Head-to-Head Comparison
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
- Saint Joseph's Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 16
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,354 vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689, University of Wisconsin-Madison delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Wisconsin-Madison'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
Saint Joseph's
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, 18% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,354, roughly $12,335 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,484, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Saint Joseph's graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (39% 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. Net price $17,354 vs $29,689.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia. 89% completion rate vs 79%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but University of Wisconsin-Madison 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
University of Wisconsin-Madison is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,258 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, University of Wisconsin-Madison comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,354, about $12,335 a year below Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689. Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison also borrow less: median debt of $20,484, against $25,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $49,340 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, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates report median earnings of $86,881, compared with $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 18% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Wisconsin-Madison has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 18% 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 79%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 10% 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 University of Wisconsin-Madison to keep costs and debt down; pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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 $12,335 a year, yet Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn $13,089 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. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, 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
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $29,689 runs well above University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,500, against $20,484 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's 4,948.
Full Data Breakdown
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
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.
Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.
In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.
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
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia and University of Wisconsin-Madison appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Education, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia ranks #5 — Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia outranks University of Wisconsin-Madison by 20 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 39% of Saint Joseph's's student body and 16% of Wisconsin-Madison's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Saint Joseph's) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is strongest in Health Professions, Psychology, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT. 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.
Saint Joseph's
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 89% at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Which is more affordable, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,354 after aid versus $29,689 at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.
Do Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 79%.
Should you choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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 Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia 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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