UW-Madison vs Florida State

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, or Tallahassee, Florida, home to the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Madison and Florida State University, respectively. While both institutions offer a world-class education, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. Dive into our comprehensive comparison to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Explore the contrasting acceptance rates, delve into the diverse range of popular majors, discover the unique demographics of their student bodies, and assess the remarkable graduation rates. This side-by-side analysis empowers you to make an informed decision, aligning your aspirations with the ideal academic environment.

	Florida State University	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Tallahassee, Florida	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	94.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	37.1%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $30	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1180 - 1340	1320 - 1500
ACT range	26 - 30	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	65.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	36.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	65,235	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	24,183	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	7,619	8,465
Yield rate	31.5%	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: $23,476 Out of state: $36,606	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$12,684	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $4,022 Out of state: $16,540	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,020 Meal plan: $4,856	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	94.0% Average amount $10,620	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	19.0% Average amount $4,996	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	2.0% Average amount $13,430	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	33,593 Men 42.9% Women 57.1%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	11,537 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	15.7%	50.6%
International students	4.2%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,709	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida Georgia New Jersey New York Illinois	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Visual & Performing Arts Legal Profession	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.2%	89.2%
Dropout rate	10.9%	10.0%
Transferred out	5.3%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $86,926 Year 2: $92,632 Year 3: $102,429 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,442 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $89,448 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,610 Year 2: $68,305 Year 3: $78,263 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,971 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $78,057 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,179 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $77,718 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $78,794 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $77,527 Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,567 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,845 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,881 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $74,476 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $74,364 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,216 Year 2: $60,325 Year 3: $72,686	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 main differences between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Florida State University?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is a large, public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, known for its strong academic programs, particularly in STEM fields, and its vibrant campus culture. Florida State University (FSU) is also a large, public research university, but it's located in Tallahassee, Florida. FSU is recognized for its programs in film, music, and political science, and offers a warmer climate and a different cultural experience compared to UW-Madison.
How do the academic reputations of UW-Madison and FSU compare?

UW-Madison generally holds a higher national ranking than FSU. UW-Madison is particularly strong in engineering, biological sciences, and social sciences, while FSU excels in areas like film, music, and criminology. Both are respected research institutions, but UW-Madison often has a stronger reputation for research output and graduate programs across a wider range of disciplines.
What is the cost of attendance at UW-Madison versus FSU?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. Generally, UW-Madison is more expensive for out-of-state students compared to in-state students. FSU also has different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. It's important to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, as well as to consider living expenses, which can differ significantly between Madison and Tallahassee.
What is the campus environment like at each university?

UW-Madison has a classic college town feel, with a lively atmosphere centered around State Street and the beautiful Lake Mendota. The campus is known for its strong school spirit and active student organizations. FSU's campus is located in Tallahassee, the state capital, offering a blend of college town and city life. FSU is known for its strong Greek life and passionate sports fans, particularly for football.
How do the climates differ between UW-Madison and FSU?

The climate is a significant difference. UW-Madison experiences cold winters with snow and ice, and warm summers. FSU, located in Florida, has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. If you prefer warmer weather, FSU is the better choice. If you enjoy experiencing all four seasons, including a snowy winter, UW-Madison might be a better fit.
What are the popular majors at UW-Madison and FSU?

At UW-Madison, popular majors include engineering, business, biology, computer science, and political science. At FSU, popular majors include business, psychology, biological science, criminology, and visual and performing arts, especially film. Consider your academic interests when making your decision.
What are the admission requirements for UW-Madison and FSU?

Both universities require a strong academic record, including a challenging high school curriculum and competitive standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply, so check their websites). UW-Madison is generally considered more selective than FSU, so a higher GPA and test scores may be needed for admission. Both universities also consider extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation.
What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at each university?

Both UW-Madison and FSU offer a range of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and student loans. The specific types and amounts of aid available will depend on your individual financial situation and academic qualifications. It's crucial to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and explore scholarship opportunities offered by both the universities and external organizations.
What are the career opportunities like after graduating from UW-Madison and FSU?

Both universities offer career services to help students find internships and jobs after graduation. UW-Madison's location in the Midwest provides access to opportunities in industries like manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. FSU's location in Florida offers opportunities in tourism, hospitality, government, and the arts. The specific career opportunities available will depend on your major and career goals.
How do the student bodies compare in terms of diversity?

Both UW-Madison and FSU strive to create diverse and inclusive campus environments. FSU tends to have a higher percentage of students from Florida and the Southeast, while UW-Madison draws students from across the United States and internationally. Both universities have various programs and initiatives to support students from diverse backgrounds.
What are the athletic programs like at UW-Madison and FSU?

Both universities have strong athletic programs and are members of major conferences (Big Ten for UW-Madison and ACC for FSU). UW-Madison is known for its successful football, basketball, and hockey teams. FSU is particularly renowned for its football program, but also has strong basketball, baseball, and other sports teams. Both universities offer a vibrant sports culture and opportunities for students to participate in intramural and club sports.
What are some unique aspects of each university?

UW-Madison is known for its strong research focus, its beautiful campus on Lake Mendota, and its vibrant State Street scene. FSU is known for its film school, its proximity to the state capital, and its strong school spirit, particularly surrounding football. Consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.

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