University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of California-Los Angeles

Madison, WI — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Location Madison, WI Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 36,902 33,475
Acceptance Rate 45.2% 9.0%
SAT Average 1,427
In-State Tuition $11,603 $15,203
Out-of-State Tuition $42,103 $49,403
Avg Net Price $17,354 $12,548
Median Debt at Graduation $20,484 $14,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 89.4% 92.6%
Retention Rate 96.2% 97.3%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $61,275 $59,063
Median Earnings (10 yr) $73,792 $82,511
Loan Repayment Rate 729100.0% 748300.0%

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-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of California-Los Angeles 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-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 9.0%, in-state tuition of $15,203, and median 10-year earnings of $82,511.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of California-Los Angeles?
University of California-Los Angeles graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $82,511 vs $73,792. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of California-Los Angeles?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $12,548 per year versus $17,354.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of California-Los Angeles has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 92.6% 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