College Comparison
Michigan State University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
East Lansing, MI
Madison, WI
Total Enrollment
52,089
51,044
Undergrad Enrollment
41,234
38,040
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
18:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
84.8%
45.2%
Average GPA
3.80
4.00
SAT Range
1180–1360
1380–1520
ACT Range
25–31
29–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$70
Total Applicants
62,138
65,894
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$29,001
$21,406
Avg Net Price
$24,630
$14,216
Tuition (In-State)
$16,437
$9,273
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$42,427
$37,904
Room & Board
$12,564
$12,133
% Receiving Aid
88.0%
35.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,750
$17,741
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
89.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
66.0%
73.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$67,253
$73,792
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Explore by Location
Michigan State is in East Lansing, MI
Wisconsin is in Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Michigan State University is $24,630 per year, compared to $14,216 at Wisconsin-Madison. Wisconsin-Madison is $10,414 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Michigan State University typically score between 1180-1360 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Wisconsin-Madison, the typical SAT range is 1380-1520. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Michigan State University has a graduation rate of 84%, while Wisconsin-Madison has a graduation rate of 89%. Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Michigan State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, while Wisconsin-Madison has a ratio of 18:1. Michigan State University offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Michigan State University, 88% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $9,750. At Wisconsin-Madison, 35% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,741.
The median earnings for Michigan State University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $67,253, compared to $73,792 for Wisconsin-Madison graduates. Graduates from Wisconsin-Madison tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI in a city: small setting. Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI in a city: large setting.