University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) vs Iowa State
Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two esteemed universities: the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and Iowa State University (ISU). While both institutions offer a wealth of opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. UWM, nestled in the vibrant city of Milwaukee, boasts a diverse student body and a strong focus on undergraduate education, reflected in its higher acceptance rate. ISU, situated in the heart of Ames, Iowa, excels in agricultural sciences and engineering, attracting students seeking specialized programs in these fields. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including popular majors, graduation rates, and student demographics, and make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations and goals.
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![]() Iowa State University |
![]() University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
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Overview |
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Location | Ames, Iowa | Milwaukee, 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 | 88.0% | 76.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 91.1% | 89.0% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$60
|
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$56
|
SAT range | 1083 - 1330 | N/A |
ACT range | 21 - 28 | 18 - 25 |
Students submitting SAT score | 13.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 63.0% | 82.0% |
Total number of applicants | 20,357 | 14,859 |
Total number of admissions given out | 18,550 | 13,218 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 5,387 | 3,358 |
Yield rate | 29.0% | 25.4% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$22,152
Out of state:
$37,964
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In state:
$24,614
Out of state:
$36,479
|
Average net price | $15,422 | $17,083 |
Tuition |
In state:
$8,324
Out of state:
$24,136
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In state:
$8,091
Out of state:
$19,956
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,590
Meal plan:
$4,498
|
Room/dormitory:
$6,274
Meal plan:
$4,189
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
87.0%
Average amount $8,833 |
89.0%
Average amount $4,401 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
47.0%
Average amount $5,202 |
43.0%
Average amount $4,970 |
Students taking out private loans |
11.0%
Average amount $11,630 |
7.0%
Average amount $10,933 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
25,808
Men 56.1% Women 43.9% |
19,411
Men 45.2% Women 54.8% |
Graduate students |
4,900
Men 50.6% Women 49.4% |
4,418
Men 37.3% Women 62.7% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 10.7% |
International students | 8.2% | 4.3% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 9,400 | 4,228 |
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 Missouri Indiana |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 18:1 | 18:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 76.0% | 47.4% |
Dropout rate | 6.1% | 48.0% |
Transferred out | 16.7% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Industrial Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees)
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
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