Head-to-Head Comparison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
- California Polytechnic Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 15
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Wisconsin-Madison achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 86%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,354 compared to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo'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
California Polytechnic
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment, 23% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,665, roughly $689 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 31% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Wisconsin-Madison
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California Polytechnic graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Net price $16,665 vs $17,354.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. 89% completion rate vs 86%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is the harder admit. It takes 31% of applicants, while University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,665, about $689 a year below University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $2,756 before any change in aid. Choosing California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates report median earnings of $90,768, compared with $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 23% advantage. Set against borrowing, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 23% 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 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — California Polytechnic competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Engineering-focused students: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's 21,996.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wisconsin-Madison holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% of admitted students enroll, versus 26% at California Polytechnic — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at California Polytechnic, where only about 23% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has an impressive graduation rate of 86%. This high rate indicates strong student support and engagement, contributing to a successful academic environment. With nearly 22,000 students, Cal Poly combines a vibrant campus life with a commitment to academic excellence.
Graduates from Cal Poly earn a median salary of $90,768 ten years post-graduation. This figure reflects the effectiveness of the university's programs in preparing students for the workforce. Although the Pell Grant rate is 19%, the university's focus on practical, career-oriented education significantly enhances economic mobility for many students.
The cost of attendance is relatively affordable, with a net price of $16,665 and a median debt of $18,500. This financial structure positions Cal Poly as a viable option for students seeking quality education without overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here are often those interested in fields like engineering, business, and computer science, where hands-on experience and industry connections are paramount.
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
University of Wisconsin-Madison is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin ranking.
Top Degree Programs
California Polytechnic's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (16%).
California Polytechnic
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California Polytechnic) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is strongest in Engineering, 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is harder to get into, admitting 31% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,665 after aid versus $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 86%.
Should you choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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