Academic Comparison between Northwestern University and University of Wisconsin-Madison

Northwestern University and University of Wisconsin-Madison are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northwestern University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL and University of Wisconsin-Madison is a four-year, public school 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.

  • Northwestern University is a private (not-for-profit) and University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern University has more expensive tuition & fees ($65,997) than University of Wisconsin-Madison ($40,603).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern University than University of Wisconsin-Madison.
  • Northwestern University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,530) than University of Wisconsin-Madison (1,450).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (34) than University of Wisconsin-Madison (30).
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has more students with 48,956 students while Northwestern University has 23,161 students.
  • Northwestern University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 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 Northwestern University has 2,325 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.University of Wisconsin-Madison
Evanston, IllinoisLocationMadison, Wisconsin
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$65,9972024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,205
Out-Of-State$40,603
54%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$53,533Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,757
7.00 %Acceptance Rates43.00 %
57.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.00 %
1,530SAT Score1,450
34ACT Score30
96 %Graduation Rate89 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate94 %
23,161Student Population48,956
2,325Number of Faculties3,724
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial 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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