Academic Comparison between Penn State and University of Wisconsin-Madison

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 University of Wisconsin-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.
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,603) than Penn State ($40,188).
  • It is harder to admit to University of Wisconsin-Madison than Penn State.
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,310) than Penn State (1,310).
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has higher submitted ACT score (29) than Penn State (29).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,028 students while University of Wisconsin-Madison has 48,956 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while University of Wisconsin-Madison's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,724 faculties while Penn State has 2,994 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campusvs.University of Wisconsin-Madison
University Park, PennsylvaniaLocationMadison, 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$20,234
Out-Of-State$40,188
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,205
Out-Of-State$40,603
56%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$11,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,757
54.00 %Acceptance Rates43.00 %
19.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.00 %
1,310SAT Score1,450
29ACT Score30
83 %Graduation Rate89 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
91 %Retention Rate94 %
50,028Student Population48,956
2,994Number of Faculties3,724
15 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare