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Georgia Tech vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

16.0% Georgia Tech acceptance
49.0% UW-Madison acceptance
$29,596 Georgia Tech cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Georgia
Public
Founded
1885
Enrollment
47,285
Setting
Urban
UW-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Public
Founded
1848
Enrollment
49,886
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Georgia Tech saves $6,809
Georgia Tech
$33,794
UW-Madison
$40,603
Acceptance Rate Georgia Tech more selective
Georgia Tech
16.0%
UW-Madison
49.0%
Graduation Rate Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
90%
UW-Madison
89%
Avg SAT Score Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
1450
UW-Madison
1390
Starting Salary Georgia Tech higher
Georgia Tech
$83,600
UW-Madison
$66,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Georgia Tech UW-Madison Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$33,794$40,603Georgia Tech
Tuition (In-State)$12,682$11,205UW-Madison
Room & Board$12,642$13,232Georgia Tech
Acceptance Rate16.0%49.0%Georgia Tech
Graduation Rate90%89%Georgia Tech
Average SAT14501390Georgia Tech
Student-Faculty Ratio15:117:1Georgia Tech
Enrollment47,28549,886-
Avg Financial Aid$16,280$15,470Georgia Tech
Starting Salary$83,600$66,200Georgia Tech
Endowment$4.2B$4.1BGeorgia Tech
Campus Size400 acres936 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Georgia Tech
$185,744
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UW-Madison
$215,340
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Georgia Tech = $120,624 | UW-Madison = $153,460. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Georgia Tech Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringBusinessIndustrial EngineeringBiology

UW-Madison Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringEconomicsPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
Georgia TechUrban
UW-MadisonUrban
Campus Size
Georgia Tech400 ac
UW-Madison936 ac
Athletics
Georgia TechNCAA D1
UW-MadisonNCAA D1
Region
Georgia TechSouth
UW-MadisonMidwest
Founded
Georgia Tech1885
UW-Madison1848
Enrollment
Georgia Tech47,285
UW-Madison49,886

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Georgia Tech or UW-Madison harder to get into?+
Georgia Tech is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.0% compared to 49.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Tech or UW-Madison?+
At sticker price, Georgia Tech costs less over 4 years ($185,744 vs $215,340). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Georgia Tech offers an average of $16,280/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 Georgia Tech and UW-Madison?+
The average SAT score at Georgia Tech is 1450 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 Georgia Tech or UW-Madison graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Georgia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($83,600 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?+
Georgia Tech has a 15:1 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 Georgia Tech and UW-Madison compare for campus life?+
Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, Georgia (urban setting) with a 400-acre campus. UW-Madison is in Madison, Wisconsin (urban setting) with 936 acres. Georgia Tech competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UW-Madison in NCAA D1.