College Comparison
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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
Ann Arbor, MI
Madison, WI
Total Enrollment
52,855
51,044
Undergrad Enrollment
34,454
38,040
Student-Faculty Ratio
11:1
18:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
15.6%
45.2%
Average GPA
3.90
4.00
SAT Range
1360–1530
1380–1520
ACT Range
31–34
29–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$70
Total Applicants
98,310
65,894
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$32,782
$21,406
Avg Net Price
$19,005
$14,216
Tuition (In-State)
$17,454
$9,273
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$56,941
$37,904
Room & Board
$15,328
$12,133
% Receiving Aid
59.0%
35.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$25,099
$17,741
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
89.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
83.0%
73.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$83,648
$73,792
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Explore by Location
Michigan is in Ann Arbor, MI
Wisconsin is in Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Michigan-Ann Arbor is $19,005 per year, compared to $14,216 at Wisconsin-Madison. Wisconsin-Madison is $4,789 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Michigan-Ann Arbor typically score between 1360-1530 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.
Michigan-Ann Arbor has a graduation rate of 94%, while Wisconsin-Madison has a graduation rate of 89%. Michigan-Ann Arbor has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Michigan-Ann Arbor has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, while Wisconsin-Madison has a ratio of 18:1. Michigan-Ann Arbor offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Michigan-Ann Arbor, 59% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $25,099. At Wisconsin-Madison, 35% of students receive aid with an average grant of $17,741.
The median earnings for Michigan-Ann Arbor graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,648, compared to $73,792 for Wisconsin-Madison graduates. Graduates from Michigan-Ann Arbor tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Michigan-Ann Arbor is located in Ann Arbor, MI in a city: midsize setting. Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI in a city: large setting.

