Head-to-Head Comparison
Massachusetts Institute of Technology vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Massachusetts Technology Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 15
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Massachusetts Institute of Technology achieves a higher graduation rate (96% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $20,111 compared to University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Wisconsin-Madison benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $73,792 at ten years.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Massachusetts Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment, 94% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,768, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #3
Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,354, roughly $2,757 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Massachusetts Technology graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (35% 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Net price $17,354 vs $20,111.
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over University of Wisconsin-Madison. THE World Rank #3 vs #27.
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over University of Wisconsin-Madison. 96% completion rate vs 89%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,560 to 1,427.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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, University of Wisconsin-Madison comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,354, about $2,757 a year below Massachusetts Institute of Technology's $20,111. Graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology also borrow less: median debt of $14,768, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $11,028 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Wisconsin-Madison leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $143,372, compared with $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 94% advantage. Set against borrowing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 94% 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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 89%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Massachusetts Institute of Technology sits higher, at #3 versus #27.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Wisconsin-Madison to keep costs and debt down; pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Wisconsin-Madison saves about $2,757 a year, yet Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn $69,580 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Massachusetts Institute of Technology concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $20,111 runs well above University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354.
- Business and consulting-track students: Massachusetts Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the stronger options.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,484, against $14,768 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds Massachusetts Institute of Technology's 4,535.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Wisconsin-Madison, where only about 41% 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 Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.
The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.
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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is featured on the Colleges With the Highest-Earning Graduates ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Massachusetts Technology's top program is Computer Science (35% of enrollment), while Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (16%).
Massachusetts Technology
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts Technology) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is strongest in Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,354 after aid versus $20,111 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Do Massachusetts Institute of Technology or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 89%.
Should you choose Massachusetts Institute of Technology or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Wisconsin-Madison if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Massachusetts Institute of Technology if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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