Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Georgia vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Georgia Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 16
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Georgia offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Wisconsin-Madison achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,354 compared to University of Georgia's $13,936. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Georgia'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
Georgia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,936, roughly $3,418 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 38% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Wisconsin-Madison
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than University of Georgia
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #27
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Georgia graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (29% 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 Wisconsin-Madison over University of Georgia. Median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment vs $68,726.
Pick University of Georgia over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Net price $13,936 vs $17,354.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over University of Georgia. THE World Rank #27 vs #201-225.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Georgia and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but University of Georgia 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 Georgia is the harder admit. It takes 38% of applicants, while University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,397 to 1,427.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Georgia 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 Georgia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,936, about $3,418 a year below University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Graduates of University of Georgia also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $13,672 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Georgia leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates report median earnings of $73,792, compared with $68,726 at University of Georgia. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Georgia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.27x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% 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.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, University of Wisconsin-Madison sits higher, at #27 versus #201.
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 Georgia to keep costs and debt down; pick University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 Georgia saves about $3,418 a year, yet University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $5,066 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. University of Georgia concentrates enrollment in Communications, 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 — Georgia competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $17,354 runs well above University of Georgia's $13,936.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Wisconsin-Madison, where only about 50% 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 Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
The University of Georgia has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student persistence and success. This is a significant figure for prospective students evaluating the likelihood of completing their degree.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility statistics are not available for this institution. However, the overall outcomes for graduates suggest a solid earning potential. Alumni report an average income of $68,726 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a degree from this university.
The cost of attendance is relatively manageable with a net price of $13,936 and a median debt of $18,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue popular programs in Business, Communications, and Biological Sciences. The diverse offerings cater to a range of interests, making it a suitable choice for many.
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 Georgia is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Georgia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 29% of Georgia's student body and 16% of Wisconsin-Madison's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Georgia) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Georgia is strongest in Communications, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Georgia or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Georgia is harder to get into, admitting 38% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, University of Georgia or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Georgia is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,936 after aid versus $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do University of Georgia or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more: median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment, versus $68,726 at University of Georgia.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Georgia or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 89%.
Should you choose University of Georgia or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Georgia if affordability and lower debt come first; choose University of Wisconsin-Madison 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Georgia and Wisconsin-Madison stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
