Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Penn State
$208,552
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UW-Madison
$215,340
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Penn State = $157,872 | UW-Madison = $153,460. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Penn State Top Majors
EngineeringBusinessBiologyKinesiologyInformation SciencesUW-Madison Top Majors
Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringEconomicsPsychology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penn State or UW-Madison harder to get into?+
UW-Madison is more selective with an acceptance rate of 49.0% compared to 54.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Penn State or UW-Madison?+
At sticker price, Penn State costs less over 4 years ($208,552 vs $215,340). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Penn State offers an average of $12,670/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 Penn State and UW-Madison?+
The average SAT score at Penn State is 1300 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 Penn State or UW-Madison graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UW-Madison have a higher average starting salary ($66,200 vs $65,400). 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?+
Penn State 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 Penn State and UW-Madison compare for campus life?+
Penn State is located in State College, Pennsylvania (rural setting) with a 5,000-acre campus. UW-Madison is in Madison, Wisconsin (urban setting) with 936 acres. Penn State competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UW-Madison in NCAA D1.