Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Cornell
$331,176
4-year total (private)
VS
UW-Madison
$215,340
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Cornell = $146,576 | UW-Madison = $153,460. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Cornell Top Majors
EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyHotel AdministrationUW-Madison Top Majors
Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringEconomicsPsychology
Need Help Choosing Between Cornell & UW-Madison?
Get free personalized guidance from college admissions experts. Application strategy, essay reviews, and financial aid help.
Get Free College Guidance →
✓ 100% free consultation
✓ Expert admissions advisors
✓ No obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cornell or UW-Madison harder to get into?+
Cornell is more selective with an acceptance rate of 7.9% compared to 49.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Cornell or UW-Madison?+
At sticker price, UW-Madison costs less over 4 years ($215,340 vs $331,176). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Cornell offers an average of $46,150/year in aid while UW-Madison offers $15,470/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Cornell and UW-Madison?+
The average SAT score at Cornell is 1520 and at UW-Madison it is 1390. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Cornell or UW-Madison graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Cornell have a higher average starting salary ($83,100 vs $66,200). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Cornell has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UW-Madison has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Cornell and UW-Madison compare for campus life?+
Cornell is located in Ithaca, New York (rural setting) with a 2,300-acre campus. UW-Madison is in Madison, Wisconsin (urban setting) with 936 acres. Cornell competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UW-Madison in NCAA D1.