UChicago vs. Wisconsin

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Chicago in Chicago, IL with University of Wisconsin Madison in Madison, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin Madison is larger than UChicago based on total student enrollment (51,044 students vs. 18,566 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); University of Wisconsin Madison is in Madison, WI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Madison is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; University of Wisconsin Madison 18:1.

UChicago vs. Wisconsin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Wisconsin? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Wisconsin Madison than UChicago ($14,235 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wisconsin Madison are 29.8% lower than at University of Chicago ($14,124 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 509% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wisconsin (about $59,059 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $11,603.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.8% higher at UChicago than at University of Wisconsin Madison (about $28,559 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $42,103.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Chicago than at University of Wisconsin Madison (47% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 251.2% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Madison students ($62,300 vs. $17,741).

UChicago vs. Wisconsin Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago or Wisconsin? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Wisconsin and UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 100 points higher than at Wisconsin (1450).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at Wisconsin).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; University of Wisconsin Madison 1380/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; University of Wisconsin Madison 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Wisconsin - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wisconsin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Wisconsin (3.88).
• Wisconsin has a higher acceptance rate (45.2%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 28.6% at Wisconsin.

UChicago vs. Wisconsin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago and Wisconsin? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than University of Wisconsin Madison's (82%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $33,700 more per year than Wisconsin graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Wisconsin graduates ($14,500 vs. $22,250).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wisconsin graduates ($149 vs. $230).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wisconsin students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.