Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and University of Wisconsin-Madison are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Penn State is located in University Park, PA and UW - Madison is located in Madison, WI.
The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | vs. | University of Wisconsin-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| University Park, Pennsylvania | Location | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Four-year, Public | School Type | four-year, Public |
| Doctor's degree | Highest Degree Offered | Doctor's degree |
| Research University (very high research activity) | Carnegie Classification | Research University (very high research activity) |
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790 | 2025 Tuition & Fees | In-State$11,603
Out-Of-State$42,103 |
| 50% | % Receiving Financial Aid | 43% |
| $14,013 | Average Amount of Financial Aid | $15,223 |
| 60.56 % | Acceptance Rates | 45.20 % |
| 17.11 % | Yield (Enrollment Rates) | 28.59 % |
| 1,330 | SAT Score | 1,460 |
| 30 | ACT Score | 31 |
| 86 % | Graduation Rate | 90 % |
| 2 % | Transfer-out Rate | - |
| 93 % | Retention Rate | 96 % |
| 50,737 | Student Population | 51,044 |
| 4,174 | Number of Faculties | 3,852 |
| 16 to 1 | Students to Faculty Ratio | 18 to 1 |
| Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification | Special Learning Opportunities | Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification |
| Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare | On Campus Student Services | Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare |