Academic Comparison between UW - Madison and UIUC

University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. UW - Madison is located in Madison, WI and UIUC is located in Champaign, 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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UW - Madison has more expensive tuition & fees ($42,103) than UIUC ($40,096).
  • It is harder to admit to UIUC than UW - Madison.
  • UW - Madison has a higher submitted SAT score (1,460) than UIUC (1,440).
  • UIUC has higher submitted ACT score (31) than UW - Madison (31).
  • UIUC has more students with 59,238 students while UW - Madison has 51,044 students.
  • UW - Madison has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while UIUC's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • UW - Madison has more full-time faculties with 3,852 faculties while UIUC has 2,498 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Wisconsin-Madisonvs.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Madison, WisconsinLocationChampaign, Illinois
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$18,267
Out-Of-State$40,096
43%% Receiving Financial Aid55%
$15,223Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,924
45.20 %Acceptance Rates42.37 %
28.59 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.83 %
1,460SAT Score1,440
31ACT Score32
90 %Graduation Rate85 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate95 %
51,044Student Population59,238
3,852Number of Faculties2,498
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 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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