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

Madison, WI — Champaign, IL

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

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

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

How do University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 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.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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 Wisconsin-Madison or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
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