Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
UMN
$197,088
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UW
$226,776
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UMN = $136,688 | UW = $156,816. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
UMN Top Majors
PsychologyBiologyEngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessUW Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringBiologyBusinessPsychology
Need Help Choosing Between UMN & UW?
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 UMN or UW harder to get into?+
UW is more selective with an acceptance rate of 48.0% compared to 75.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UMN or UW?+
At sticker price, UMN costs less over 4 years ($197,088 vs $226,776). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UMN offers an average of $15,100/year in aid while UW offers $17,490/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UMN and UW?+
The average SAT score at UMN is 1370 and at UW it is 1380. 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 UMN or UW graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UW have a higher average starting salary ($73,200 vs $64,800). 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?+
UMN has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UW has 21:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UMN and UW compare for campus life?+
UMN is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota (urban setting) with a 1,204-acre campus. UW is in Seattle, Washington (urban setting) with 703 acres. UMN competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UW in NCAA D1.