University of Wisconsin-Madison vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Madison, WI — San Luis Obispo, CA
| Metric | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Madison, WI | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 36,902 | 21,996 |
| Acceptance Rate | 45.2% | 31.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,427 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $11,603 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $42,103 | $34,665 |
| Avg Net Price | $17,354 | $16,665 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,484 | $18,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 89.4% | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 96.2% | 95.5% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $61,275 | $72,358 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $73,792 | $90,768 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 729100.0% | 437700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do University of Wisconsin-Madison and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?▼
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. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Wisconsin-Madison or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?▼
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $73,792. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Wisconsin-Madison or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is the more affordable option at $16,665 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 85.7%.
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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