College Comparison
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
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Illinois Urbana-Champaign is in Champaign, IL
Wisconsin is in Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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.

