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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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

Champaign, IL

Madison, WI

Total Enrollment

59,238

51,044

Undergrad Enrollment

37,140

38,040

Student-Faculty Ratio

20:1

18:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

42.4%

45.2%

Average GPA

3.83

4.00

SAT Range

1310–1520

1380–1520

ACT Range

30–34

29–33

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$50

$70

Total Applicants

73,742

65,894


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$28,562

$21,406

Avg Net Price

$14,297

$14,216

Tuition (In-State)

$14,542

$9,273

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$35,122

$37,904

Room & Board

$14,020

$12,133

% Receiving Aid

52.0%

35.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$19,299

$17,741


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

89.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

76.0%

73.0%

Retention Rate

95.0%

96.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$81,054

$73,792

Explore by Location

Illinois Urbana-Champaign is in Champaign, IL

Wisconsin is in Madison, WI

Want to compare different schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an acceptance rate of 42%, while Wisconsin-Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. This means Illinois Urbana-Champaign is more selective than Wisconsin-Madison.

The average net price at Illinois Urbana-Champaign is $14,297 per year, compared to $14,216 at Wisconsin-Madison. Wisconsin-Madison is $81 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Illinois Urbana-Champaign typically score between 1310-1520 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.

Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a graduation rate of 87%, while Wisconsin-Madison has a graduation rate of 89%. Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, while Wisconsin-Madison has a ratio of 18:1. Wisconsin-Madison offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.

At Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 52% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $19,299. At Wisconsin-Madison, 35% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,741.

The median earnings for Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates 10 years after enrollment is $81,054, compared to $73,792 for Wisconsin-Madison graduates. Graduates from Illinois Urbana-Champaign tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.

Illinois Urbana-Champaign is located in Champaign, IL in a city: small setting. Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI in a city: large setting.