Academic Comparison between UW - Madison and Penn State

University of Wisconsin-Madison and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UW - Madison is located in Madison, WI and Penn State is located in University Park, PA.

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 Penn State ($41,790).
  • It is harder to admit to UW - Madison than Penn State.
  • UW - Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,460) than Penn State (1,330).
  • UW - Madison has higher submitted ACT score (31) than Penn State (30).
  • UW - Madison has more students with 51,044 students while Penn State has 50,737 students.
  • Penn State has a lower number of students per faculty with 16 to 1 while UW - Madison's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while UW - Madison has 3,852 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Wisconsin-Madisonvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Madison, WisconsinLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
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$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
43%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$15,223Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
45.20 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
28.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,460SAT Score1,330
31ACT Score30
90 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
96 %Retention Rate93 %
51,044Student Population50,737
3,852Number of Faculties4,174
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 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, On-campus daycare