Academic Comparison between University of Wisconsin-Madison and Northwestern University

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

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.

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public and Northwestern University is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,450) than University of Wisconsin-Madison (1,450).
  • Northwestern University has higher submitted ACT score (30) 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

University of Wisconsin-Madisonvs.Northwestern University
Madison, WisconsinLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
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$65,997
48%% Receiving Financial Aid54%
$12,757Average Amount of Financial Aid$53,533
43.35 %Acceptance Rates7.15 %
28.93 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)57.01 %
1,450SAT Score1,530
30ACT Score34
89 %Graduation Rate96 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
94 %Retention Rate98 %
48,956Student Population23,161
3,724Number of Faculties2,325
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
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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