College Comparison
Purdue 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
West Lafayette, IN
Madison, WI
Total Enrollment
58,658
51,044
Undergrad Enrollment
44,819
38,040
Student-Faculty Ratio
14:1
18:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
49.9%
45.2%
Average GPA
3.90
4.00
SAT Range
1200–1480
1380–1520
ACT Range
27–34
29–33
Test Policy
Required
Optional
Application Fee
$60
$70
Total Applicants
78,745
65,894
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$22,533
$21,406
Avg Net Price
$12,421
$14,216
Tuition (In-State)
$9,718
$9,273
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$28,520
$37,904
Room & Board
$12,815
$12,133
% Receiving Aid
40.0%
35.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$11,294
$17,741
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
77.0%
89.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
58.0%
73.0%
Retention Rate
93.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$73,792
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Explore by Location
Purdue is in West Lafayette, IN
Wisconsin is in Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Purdue University-Main Campus is $12,421 per year, compared to $14,216 at Wisconsin-Madison. Purdue University-Main Campus is $1,795 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Purdue University-Main Campus typically score between 1200-1480 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.
Purdue University-Main Campus has a graduation rate of 77%, while Wisconsin-Madison has a graduation rate of 89%. Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Purdue University-Main Campus has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, while Wisconsin-Madison has a ratio of 18:1. Purdue University-Main Campus offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Purdue University-Main Campus, 40% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $11,294. At Wisconsin-Madison, 35% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,741.
The median earnings for Purdue University-Main Campus graduates 10 years after enrollment is $72,424, 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.
Purdue University-Main Campus is located in West Lafayette, IN in a city: small setting. Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI in a city: large setting.