Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Stanford
$326,612
4-year total (private)
VS
UW-Madison
$215,340
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Stanford = $86,332 | UW-Madison = $153,460. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Stanford Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyEconomicsHuman BiologyUW-Madison Top Majors
Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringEconomicsPsychology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stanford or UW-Madison harder to get into?+
Stanford is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.6% compared to 49.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Stanford or UW-Madison?+
At sticker price, UW-Madison costs less over 4 years ($215,340 vs $326,612). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Stanford offers an average of $60,070/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 Stanford and UW-Madison?+
The average SAT score at Stanford 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 Stanford or UW-Madison graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Stanford have a higher average starting salary ($95,200 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?+
Stanford 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 Stanford and UW-Madison compare for campus life?+
Stanford is located in Stanford, California (suburban setting) with a 8,180-acre campus. UW-Madison is in Madison, Wisconsin (urban setting) with 936 acres. Stanford competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UW-Madison in NCAA D1.