University of Wisconsin-Madison vs California State University-Long Beach

Madison, WI — Long Beach, CA

Metric
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
Location Madison, WI Long Beach, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 36,902 35,924
Acceptance Rate 45.2% 46.3%
SAT Average 1,427
In-State Tuition $11,603 $7,350
Out-of-State Tuition $42,103 $19,950
Avg Net Price $17,354 $10,440
Median Debt at Graduation $20,484 $14,289
4-Year Graduation Rate 89.4% 69.3%
Retention Rate 96.2% 86.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $61,275 $50,062
Median Earnings (10 yr) $73,792 $64,403
Loan Repayment Rate 729100.0% 894200.0%

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 State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Wisconsin-Madison and California State University-Long Beach 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 State University-Long Beach (Long Beach, CA) has an acceptance rate of 46.3%, in-state tuition of $7,350, and median 10-year earnings of $64,403.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Wisconsin-Madison or California State University-Long Beach?
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $73,792 vs $64,403. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Wisconsin-Madison or California State University-Long Beach?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Long Beach is the more affordable option at $10,440 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 69.3%.

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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