College Comparison
University of Iowa 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
Iowa City, IA
Madison, WI
Total Enrollment
30,779
51,044
Undergrad Enrollment
22,738
38,040
Student-Faculty Ratio
16:1
18:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
83.6%
45.2%
Average GPA
3.80
4.00
SAT Range
1130–1330
1380–1520
ACT Range
21–28
29–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$40
$70
Total Applicants
27,770
65,894
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$21,631
$21,406
Avg Net Price
$20,121
$14,216
Tuition (In-State)
$8,711
$9,273
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$30,674
$37,904
Room & Board
$12,920
$12,133
% Receiving Aid
76.0%
35.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$9,865
$17,741
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
74.0%
89.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
56.0%
73.0%
Retention Rate
90.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$64,762
$73,792
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Explore by Location
Iowa is in Iowa City, IA
Wisconsin is in Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at University of Iowa is $20,121 per year, compared to $14,216 at Wisconsin-Madison. Wisconsin-Madison is $5,905 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at University of Iowa typically score between 1130-1330 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.
University of Iowa has a graduation rate of 74%, while Wisconsin-Madison has a graduation rate of 89%. Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
University of Iowa has a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, while Wisconsin-Madison has a ratio of 18:1. University of Iowa offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At University of Iowa, 76% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $9,865. At Wisconsin-Madison, 35% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,741.
The median earnings for University of Iowa graduates 10 years after enrollment is $64,762, 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.
University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA in a city: small setting. Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI in a city: large setting.