University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

Champaign, IL — Madison, WI

Metric
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Location Champaign, IL Madison, WI
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 36,258 36,902
Acceptance Rate 42.4% 45.2%
SAT Average 1,440 1,427
In-State Tuition $16,004 $11,603
Out-of-State Tuition $35,124 $42,103
Avg Net Price $14,355 $17,354
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $20,484
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.0% 89.4%
Retention Rate 94.8% 96.2%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $64,802 $61,275
Median Earnings (10 yr) $81,054 $73,792
Loan Repayment Rate 854700.0% 729100.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Full Profile
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and University of Wisconsin-Madison compare?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) has an acceptance rate of 42.4%, in-state tuition of $16,004, and median 10-year earnings of $81,054. University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI) has an acceptance rate of 45.2%, in-state tuition of $11,603, and median 10-year earnings of $73,792.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $81,054 vs $73,792. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the more affordable option at $14,355 per year versus $17,354.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 89.4% vs 85.0%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025