UW-Madison vs Ohio State

Envision yourself as a student, standing at the crossroads of two prestigious universities: the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Ohio State University-Main Campus. Both institutions offer a world-class education, but they also possess distinct characteristics that may influence your academic journey. This side-by-side comparison delves into the intricacies of each university, highlighting key differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the nuances that set these institutions apart and discover which one aligns best with your aspirations and goals. Dive into the comparison table to uncover a wealth of information that will guide you toward making an informed decision about your future.

	Ohio State University-Main Campus	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Columbus, Ohio	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Large	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	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	57.2%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1250 - 1440	1320 - 1500
ACT range	26 - 32	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	21.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	64.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	58,180	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	33,269	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	8,423	8,465
Yield rate	25.3%	26.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $27,796 Out of state: $50,879	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$19,474	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $11,018 Out of state: $34,101	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	$13,392	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	72.0% Average amount $11,830	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	36.0% Average amount $5,228	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $17,841	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	47,106 Men 50.3% Women 49.7%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	14,571 Men 41.6% Women 58.4%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	25.1%	50.6%
International students	9.1%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	15,129	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Ohio New York Illinois New Jersey Pennsylvania	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Education Business Public Administration and Social Service	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	88.0%	89.2%
Dropout rate	3.8%	10.0%
Transferred out	7.1%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Dentistry (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $232,029 Year 2: $248,619 Year 3: $267,734 Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $177,325 Year 3: $228,908 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $116,968 Year 2: $121,226 Year 3: $143,684 Veterinary Medicine (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $155,311 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $132,262 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $108,826 Year 2: $104,749 Year 3: $125,137 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $99,951 Year 2: $120,498 Year 3: $122,881 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,639 Year 2: $108,577 Year 3: $115,825 Physics (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,371 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $107,219 Optometry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $89,790 Year 2: $99,983 Year 3: $105,922 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,188 Year 2: $87,470 Year 3: $100,687	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 Ohio State University?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) and Ohio State University (OSU) are both large, public research universities, but they differ in several key areas. UW-Madison is located in the state capital of Wisconsin, offering a blend of academic rigor and vibrant city life centered around the isthmus. OSU, situated in Columbus, Ohio, provides a more urban campus experience within a large and diverse city. Academically, while both are strong across many disciplines, UW-Madison is particularly renowned for its programs in biological sciences, engineering, and social sciences, while OSU excels in areas like business, medicine, and agriculture. Culturally, UW-Madison has a reputation for a strong sense of community and a focus on outdoor activities, while OSU boasts a massive and passionate alumni network and a strong emphasis on athletics.
Which school is larger: UW-Madison or Ohio State?

Ohio State University is significantly larger than the University of Wisconsin-Madison in terms of student population. OSU typically enrolls over 60,000 students, while UW-Madison has a student body of around 45,000. This difference in size can impact class sizes, campus atmosphere, and the availability of resources.
How do the academic reputations of UW-Madison and Ohio State compare?

Both UW-Madison and Ohio State are highly regarded academic institutions. UW-Madison is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States, particularly known for its research output and strong programs in fields like engineering, life sciences, and social sciences. Ohio State also holds a strong academic reputation, especially in areas such as business, medicine, and agriculture. While rankings fluctuate, both universities offer a wide range of excellent academic programs and attract top faculty and students.
What are the tuition costs like at UW-Madison and Ohio State?

Tuition costs vary depending on residency status. Generally, for in-state students, UW-Madison tends to have slightly lower tuition rates compared to Ohio State. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition costs are more comparable. It's important to check the most up-to-date tuition information on each university's website, as costs can change annually. Also, consider the overall cost of attendance, including room and board, fees, and other expenses.
How do the campus environments differ between UW-Madison and Ohio State?

UW-Madison's campus is located on an isthmus between two lakes, offering beautiful natural surroundings and a strong connection to outdoor activities. The city of Madison is known for its progressive politics, vibrant arts scene, and numerous bike paths and parks. Ohio State's campus is situated in the heart of Columbus, a large and diverse city with a more urban feel. OSU's campus is larger and more spread out, with a greater emphasis on athletics and a strong sense of school spirit. Both campuses offer a wide range of student activities and organizations, but the overall atmosphere and surrounding environment differ significantly.
Which school has a stronger focus on athletics?

While both universities have strong athletic programs, Ohio State University is generally considered to have a stronger emphasis on athletics, particularly football. OSU's football team is consistently ranked among the top in the nation, and the university has a large and passionate fan base. UW-Madison also has a strong athletic program, with competitive teams in various sports, but athletics may not be as central to the overall campus culture as it is at Ohio State.
What are the popular majors at UW-Madison and Ohio State?

At UW-Madison, popular majors include Biology, Engineering (various disciplines), Economics, Political Science, and Psychology. At Ohio State, popular majors include Business Administration, Engineering (various disciplines), Biology, Nursing, and Psychology. Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs, but these are some of the most commonly pursued fields of study.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Both UW-Madison and Ohio State offer comprehensive career services to their students, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. UW-Madison benefits from its location in the state capital, providing access to government and non-profit organizations, as well as a growing tech sector. Ohio State's location in Columbus offers access to a diverse range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can provide valuable connections and internship opportunities.
What is the social scene like at UW-Madison and Ohio State?

UW-Madison is known for its vibrant social scene, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities, live music, and a lively bar scene. The city of Madison offers a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Ohio State also has a vibrant social scene, with a greater emphasis on Greek life and large-scale campus events. Columbus offers a diverse range of entertainment options, including concerts, sporting events, and a thriving restaurant scene. Both universities offer a wide range of student organizations and activities to suit different interests.
Which school is better for research opportunities?

Both UW-Madison and Ohio State are major research universities with extensive research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. UW-Madison is particularly strong in areas like biological sciences, engineering, and social sciences, while Ohio State excels in areas like medicine, agriculture, and engineering. The best choice for research opportunities depends on your specific field of interest. It's recommended to research specific faculty and research labs at each university to determine which aligns best with your academic goals.

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