Academic Comparison between PU and University of Wisconsin-Madison

Purdue University-Main Campus and University of Wisconsin-Madison are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. PU is located in West Lafayette, IN 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.
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,603) than PU ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to University of Wisconsin-Madison than PU.
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,320) than PU (1,320).
  • PU has higher submitted ACT score (31) than University of Wisconsin-Madison (30).
  • PU has more students with 51,528 students while University of Wisconsin-Madison has 48,956 students.
  • PU has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 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 PU has 2,039 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.University of Wisconsin-Madison
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationMadison, 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$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,205
Out-Of-State$40,603
45%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$9,819Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,757
50.00 %Acceptance Rates43.00 %
26.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.00 %
1,320SAT Score1,450
31ACT Score30
83 %Graduation Rate89 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate94 %
51,528Student Population48,956
2,039Number of Faculties3,724
14 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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