Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Pitt
$203,848
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UW-Madison
$215,340
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Pitt = $141,448 | UW-Madison = $153,460. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Pitt Top Majors
NursingEngineeringBusinessBiologyPsychologyUW-Madison Top Majors
Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringEconomicsPsychology
Need Help Choosing Between Pitt & UW-Madison?
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 Pitt or UW-Madison harder to get into?+
Pitt is more selective with an acceptance rate of 42.0% compared to 49.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Pitt or UW-Madison?+
At sticker price, Pitt costs less over 4 years ($203,848 vs $215,340). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Pitt offers an average of $15,600/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 Pitt and UW-Madison?+
The average SAT score at Pitt is 1370 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 Pitt or UW-Madison graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UW-Madison have a higher average starting salary ($66,200 vs $64,600). 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?+
Pitt has a 14:1 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 Pitt and UW-Madison compare for campus life?+
Pitt is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with a 132-acre campus. UW-Madison is in Madison, Wisconsin (urban setting) with 936 acres. Pitt competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UW-Madison in NCAA D1.