Academic Comparison between MSU and UW - Madison

Michigan State University and University of Wisconsin-Madison are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI and UW - Madison is located in Madison, WI.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,850) than UW - Madison ($42,103).
  • It is harder to admit to UW - Madison than MSU.
  • UW - Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,260) than MSU (1,260).
  • UW - Madison has higher submitted ACT score (28) than MSU (28).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while UW - Madison has 51,044 students.
  • MSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while UW - Madison's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • UW - Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,852 faculties while MSU has 3,013 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Michigan State Universityvs.University of Wisconsin-Madison
East Lansing, MichiganLocationMadison, Wisconsin
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,603
Out-Of-State$42,103
80%% Receiving Financial Aid43%
$9,834Average Amount of Financial Aid$15,223
84.80 %Acceptance Rates45.20 %
18.32 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.59 %
1,260SAT Score1,460
28ACT Score31
81 %Graduation Rate90 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate96 %
52,089Student Population51,044
3,013Number of Faculties3,852
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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