Academic Comparison between University of Wisconsin-Madison and Penn State

University of Wisconsin-Madison and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus 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 Penn State is located in University Park, PA.

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 Penn State ($40,188).
  • It is harder to admit to University of Wisconsin-Madison than Penn State.
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,450) than Penn State (1,310).
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has higher submitted ACT score (30) than Penn State (29).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while University of Wisconsin-Madison has 48,956 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 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 Penn State has 2,994 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Wisconsin-Madisonvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Madison, WisconsinLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
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$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
48%% Receiving Financial Aid56%
$12,757Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,574
43.00 %Acceptance Rates54.00 %
29.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.00 %
1,450SAT Score1,310
30ACT Score29
89 %Graduation Rate83 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
94 %Retention Rate91 %
48,956Student Population50,028
3,724Number of Faculties2,994
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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