UW-Madison vs UT Austin
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![]() The University of Texas at Austin |
![]() University of Wisconsin-Madison |
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Overview |
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Location | Austin, Texas | 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 | 96.0% | 95.0% |
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Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 28.7% | 60.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$65
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Undergraduate:
$60
Graduate:
$75
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SAT range | 1230 - 1500 | 1320 - 1500 |
ACT range | 27 - 33 | 26 - 32 |
Students submitting SAT score | 56.0% | 15.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 26.0% | 55.0% |
Total number of applicants | 66,077 | 53,781 |
Total number of admissions given out | 18,994 | 32,459 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 9,060 | 8,465 |
Yield rate | 47.7% | 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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$29,788
Out of state:
$59,032
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In state:
$27,418
Out of state:
$55,306
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Average net price | $16,589 | $13,484 |
Tuition |
In state:
$11,752
Out of state:
$40,996
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In state:
$9,273
Out of state:
$37,161
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Room & board | $12,768 |
Room/dormitory:
$7,367
Meal plan:
$4,100
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
51.0%
Average amount $12,725 |
54.0%
Average amount $10,932 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
28.0%
Average amount $4,961 |
26.0%
Average amount $5,175 |
Students taking out private loans |
1.0%
Average amount $16,366 |
6.0%
Average amount $16,550 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
40,916
Men 43.4% Women 56.6% |
34,561
Men 47.5% Women 52.5% |
Graduate students |
11,075
Men 49.5% Women 50.5% |
12,455
Men 46.6% Women 53.4% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 9.2% | 50.6% |
International students | 9.1% | 13.8% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 7,809 | 9,226 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Texas California New York New Jersey Illinois | Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 17:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 87.8% | 89.2% |
Dropout rate | 11.7% | 10.0% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees)
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees)
Petroleum Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Engineering, General (Master's Degrees)
Real Estate (Master's Degrees)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (First Professional Degrees)
Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees)
Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the key academic strengths of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) compared to The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)?
UW-Madison is particularly strong in areas like agricultural sciences, engineering, and social sciences, with a renowned School of Education. UT Austin excels in engineering, business, law, and natural sciences, boasting a strong presence in the tech and energy sectors. Both universities offer a wide range of programs, but your specific academic interests should guide your choice.
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How does the cost of attendance compare between UW-Madison and UT Austin?
Generally, the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, is comparable for in-state students at both universities. However, out-of-state tuition at both institutions can be significantly higher. Research the specific tuition rates and financial aid opportunities for your residency status to get a clear picture of the costs.
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What is the campus environment like at UW-Madison versus UT Austin?
UW-Madison offers a classic Midwestern campus experience with a strong sense of community and a vibrant student life centered around the Memorial Union and State Street. UT Austin has a large, bustling campus in a major city, Austin, known for its lively atmosphere, music scene, and diverse student body. Consider which environment best suits your personality and preferences.
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How do the research opportunities differ at UW-Madison and UT Austin?
Both universities are major research institutions with extensive research opportunities. UW-Madison has a long history of groundbreaking research, particularly in areas like medicine and environmental science. UT Austin is a powerhouse in research, especially in engineering, computer science, and energy-related fields. Explore the specific research areas that align with your academic interests at each university.
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What are the student life and extracurricular activities like at UW-Madison and UT Austin?
Both universities offer a wide array of extracurricular activities. UW-Madison has a strong tradition of student involvement in athletics, with a passionate fanbase for Badger sports. UT Austin has a vibrant Greek life, a thriving arts scene, and a diverse range of student organizations. Consider what activities you enjoy and what kind of social environment you are looking for.
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How does the location of each university impact the student experience?
UW-Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant college town with a strong sense of community and access to outdoor recreation. UT Austin is located in Austin, Texas, a rapidly growing city known for its music, tech industry, and diverse culture. The location will significantly impact your lifestyle, access to opportunities, and overall experience.
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What are the admission requirements and selectivity of UW-Madison and UT Austin?
Both universities are highly selective. Admission requirements typically include a strong academic record, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), essays, and letters of recommendation. Research the specific requirements and application deadlines for each university, and be prepared to demonstrate your academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.
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What are the career services and job placement rates like at UW-Madison and UT Austin?
Both universities have robust career services departments that assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. They both have strong connections with employers across various industries. Research the specific career services offered by each university and consider the industries and geographic locations where you hope to work after graduation.
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How do the alumni networks of UW-Madison and UT Austin compare?
Both universities have large and active alumni networks. UW-Madison's alumni network is spread across the Midwest and beyond, with a strong presence in various industries. UT Austin's alumni network is particularly strong in Texas and the Southwest, with a growing presence nationally and internationally. Consider the geographic location and industry focus of each alumni network when making your decision.
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Which university is better for a student interested in a specific major, such as engineering or business?
Both universities have excellent programs in many fields. For engineering, both are highly ranked, but UT Austin may have a slight edge due to its location in a tech-heavy city. For business, both offer strong programs, but UT Austin's McCombs School of Business is particularly well-regarded. Research the specific rankings, faculty, and resources within your chosen major at each university to make an informed decision.
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