Academic Comparison between UW - Madison and MSU

University of Wisconsin-Madison and Michigan State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UW - Madison is located in Madison, WI and MSU is located in East Lansing, MI.

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.
  • MSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($44,850) than UW - Madison ($42,103).
  • It is harder to admit to UW - Madison than MSU.
  • UW - Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,460) than MSU (1,260).
  • UW - Madison has higher submitted ACT score (31) than MSU (28).
  • MSU has more students with 52,089 students while UW - Madison has 51,044 students.
  • MSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while UW - Madison's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • UW - Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,852 faculties while MSU has 3,013 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Wisconsin-Madisonvs.Michigan State University
Madison, WisconsinLocationEast Lansing, Michigan
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$11,603
Out-Of-State$42,103
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$18,079
Out-Of-State$44,850
43%% Receiving Financial Aid80%
$15,223Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,834
45.20 %Acceptance Rates84.80 %
28.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)18.32 %
1,460SAT Score1,260
31ACT Score28
90 %Graduation Rate81 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate90 %
51,044Student Population52,089
3,852Number of Faculties3,013
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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