UC Irvine vs UW-Madison

Nestled in the heart of sunny California, University of California-Irvine (UCI) and the prestigious University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) stand as beacons of higher learning, each offering a unique educational experience. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects. UCI boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its highly selective admissions process, while UW-Madison offers a more diverse student body, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity. When it comes to popular majors, UCI excels in biological sciences and engineering, while UW-Madison shines in social sciences and humanities. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve deeper into these differences and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of California-Irvine	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Irvine, California	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	93.0%	95.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	28.8%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $120	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	1320 - 1500
ACT range	N/A	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score		15.0%
Students submitting ACT score		55.0%
Total number of applicants	107,950	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	31,110	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,489	8,465
Yield rate	20.9%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $35,033 Out of state: $64,787	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$11,633	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $11,442 Out of state: $41,196	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	$16,869	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	78.0% Average amount $16,868	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	18.0% Average amount $4,696	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $7,702	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	29,449 Men 45.4% Women 54.6%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	7,056 Men 49.8% Women 50.2%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	13.5%	50.6%
International students	18.0%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	15,493	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Hawaii Texas New York	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Biological and Biomedical Sciences Health Professions Engineering Education	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.7%	89.2%
Dropout rate	6.4%	10.0%
Transferred out	9.1%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $122,124 Year 2: $190,536 Year 3: $178,048 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $104,708 Year 2: $90,983 Year 3: $109,642 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $109,417 Year 2: $115,339 Year 3: $102,324 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $77,451 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $101,335 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,618 Year 2: $81,929 Year 3: $95,882 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,284 Year 3: $95,654 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,796 Year 2: $73,128 Year 3: $86,654 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,841 Year 2: $65,332 Year 3: $85,004 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,056 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $80,300 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,396 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $80,210	Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $131,458 Marketing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $113,083 Year 2: $111,992 Year 3: $130,357 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $112,390 Year 2: $113,091 Year 3: $124,360 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $96,320 Year 2: $117,042 Year 3: $123,777 Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $110,338 Year 2: $106,421 Year 3: $111,424 Real Estate (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $115,339 Year 3: $104,219 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $115,387 Year 2: $100,213 Year 3: $103,937 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $78,839 Year 2: $81,997 Year 3: $97,306 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $85,538 Year 3: $94,093 Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,730 Year 2: $73,949 Year 3: $91,306

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences in location and campus environment between UC Irvine and UW-Madison?

UC Irvine is located in Irvine, California, a suburban city known for its safety, planned communities, and proximity to Southern California beaches and attractions. The campus is modern and well-maintained. UW-Madison is situated in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant city with a strong college-town atmosphere. The campus is integrated with the city, offering a blend of historic and modern architecture, and is located on a beautiful isthmus between two lakes, providing ample outdoor recreational opportunities.
How do the academic programs compare at UC Irvine and UW-Madison?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UC Irvine is particularly strong in computer science, engineering, biological sciences, and the arts. UW-Madison excels in areas such as engineering, business, law, and the humanities. UW-Madison is also known for its strong research focus and graduate programs. The specific strengths of each program will vary, so it's important to research the departments within each university that align with your academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance like at UC Irvine versus UW-Madison?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, for in-state students, both universities offer relatively affordable tuition compared to private institutions. However, out-of-state tuition at both universities is significantly higher. Living expenses, particularly housing, can vary depending on the location. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date cost information and financial aid opportunities.
How does the student body and campus culture differ between the two universities?

UC Irvine has a diverse student body, reflecting the demographics of Southern California. The campus culture is often described as collaborative and focused on innovation. UW-Madison also has a diverse student body, with a strong sense of community and school spirit. The campus culture is known for its activism, social events, and a strong emphasis on tradition, including the famous Badger football games.
What are the research opportunities like at UC Irvine and UW-Madison?

Both universities are major research institutions, providing ample opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research. UW-Madison is particularly renowned for its research output and funding. UC Irvine also has a strong research focus, especially in areas like health sciences and technology. The availability of specific research opportunities will depend on your chosen field of study and the faculty you work with.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare?

Both universities offer robust career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. They provide resources such as career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Job placement rates vary by major and industry, but both universities have strong alumni networks and connections to employers. Researching the specific career services offered by each university and the placement rates for your desired field is recommended.
What are the extracurricular activities and student life options at UC Irvine and UW-Madison?

Both universities offer a wide array of extracurricular activities, including student organizations, clubs, sports, and arts programs. UC Irvine has a strong emphasis on student involvement and offers numerous opportunities for leadership and community engagement. UW-Madison is known for its vibrant student life, with a wide range of social events, Greek life, and outdoor activities. The specific activities and opportunities will vary, so it's best to explore the university websites and student organization listings to find what interests you.
How does the climate and weather differ between the two locations?

UC Irvine enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny weather year-round. Winters are mild, and summers are hot and dry. UW-Madison experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are warm and humid. The weather is a significant factor to consider when choosing a university, especially if you have a preference for a particular climate.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity of UC Irvine and UW-Madison?

Both universities are highly selective. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The specific requirements and selectivity rates can vary from year to year, so it's essential to check the official admissions websites for the most current information. Both universities consider a holistic review of applications.
Which university is better for me: UC Irvine or UW-Madison?

The 'better' university depends on your individual preferences, academic interests, and career goals. Consider factors such as location, campus environment, academic programs, cost, and student life. If you prefer a warm climate, a modern campus, and a focus on innovation, UC Irvine might be a good fit. If you prefer a vibrant college town, a strong sense of community, and a wide range of academic programs, UW-Madison might be a better choice. Researching the specific programs and departments that interest you at each university is crucial to making an informed decision.

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