College Comparison
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus 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
University Park, PA
Madison, WI
Total Enrollment
50,737
51,044
Undergrad Enrollment
42,604
38,040
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
18:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
60.6%
45.2%
Average GPA
3.87
4.00
SAT Range
1240–1420
1380–1520
ACT Range
27–32
29–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$65
$70
Total Applicants
88,478
65,894
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$34,330
$21,406
Avg Net Price
$27,450
$14,216
Tuition (In-State)
$19,286
$9,273
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$38,102
$37,904
Room & Board
$15,044
$12,133
% Receiving Aid
37.0%
35.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,336
$17,741
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
86.0%
89.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
71.0%
73.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$73,792
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Penn State is in University Park, PA
Wisconsin is in Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is $27,450 per year, compared to $14,216 at Wisconsin-Madison. Wisconsin-Madison is $13,234 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus typically score between 1240-1420 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.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 86%, while Wisconsin-Madison has a graduation rate of 89%. Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while Wisconsin-Madison has a ratio of 18:1. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, 37% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,336. At Wisconsin-Madison, 35% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,741.
The median earnings for Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $63,435, 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.
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is located in University Park, PA in a city: small setting. Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI in a city: large setting.