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Harvard University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

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

3.2% Harvard acceptance
49.0% UW-Madison acceptance
$103,332 UW-Madison cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban
UW-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Public
Founded
1848
Enrollment
49,886
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UW-Madison saves $18,473
Harvard
$59,076
UW-Madison
$40,603
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Harvard
3.2%
UW-Madison
49.0%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Harvard
97%
UW-Madison
89%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Harvard
1550
UW-Madison
1390
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Harvard
$95,500
UW-Madison
$66,200

Detailed Comparison

Metric Harvard UW-Madison Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$59,076$40,603UW-Madison
Tuition (In-State)$59,076$11,205UW-Madison
Room & Board$20,592$13,232UW-Madison
Acceptance Rate3.2%49.0%Harvard
Graduation Rate97%89%Harvard
Average SAT15501390Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio5:117:1Harvard
Enrollment31,34549,886-
Avg Financial Aid$60,157$15,470Harvard
Starting Salary$95,500$66,200Harvard
Endowment$50.9B$4.1BHarvard
Campus Size5,076 acres936 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
VS
UW-Madison
$215,340
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Harvard = $78,044 | UW-Madison = $153,460. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

UW-Madison Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringEconomicsPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
HarvardUrban
UW-MadisonUrban
Campus Size
Harvard5,076 ac
UW-Madison936 ac
Athletics
HarvardNCAA D1
UW-MadisonNCAA D1
Region
HarvardNortheast
UW-MadisonMidwest
Founded
Harvard1636
UW-Madison1848
Enrollment
Harvard31,345
UW-Madison49,886

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Helpful Resources

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Compare Other Colleges

Harvard vs MIT › Princeton vs UW-Madison › UW-Madison vs Yale › Harvard vs Yale › Harvard vs Princeton › Stanford vs UW-Madison › Harvard vs Stanford › MIT vs UW-Madison ›

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Harvard or UW-Madison harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 49.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Harvard or UW-Madison?+
At sticker price, UW-Madison costs less over 4 years ($215,340 vs $318,672). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Harvard offers an average of $60,157/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 Harvard and UW-Madison?+
The average SAT score at Harvard is 1550 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 Harvard or UW-Madison graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 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?+
Harvard has a 5:1 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 Harvard and UW-Madison compare for campus life?+
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 5,076-acre campus. UW-Madison is in Madison, Wisconsin (urban setting) with 936 acres. Harvard competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UW-Madison in NCAA D1.