Academic Comparison between Northwestern and UW - Madison

Northwestern University and University of Wisconsin-Madison are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northwestern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL and UW - Madison is a four-year, public school 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.

  • Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) and UW - Madison is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than UW - Madison ($42,103).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than UW - Madison.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than UW - Madison (1,460).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (34) than UW - Madison (31).
  • UW - Madison has more students with 51,044 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while UW - Madison's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • UW - Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,852 faculties while Northwestern has 2,442 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwestern Universityvs.University of Wisconsin-Madison
Evanston, IllinoisLocationMadison, Wisconsin
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$68,3222025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,603
Out-Of-State$42,103
52%% Receiving Financial Aid43%
$59,150Average Amount of Financial Aid$15,223
7.69 %Acceptance Rates45.20 %
55.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.59 %
1,540SAT Score1,460
34ACT Score31
95 %Graduation Rate90 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate96 %
23,856Student Population51,044
2,442Number of Faculties3,852
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial 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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