UW-Madison vs University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (Pitt)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Madison, Wisconsin, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home to two esteemed institutions of higher learning: University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. UW-Madison boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Pitt boasts a slightly higher graduation rate. Explore their popular majors, from engineering and business to nursing and social sciences, and discover the unique opportunities each campus provides. Delve into the comparison table to uncover further details and determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Overview
Location	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	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	93.0%	95.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	66.7%	60.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1250 - 1470	1320 - 1500
ACT range	28 - 33	26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score	49.0%	15.0%
Students submitting ACT score	16.0%	55.0%
Total number of applicants	34,656	53,781
Total number of admissions given out	23,109	32,459
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,875	8,465
Yield rate	21.1%	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: $36,394 Out of state: $51,426	In state: $27,418 Out of state: $55,306
Average net price	$22,996	$13,484
Tuition	In state: $19,092 Out of state: $34,124	In state: $9,273 Out of state: $37,161
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,880 Meal plan: $4,940	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)	74.0% Average amount $12,822	54.0% Average amount $10,932
Students receiving federal student loan	51.0% Average amount $5,334	26.0% Average amount $5,175
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $19,190	6.0% Average amount $16,550

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	23,885 Men 43.5% Women 56.5%	34,561 Men 47.5% Women 52.5%
Graduate students	9,345 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	12,455 Men 46.6% Women 53.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	39.6%	50.6%
International students	8.4%	13.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	8,760	9,226
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland Virginia	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Engineering Business Multidisciplinary Studies Public Administration and Social Service	Health Professions Business Social Sciences Engineering Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	84.3%	89.2%
Dropout rate	3.0%	10.0%
Transferred out	12.0%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Post-Baccalaureate Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $220,906 Year 3: $231,651 Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $191,732 Year 2: $172,991 Year 3: $167,114 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $123,211 Year 2: $136,434 Year 3: $139,418 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $73,006 Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $119,626 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $91,548 Year 2: $108,012 Year 3: $119,626 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,381 Year 2: $99,174 Year 3: $104,969 Business Administration, Management and Operations (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $88,815 Year 2: $90,572 Year 3: $98,136 Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,499 Year 2: $81,333 Year 3: $92,231 Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,120 Year 2: $81,702 Year 3: $89,317 Biomedical/Medical Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $79,727 Year 3: $79,626	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 Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is a large, public land-grant university known for its strong research focus, particularly in STEM fields, and its vibrant campus culture in the state capital. The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is also a large, public research university, but it's located in an urban setting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and has a strong emphasis on health sciences and professional programs. UW-Madison is generally considered to have a stronger focus on undergraduate academics and a more traditional 'college town' feel, while Pitt offers a more urban experience with closer ties to the city's industries.
Which university is more selective in admissions: UW-Madison or Pitt?

UW-Madison is generally more selective than the University of Pittsburgh. Both are competitive, but UW-Madison typically has a lower acceptance rate and higher average SAT/ACT scores for admitted students. However, admission requirements can vary by program, so it's best to check the specific requirements for your intended major at each university.
How do the costs of attending UW-Madison and Pitt compare?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. For in-state students, UW-Madison is typically less expensive than Pitt. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition costs are more comparable, although Pitt may still be slightly more expensive. Remember to factor in living expenses, which can vary depending on your lifestyle and housing choices in Madison and Pittsburgh. Always check the universities' websites for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
Which university is better for students interested in STEM fields?

Both UW-Madison and Pitt offer excellent STEM programs. UW-Madison is particularly strong in engineering, computer science, and biological sciences, benefiting from its extensive research facilities and partnerships. Pitt also has strong STEM programs, especially in health-related fields like bioengineering and medicine, given its close ties to UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Your choice depends on your specific STEM interest; research the specific departments and faculty at each university to see which aligns best with your goals.
How do the campus environments differ between UW-Madison and Pitt?

UW-Madison offers a classic 'college town' experience. The campus is located on an isthmus between two lakes, providing beautiful scenery and numerous outdoor activities. The city of Madison is very student-friendly, with a lively downtown area and a strong sense of community. Pitt, on the other hand, is located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, a vibrant urban area with museums, hospitals, and cultural attractions. Pitt's campus is more integrated into the city, offering students easy access to internships, entertainment, and professional opportunities.
What are the strengths of UW-Madison's academic programs?

UW-Madison excels in a wide range of academic areas. It's particularly renowned for its programs in engineering, agriculture, journalism, education, and social sciences. The university has a strong emphasis on research, providing numerous opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in cutting-edge projects. UW-Madison also boasts a highly regarded business school and a strong liberal arts college.
What are the strengths of the University of Pittsburgh's academic programs?

The University of Pittsburgh is highly regarded for its health sciences programs, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. Its School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top in the nation. Pitt also has strong programs in engineering, business, and international affairs. The university's location in Pittsburgh provides students with access to internships and research opportunities in various industries.
How do the student life and extracurricular activities compare?

Both universities offer a wide range of student life and extracurricular activities. UW-Madison is known for its strong school spirit and active student organizations, including a large Greek system. Pitt also has a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and sports teams. Both universities offer opportunities for students to get involved in community service, leadership development, and cultural activities. UW-Madison's location provides more opportunities for outdoor recreation, while Pitt's urban setting offers easy access to cultural events and entertainment.
Which university is better for students interested in a specific career path?

The 'better' university depends entirely on your career aspirations. If you're interested in a career in health sciences, particularly medicine or related fields, Pitt's strong medical school and connections to UPMC make it a compelling choice. If you're interested in engineering, agriculture, or a more traditional research-focused career, UW-Madison's strengths in these areas might be a better fit. Research the specific programs and career services offered by each university to determine which aligns best with your goals.
What is the reputation of each university?

Both UW-Madison and the University of Pittsburgh are highly respected universities with strong national and international reputations. UW-Madison is often recognized for its academic excellence, research output, and vibrant campus culture. Pitt is known for its strong health sciences programs, urban location, and contributions to the Pittsburgh community. Both universities are members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), signifying their commitment to research and graduate education.

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