UW-Madison vs IU-Bloomington

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, and Bloomington, Indiana, home to two esteemed public universities: University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) and Indiana University-Bloomington (IU-Bloomington). While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. UW-Madison boasts a lower acceptance rate, attracting a diverse student body with a strong emphasis on research. IU-Bloomington, on the other hand, offers a more accessible admissions process and is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and student demographics, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Indiana University-Bloomington	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Bloomington, Indiana	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Small	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	90.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.0%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1160 - 1380	1320 - 1500
ACT range	26 - 32	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	39.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	46,498	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	39,543	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	9,482	8,465
Yield rate	24.0%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not 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: $27,299 Out of state: $54,318	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$13,386	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $9,913 Out of state: $36,932	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,798 Meal plan: $4,300	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)	67.0% Average amount $11,608	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	30.0% Average amount $5,040	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $19,336	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	34,253 Men 50.1% Women 49.9%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	11,075 Men 53.1% Women 46.9%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	43.6%	50.6%
International students	10.4%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	13,484	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Indiana Illinois New Jersey California New York	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	80.8%	89.2%
Dropout rate	7.9%	10.0%
Transferred out	10.2%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $111,595 Year 2: $114,366 Year 3: $123,644 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $95,538 Year 2: $108,370 Year 3: $115,751 Human Computer Interaction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,640 Year 2: $80,355 Year 3: $97,668 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $101,331 Year 2: $76,460 Year 3: $88,260 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,263 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $82,012 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $73,288 Year 2: $67,869 Year 3: $81,338 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,011 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $79,545 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,371 Year 2: $65,832 Year 3: $78,226 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $66,745 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,109 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $74,650	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 Indiana University-Bloomington?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is a large, public research university known for its strong academics, particularly in engineering, business, and life sciences. It's located in the state capital, offering a vibrant city environment. Indiana University-Bloomington (IU-Bloomington) is also a large, public research university, but it's situated in a classic college town. IU is renowned for its music school (Jacobs School of Music), Kelley School of Business, and programs in the humanities and social sciences. UW-Madison tends to have a slightly higher overall academic ranking, while IU-Bloomington is often recognized for its strong sense of community and campus traditions.
Which university is better for students interested in business?

Both UW-Madison and IU-Bloomington have excellent business schools. UW-Madison's Wisconsin School of Business is highly ranked and known for its strong focus on analytics and real estate. IU-Bloomington's Kelley School of Business is also highly regarded, particularly for its programs in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. The 'better' choice depends on your specific interests within business and your preferred learning environment. Research the specific programs and faculty at each school to determine the best fit.
How do the campus environments compare?

UW-Madison is located in the bustling city of Madison, Wisconsin, offering a mix of urban and campus life. Students have access to a wide range of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options. IU-Bloomington, on the other hand, is situated in a more traditional college town. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and green spaces, creating a strong sense of community. Bloomington offers a more focused college experience, while Madison provides a broader range of city amenities.
What are the typical tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students?

Tuition costs vary annually, but generally, UW-Madison and IU-Bloomington have similar tuition structures. In-state tuition is significantly lower than out-of-state tuition at both universities. It's best to check the official websites of UW-Madison and IU-Bloomington for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information. Also, consider the cost of living in each city, as Madison may have a slightly higher cost of living than Bloomington.
Which university has a stronger focus on research?

Both UW-Madison and IU-Bloomington are major research universities with significant research funding and opportunities. UW-Madison is particularly strong in STEM fields, with extensive research facilities and programs in engineering, medicine, and agriculture. IU-Bloomington also has a strong research presence, especially in areas like music, social sciences, and information science. Students at both universities have opportunities to participate in research projects with faculty.
How do the student populations compare in terms of diversity?

Both UW-Madison and IU-Bloomington strive to create diverse and inclusive campus environments. UW-Madison has a larger overall student population, which contributes to a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. IU-Bloomington also has a diverse student body, with a significant international student population. Both universities offer various programs and resources to support students from diverse backgrounds.
What are the popular majors at each university?

At UW-Madison, popular majors include engineering, business, biology, computer science, and political science. At IU-Bloomington, popular majors include business, music (through the Jacobs School of Music), journalism, education, and public health. While there is overlap, UW-Madison is often seen as stronger in technical fields, while IU-Bloomington is renowned for its arts and humanities programs.
What are the athletic programs like at UW-Madison and IU-Bloomington?

Both UW-Madison and IU-Bloomington are members of the Big Ten Conference and have strong athletic programs. UW-Madison is known for its successful football, basketball, and hockey teams. IU-Bloomington is renowned for its basketball and soccer programs, with a rich history in both sports. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports for students to participate in and support.
What kind of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available?

Both UW-Madison and IU-Bloomington offer a variety of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. These include need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and federal student loans. It's essential to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for financial aid. Check the financial aid websites of both universities for specific scholarship opportunities and application deadlines.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The 'better' university depends entirely on your individual needs, interests, and preferences. Consider your academic goals, desired campus environment, financial situation, and extracurricular interests. Visit both campuses if possible, talk to current students and faculty, and carefully research the programs and resources offered at each university. Ultimately, the best fit is the university where you feel you can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

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