Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Chicago vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Chicago Wins
- 30
- Tied
- 12
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 10
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Chicago offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,860 vs University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354, University of Chicago delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Chicago's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Chicago
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, 25% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,860, roughly $2,494 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #12
Wisconsin-Madison
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Chicago graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (40% 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 University of Chicago over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Chicago over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Net price $14,860 vs $17,354.
Pick University of Chicago over University of Wisconsin-Madison. THE World Rank #12 vs #27.
Pick University of Chicago over University of Wisconsin-Madison. 95% completion rate vs 89%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but University of Chicago wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Chicago is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,554 to 1,427.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Chicago 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 Chicago comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,860, about $2,494 a year below University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Graduates of University of Chicago also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $9,976 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Chicago leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Chicago graduates report median earnings of $91,885, compared with $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 25% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Chicago has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 25% 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 Chicago graduates a larger share of its students, 95% versus 89%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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, University of Chicago sits higher, at #12 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 Chicago 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. University of Chicago concentrates enrollment in Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science & IT, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Business & Marketing, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Chicago has less business program depth, and University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $17,354 runs well above University of Chicago's $14,860.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,484, against $15,000 at University of Chicago.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds University of Chicago's 7,569.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Chicago holds onto its admits more tightly: 88% of admitted students enroll, versus 68% at Wisconsin-Madison — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Chicago offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Wisconsin-Madison does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit
The University of Chicago has an acceptance rate of just 4%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the country. This means students face stiff competition to gain admission, but those who do become part of a community committed to academic excellence. With a graduation rate of 95%, students are likely to earn their degrees and move on to successful careers.
Graduates from the University of Chicago report impressive earnings. After ten years, their median income reaches $91,885. This level of financial success reflects the school’s strong academic programs, particularly in social sciences, biology, and computer science. While the Pell Grant rate is 15%, indicating that a portion of students come from low-income backgrounds, the institution does not provide specific data on economic mobility.
The cost of attendance is $14,860, and the median debt for graduates stands at $15,000. This relatively low debt compared to earnings suggests that students can manage their finances effectively after graduation. The University of Chicago is ideal for high-achieving students who thrive in a rigorous academic environment and are motivated to leverage their education for financial success.
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 Chicago and University of Wisconsin-Madison are featured on the Highest-Yield Colleges (Most-Loved) ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Chicago's top program is Sociology (40% of enrollment), while Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Chicago) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Chicago is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in Business & Marketing. 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 University of Chicago or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Chicago is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, University of Chicago or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Chicago is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,860 after aid versus $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do University of Chicago or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
University of Chicago graduates earn more: median earnings of $91,885 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Chicago or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Chicago has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 89%.
Should you choose University of Chicago or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Chicago 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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