UW-Madison vs Oregon State

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Oregon State University, located in the picturesque Pacific Northwest, stand as two distinct academic powerhouses. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer unique experiences shaped by their diverse locations, student demographics, and academic strengths. With acceptance rates of 52% and 73%, respectively, UW-Madison and OSU cater to different levels of selectivity. UW-Madison boasts a larger student body, with over 40,000 undergraduates, while OSU maintains a more intimate learning environment with approximately 25,000 undergraduates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that set these two esteemed universities apart, helping you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Oregon State University	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Corvallis, Oregon	Madison, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Small	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	87.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	89.2%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1120 - 1370	1320 - 1500
ACT range	21 - 28	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	25.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	13.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	23,188	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	20,687	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	3,965	8,465
Yield rate	19.2%	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: $29,393 Out of state: $48,784	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$20,318	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $10,065 Out of state: $29,456	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,260 Meal plan: $4,500	Room/dormitory: $7,367 Meal plan: $4,100
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	87.0% Average amount $9,156	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	28.0% Average amount $4,944	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $18,709	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	27,564 Men 52.0% Women 48.0%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	5,629 Men 46.2% Women 53.8%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	35.8%	50.6%
International students	7.6%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,055	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Oregon California Washington Hawaii Colorado	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Education Natural Resources and Conservation Biological and Biomedical Sciences Health Professions	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	68.2%	89.2%
Dropout rate	10.0%	10.0%
Transferred out	18.9%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $114,696 Year 2: $124,122 Year 3: $129,702 Education, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $105,213 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,539 Year 2: $78,719 Year 3: $92,424 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $79,421 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $87,236 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,600 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $84,460 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,654 Year 2: $73,035 Year 3: $83,827 Construction Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,542 Year 2: $71,295 Year 3: $81,840 Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,943 Year 2: $67,420 Year 3: $76,191 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,476 Year 2: $62,863 Year 3: $76,134 Manufacturing Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $75,733	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 UW-Madison and Oregon State?

UW-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant city known for its progressive politics and lively downtown area surrounding a beautiful lake. The campus itself is large and integrated with the city. Oregon State University is situated in Corvallis, Oregon, a smaller, more rural city with a strong focus on agriculture and natural resources. The campus has a more traditional, self-contained feel.
How do the academic programs compare at UW-Madison and Oregon State?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. UW-Madison is particularly strong in areas like engineering, business, law, and the humanities, boasting a highly ranked graduate school. Oregon State excels in programs related to forestry, agriculture, oceanography, and engineering, especially renewable energy. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision.
What is the cost of attendance like at each university?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, varies. Generally, both universities offer competitive tuition rates for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition is higher at both institutions. Research the specific tuition and fee structures for each university, and factor in living expenses in Madison and Corvallis, as these can also vary.
How does the student life and campus culture differ?

UW-Madison has a very active and diverse student life, with a strong emphasis on social events, Greek life, and a vibrant arts scene. The campus is known for its lively atmosphere and Badger spirit. Oregon State offers a more close-knit community feel, with a focus on outdoor activities and a strong connection to the surrounding natural environment. Both universities have a wide variety of student organizations and activities.
What are the athletic programs like at UW-Madison and Oregon State?

Both universities have strong athletic programs. UW-Madison competes in the Big Ten Conference and is known for its successful football, basketball, and hockey teams. Oregon State competes in the Pac-12 Conference and has a strong reputation in baseball, football, and basketball. Both schools offer a wide range of intramural and club sports.
What are the research opportunities like at each university?

Both UW-Madison and Oregon State are major research institutions. UW-Madison is a leading research university with extensive research funding and opportunities across all disciplines. Oregon State also has significant research activity, particularly in areas related to its strengths in agriculture, forestry, and marine sciences. Research opportunities are available for both undergraduate and graduate students at both universities.
How does the job placement and career services compare?

Both universities offer robust career services to help students with job placement. UW-Madison, being located in a larger city with a broader range of industries, may offer more diverse internship and job opportunities. Oregon State, with its strong ties to industries in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, provides excellent career support, particularly in its areas of academic strength. Both universities have career fairs, resume workshops, and networking events.
What are the admission requirements and selectivity like?

Both universities are selective, but the specific admission requirements and acceptance rates may vary. Review the admission requirements for each university, including GPA, standardized test scores (if required), and application deadlines. Consider your academic profile and extracurricular activities when assessing your chances of admission.
How does the climate and weather differ between Madison and Corvallis?

Madison, Wisconsin, experiences a typical Midwestern climate with four distinct seasons, including cold winters with significant snowfall and warm summers. Corvallis, Oregon, has a milder climate with wet winters and warm, dry summers. Consider your preference for weather conditions when making your decision.
Which university is a better fit for me?

The best university for you depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. Consider your desired location, campus environment, academic interests, and career aspirations. Research the specific programs and resources offered by each university, and visit the campuses if possible to get a feel for the atmosphere. Both UW-Madison and Oregon State are excellent universities, and the right choice depends on your personal needs.

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