University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Wisconsin

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Missouri Columbia in Columbia, MO 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 University of Missouri-Columbia based on total student enrollment (51,044 students vs. 31,543 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Missouri Columbia is located in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting); University of Wisconsin Madison is in Madison, WI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Missouri Columbia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Madison is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Missouri Columbia 17:1; University of Wisconsin Madison 18:1.

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Wisconsin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Missouri-Columbia 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 University of Missouri-Columbia ($14,235 vs. $22,169).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Missouri Columbia are 3% lower than at University of Wisconsin Madison ($13,700 vs. $14,124).
• University of Missouri Columbia is 27.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wisconsin (about $3,234 more per year; $14,837.00 vs. $11,603.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.8% higher at Wisconsin than at University of Missouri Columbia (about $6,047 more per year; $42,103.00 vs. $36,056.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Missouri Columbia than at University of Wisconsin Madison (95% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Wisconsin Madison students is 34.4% larger than aid received by University of Missouri Columbia students ($17,741 vs. $13,203).

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Wisconsin Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Missouri-Columbia 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 University of Missouri-Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Wisconsin Madison (1450) is 210 points higher than at University of Missouri-Columbia (1240).
• Incoming Wisconsin students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 26 at University of Missouri-Columbia).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Missouri Columbia 1150/1330; University of Wisconsin Madison 1380/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Missouri Columbia 23/30; University of Wisconsin Madison 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Missouri-Columbia - Test optional; Wisconsin - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Wisconsin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wisconsin students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at University of Missouri-Columbia (3.61).
• University of Missouri-Columbia has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Wisconsin (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31% at University of Missouri-Columbia vs. 28.6% at Wisconsin.

University of Missouri-Columbia vs. Wisconsin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Missouri-Columbia 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 Wisconsin Madison's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than University of Missouri Columbia's (69%).
• Graduates from University of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than University of Missouri-Columbia graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $54,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Missouri Columbia graduates have a $367 lower median loan debt than Wisconsin graduates ($21,883 vs. $22,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Missouri-Columbia graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wisconsin graduates ($226 vs. $230).
• More Wisconsin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Missouri-Columbia students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 73%)

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.