University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of California-Berkeley

Madison, WI — Berkeley, CA

Metric
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Location Madison, WI Berkeley, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 36,902 33,068
Acceptance Rate 45.2% 11.0%
SAT Average 1,427
In-State Tuition $11,603 $16,347
Out-of-State Tuition $42,103 $50,547
Avg Net Price $17,354 $13,481
Median Debt at Graduation $20,484 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 89.4% 92.9%
Retention Rate 96.2% 96.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $61,275 $74,919
Median Earnings (10 yr) $73,792 $92,446
Loan Repayment Rate 729100.0% 641400.0%

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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University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of California-Berkeley 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. University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) has an acceptance rate of 11.0%, in-state tuition of $16,347, and median 10-year earnings of $92,446.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,446 vs $73,792. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of California-Berkeley?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Berkeley is the more affordable option at $13,481 per year versus $17,354.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Berkeley has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.9% vs 89.4%.

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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