Academic Comparison between UW - Madison and Northwestern

University of Wisconsin-Madison and Northwestern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. UW - Madison is a four-year, public school located in Madison, WI and Northwestern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Evanston, IL.

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.

  • UW - Madison is a public and Northwestern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwestern has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,322) than UW - Madison ($42,103).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwestern than UW - Madison.
  • Northwestern has a higher submitted SAT score (1,460) than UW - Madison (1,460).
  • Northwestern has higher submitted ACT score (31) than UW - Madison (31).
  • UW - Madison has more students with 51,044 students while Northwestern has 23,856 students.
  • Northwestern has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while UW - Madison's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • UW - Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,852 faculties while Northwestern has 2,442 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Wisconsin-Madisonvs.Northwestern University
Madison, WisconsinLocationEvanston, Illinois
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
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$68,322
43%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$15,223Average Amount of Financial Aid$59,150
45.20 %Acceptance Rates7.69 %
28.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)55.31 %
1,460SAT Score1,540
31ACT Score34
90 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate98 %
51,044Student Population23,856
3,852Number of Faculties2,442
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
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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