Academic Comparison between University of Wisconsin-Madison and MSU

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

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 (1,450) than MSU (1,250).
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has higher submitted ACT score (30) 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

University of Wisconsin-Madisonvs.Michigan State University
Madison, WisconsinLocationEast Lansing, Michigan
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$11,205
Out-Of-State$40,603
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$17,270
Out-Of-State$44,040
48%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$12,757Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,980
43.00 %Acceptance Rates84.00 %
29.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,450SAT Score1,250
30ACT Score28
89 %Graduation Rate81 %
-Transfer-out Rate10 %
94 %Retention Rate89 %
48,956Student Population50,023
3,724Number of Faculties2,996
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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