Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Compare average net price ($17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison; $15,014 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), ROI score (10.63 vs 9.16), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($73,792 vs $54,990), and admissions selectivity (45.2% acceptance at University of Wisconsin-Madison; 90.7% at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | University of Wisconsin-Madison | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 10.63 ✓ | 9.16 |
| Avg net price | $17,354 | $15,014 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $69,416 | $60,056 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $11,603 | $10,398 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $42,103 | $22,398 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $73,792 ✓ | $54,990 |
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% | 90.7% |
| Graduation rate | 89.6% ✓ | 49.3% |
| Retention rate | 96.2% ✓ | 73% |
| Median debt | $20,484 ✓ | $23,000 |
| Enrollment | 36,902 | 16,758 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1427 | 1090 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | University of Wisconsin-Madison | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $4,200 ✓ | $10,329 |
| Family income $30–48k | $4,101 ✓ | $10,709 |
| Family income $48–75k | $8,134 ✓ | $12,344 |
| Family income $75–110k | $17,763 ✓ | $19,315 |
| Family income $110k+ | $27,292 | $21,477 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | University of Wisconsin-Madison | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 2.8% | 4.7% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 6.1% | 0.4% |
| Marketing | 1.6% | 4.9% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 2.8% | 3.6% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 1.6% | 4.8% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 1.5% | 3.6% |
| Economics | 4.1% | 0.9% |
| Biology, General | 3% | 2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee reports the lower average net price by $2,340 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $9,360 difference over four years ($60,056 vs $69,416).
University of Wisconsin-Madison reports $18,802 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($73,792 vs $54,990). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 96.2% at University of Wisconsin-Madison and 73% at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Median federal debt among completers is $20,484 vs $23,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is cheaper — average net price $15,014 per year vs $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The annual difference of $2,340 adds up to about $9,360 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-Madison reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $73,792 vs $54,990 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The gap in the federal data is $18,802. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective at 45.2% acceptance vs 90.7% at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.