Academic Comparison between Purdue and UW - Madison

Purdue University-Main Campus and University of Wisconsin-Madison are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Purdue is located in West Lafayette, IN 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.
  • UW - Madison has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,103) than Purdue ($28,794).
  • It is harder to admit to UW - Madison than Purdue.
  • UW - Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,350) than Purdue (1,350).
  • Both Purdue and UW - Madison have the same submitted ACT scores (31).
  • Purdue has more students with 58,658 students while UW - Madison has 51,044 students.
  • Purdue has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while UW - Madison's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • UW - Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,852 faculties while Purdue has 2,107 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Purdue University-Main Campusvs.University of Wisconsin-Madison
West Lafayette, IndianaLocationMadison, 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$9,992
Out-Of-State$28,794
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,603
Out-Of-State$42,103
43%% Receiving Financial Aid43%
$10,408Average Amount of Financial Aid$15,223
49.87 %Acceptance Rates45.20 %
29.20 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.59 %
1,350SAT Score1,460
31ACT Score31
83 %Graduation Rate90 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
93 %Retention Rate96 %
58,658Student Population51,044
2,107Number of Faculties3,852
14 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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