Academic Comparison between UI and UW - Madison

University of Iowa and University of Wisconsin-Madison are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UI is located in Iowa City, IA 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 UI ($33,371).
  • It is harder to admit to UW - Madison than UI.
  • UW - Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,230) than UI (1,230).
  • UW - Madison has higher submitted ACT score (24) than UI (24).
  • UW - Madison has more students with 51,044 students while UI has 30,779 students.
  • UI has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while UW - Madison's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • UW - Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,852 faculties while UI has 2,474 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Iowavs.University of Wisconsin-Madison
Iowa City, IowaLocationMadison, 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$11,283
Out-Of-State$33,371
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,603
Out-Of-State$42,103
69%% Receiving Financial Aid43%
$10,070Average Amount of Financial Aid$15,223
83.62 %Acceptance Rates45.20 %
22.43 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.59 %
1,230SAT Score1,460
24ACT Score31
75 %Graduation Rate90 %
17 %Transfer-out Rate-
90 %Retention Rate96 %
30,779Student Population51,044
2,474Number of Faculties3,852
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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