Academic Comparison between KU and UW - Madison

University of Kansas and University of Wisconsin-Madison are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. KU is located in Lawrence, KS 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 KU ($30,432).
  • It is harder to admit to UW - Madison than KU.
  • UW - Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,190) than KU (1,190).
  • UW - Madison has higher submitted ACT score (24) than KU (24).
  • UW - Madison has more students with 51,044 students while KU has 29,792 students.
  • UW - Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,852 faculties while KU has 2,643 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Kansasvs.University of Wisconsin-Madison
Lawrence, KansasLocationMadison, 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$12,102
Out-Of-State$30,432
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,603
Out-Of-State$42,103
76%% Receiving Financial Aid43%
$11,245Average Amount of Financial Aid$15,223
93.48 %Acceptance Rates45.20 %
25.46 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.59 %
1,190SAT Score1,460
24ACT Score31
69 %Graduation Rate90 %
21 %Transfer-out Rate-
86 %Retention Rate96 %
29,792Student Population51,044
2,643Number of Faculties3,852
18 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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