Academic Comparison between MSU and University of Wisconsin-Madison

Michigan State University and University of Wisconsin-Madison are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI and University of Wisconsin-Madison is located in Madison, WI.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,040) than University of Wisconsin-Madison ($40,603).
  • It is harder to admit to University of Wisconsin-Madison than MSU.
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than MSU (1,250).
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • MSU has more students with 50,023 students while University of Wisconsin-Madison has 48,956 students.
  • MSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while University of Wisconsin-Madison's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,724 faculties while MSU has 2,996 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.University of Wisconsin-Madison
East Lansing, MichiganLocationMadison, Wisconsin
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$17,270
Out-Of-State$44,040
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,205
Out-Of-State$40,603
69%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$10,980Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,757
84.00 %Acceptance Rates43.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.00 %
1,250SAT Score1,450
28ACT Score30
81 %Graduation Rate89 %
10 %Transfer-out Rate-
89 %Retention Rate94 %
50,023Student Population48,956
2,996Number of Faculties3,724
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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