites for the most current information. Both universities look for well-rounded students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to their communities.
How does the alumni network differ between UW-Madison and UW-Seattle?

Both universities boast extensive and active alumni networks. UW-Madison's alumni network is particularly strong in the Midwest and across the United States, with a loyal and engaged alumni base. UW-Seattle's alumni network is well-connected in the Pacific Northwest and globally, especially in the tech and healthcare industries. Both networks provide valuable resources for career networking, mentorship, and professional development.
Which university is better for a student interested in outdoor recreation?

UW-Madison offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, with its location on the lakes providing opportunities for boating, swimming, and other water activities. The campus also has access to hiking and biking trails. UW-Seattle is also well-situated for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to the Cascade Mountains, Puget Sound, and numerous parks and trails. Both universities provide ample opportunities for students to enjoy the outdoors, but the specific activities and scenery differ based on the location.
How do the housing options compare at UW-Madison and UW-Seattle?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. UW-Madison has a range of residence halls and apartments, as well as numerous off-campus housing options in the city of Madison. UW-Seattle also provides on-campus housing, including residence halls and apartments, and a wide selection of off-campus housing in the University District and surrounding neighborhoods. The availability and cost of housing can vary, so it's important to research options and apply early.

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