UW-Madison vs CU-Boulder

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, University of Colorado Boulder, stand as two prominent beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and offer a wide range of programs, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to discover the nuances that differentiate these two esteemed universities, from their acceptance rates and popular majors to student body demographics and graduation rates. Whether you're a prospective student seeking the ideal academic environment or a curious individual eager to expand your knowledge, this side-by-side analysis will provide valuable insights into the unique offerings of University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Colorado Boulder.

	University of Colorado Boulder	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Boulder, Colorado	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	87.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	79.6%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1170 - 1390	1320 - 1500
ACT range	25 - 31	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	32.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	16.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	54,756	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	43,576	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	6,785	8,465
Yield rate	15.6%	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: $29,725 Out of state: $55,543	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$22,532	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $10,728 Out of state: $36,546	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	$15,220	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)	53.0% Average amount $9,214	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	27.0% Average amount $4,986	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $24,094	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	30,886 Men 54.8% Women 45.2%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	8,114 Men 57.8% Women 42.2%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	48.8%	50.6%
International students	7.1%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	7,500	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Colorado California Texas Illinois New York	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Communication and Journalism Visual & Performing Arts Legal Profession	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	74.0%	89.2%
Dropout rate	8.6%	10.0%
Transferred out	15.9%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Engineering, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $105,752 Year 2: $116,679 Year 3: $121,033 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $118,373 Computer Science (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,907 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $108,458 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $85,254 Year 2: $89,641 Year 3: $97,860 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,200 Year 2: $75,706 Year 3: $92,272 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,191 Year 2: $80,503 Year 3: $87,258 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,023 Year 2: $75,204 Year 3: $86,676 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,804 Year 2: $75,921 Year 3: $85,563 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $75,633 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $85,039 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,440 Year 2: $71,957 Year 3: $83,132	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 the University of Colorado Boulder?

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 engineering, business, and life sciences. It has a classic Midwestern college town feel. The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) is also a large, public research university, but it's located in Boulder, Colorado, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. CU Boulder is known for its aerospace engineering, environmental sciences, and natural beauty, offering a more outdoorsy lifestyle. UW-Madison tends to have a stronger focus on traditional academic disciplines, while CU Boulder has a greater emphasis on environmental studies and outdoor recreation.
How do the academic reputations of UW-Madison and CU Boulder compare?

Both UW-Madison and CU Boulder are highly regarded universities. UW-Madison consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation, with particularly strong programs in engineering, business, and biological sciences. CU Boulder is also a well-respected public university, especially known for its programs in aerospace engineering, physics, and environmental science. While both are excellent, UW-Madison generally holds a slightly higher overall ranking, but CU Boulder excels in specific fields related to space and the environment.
What is the cost of attendance at UW-Madison versus CU Boulder?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. Generally, UW-Madison is more affordable for in-state students compared to CU Boulder for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the tuition costs are more comparable, but CU Boulder may have a slightly higher overall cost of attendance due to the higher cost of living in Boulder. Be sure to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, as well as potential scholarship opportunities.
What is campus life like at UW-Madison and CU Boulder?

UW-Madison offers a vibrant campus life with a strong emphasis on academics and a classic college town experience. There are numerous student organizations, a thriving Greek life, and a passionate sports culture, especially surrounding Badger football and hockey. CU Boulder, on the other hand, boasts a more outdoorsy and active campus life. Students often take advantage of the nearby Rocky Mountains for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. While both have active student bodies, CU Boulder has a stronger emphasis on outdoor recreation and a more laid-back atmosphere.
How do the locations of UW-Madison and CU Boulder affect the student experience?

Madison, Wisconsin, is a classic Midwestern college town with a strong sense of community and a focus on state government and education. It offers a mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, with lakes and parks readily accessible. Boulder, Colorado, is situated at the base of the Rocky Mountains, providing unparalleled access to outdoor recreation. The city has a more progressive and health-conscious vibe, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness. The location of UW-Madison provides a more traditional college town experience, while CU Boulder offers a unique blend of academic rigor and outdoor adventure.
What are the strengths of UW-Madison's academic programs?

UW-Madison is renowned for its strong programs in a wide range of disciplines. Some of its most highly regarded programs include engineering (especially chemical, industrial, and mechanical), business (particularly its MBA program), biological sciences, agriculture, and journalism. The university also has a strong tradition in the humanities and social sciences.
What are the strengths of CU Boulder's academic programs?

CU Boulder is particularly strong in aerospace engineering, physics, environmental sciences, and atmospheric sciences. The university also has excellent programs in business, law, and education. Its location near federal research labs and the aerospace industry provides unique opportunities for students in related fields.
What are the career opportunities available to graduates of UW-Madison and CU Boulder?

Graduates from both UW-Madison and CU Boulder have access to a wide range of career opportunities. UW-Madison graduates often find employment in the Midwest and across the country in industries such as manufacturing, technology, finance, and healthcare. CU Boulder graduates are well-positioned for careers in the aerospace industry, environmental consulting, technology, and renewable energy, particularly in the western United States. Both universities have strong career services departments to assist students with internships and job placement.
How do the student demographics compare between UW-Madison and CU Boulder?

Both universities attract a diverse student body, but there are some differences. UW-Madison tends to have a larger proportion of students from the Midwest, particularly Wisconsin and Illinois. CU Boulder draws students from across the United States, with a significant number from California and other western states. Both universities are working to increase diversity and inclusion on their campuses.
What kind of student would thrive at UW-Madison versus CU Boulder?

A student who enjoys a traditional college town experience, values strong academics, and appreciates a vibrant campus life with a focus on sports and student organizations would likely thrive at UW-Madison. A student who loves the outdoors, is passionate about environmental issues, and seeks a more laid-back and active lifestyle would likely thrive at CU Boulder. Ultimately, the best fit depends on individual preferences and priorities.

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