Head-to-Head Comparison
Brigham Young University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Brigham Young Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 13
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Brigham Young University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Wisconsin-Madison achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 82%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,354 compared to Brigham Young University's $15,564. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Brigham Young University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Brigham Young
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,790 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,564, roughly $1,790 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,069, the lower of the two
Wisconsin-Madison
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Brigham Young graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (15% of degrees); Wisconsin-Madison in Business & Marketing (16%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Brigham Young University over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $75,790 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick Brigham Young University over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Net price $15,564 vs $17,354.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Brigham Young University. 89% completion rate vs 82%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Brigham Young University and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but Brigham Young University wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Wisconsin-Madison is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Brigham Young University takes 68%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,376 to 1,427.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Wisconsin-Madison sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Brigham Young University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,564, about $1,790 a year below University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Graduates of Brigham Young University also borrow less: median debt of $11,069, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,160 before any change in aid. Choosing Brigham Young University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Brigham Young University graduates report median earnings of $75,790, compared with $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, Brigham Young University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.15x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 82%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Brigham Young University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Brigham Young University concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Brigham Young competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,484, against $11,069 at Brigham Young University.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT · Private nonprofit
Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus experience with a strong academic focus. With an acceptance rate of 68%, it welcomes a diverse group of learners. Students here can dive into popular fields like Business and Marketing, Biology, Engineering, and Computer Science, all of which have proven track records. The 82% graduation rate indicates that many students not only enroll but also successfully finish their degrees, which is a solid indicator of support and student satisfaction.
Looking ahead to life after graduation, the financial prospects seem promising. Graduates earn an average of $75,790 within a decade of completing their studies. This suggests that the skills and knowledge gained here can lead to upward mobility in the job market. The affordability of attending BYU is also noteworthy, especially with a net price of $15,564 after aid, making it accessible for a variety of students.
When it comes to managing debt, students graduate with a median debt of $11,069, which is relatively manageable compared to many institutions. This financial landscape allows students to focus on their careers without being overly burdened by loans. Those who thrive here often appreciate the community-oriented environment and the emphasis on values in both academic and personal life.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public
With an enrollment of nearly 37,000 students, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a strong choice for those who thrive in a vibrant, diverse environment. If you’re interested in fields like Business, Biology, or Computer Science, this school has solid programs that cater to your academic interests. The acceptance rate of 45% suggests a competitive atmosphere, but it’s also a place where students can find community and support among their peers.
Looking at outcomes, graduates from Wisconsin-Madison earn an average of $73,792 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential points to a positive return on investment for students. With a graduation rate of 89%, most students are not just moving through their programs but are also finding pathways to success after college. The affordability is another key factor, with a net price of $17,354, making it accessible for many families.
When it comes to finances, students graduate with a median debt of $20,484, which is manageable for the earnings they can expect. This balance between cost and potential earnings makes it a pragmatic choice for many. Students who tend to thrive here are those who take advantage of the resources available, engage in their studies, and connect with the vibrant campus life in Madison.
Rankings They Appear On
Brigham Young University and University of Wisconsin-Madison appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best MBA Programs for Supply Chain Management, Brigham Young University ranks #2 — Brigham Young University outranks University of Wisconsin-Madison by 13 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 15% of Brigham Young's student body and 16% of Wisconsin-Madison's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Brigham Young) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. Brigham Young University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Social Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Brigham Young University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 68% at Brigham Young University.
Which is more affordable, Brigham Young University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Brigham Young University is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,564 after aid versus $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do Brigham Young University or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
Brigham Young University graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,790 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, Brigham Young University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 82%.
Should you choose Brigham Young University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Brigham Young University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Wisconsin-Madison if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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