Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Maryland-College Park vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Maryland-College Park Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 15
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Maryland-College Park 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 Maryland-College Park's $15,678. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Maryland-College Park'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
Maryland-College Park
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, 12% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $15,678, roughly $1,676 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,000, the lower of the two
Wisconsin-Madison
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Maryland-College Park graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (25% 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 Maryland-College Park over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Maryland-College Park over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Net price $15,678 vs $17,354.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Maryland-College Park and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but University of Maryland-College Park 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 Maryland-College Park is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,473 to 1,427.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Maryland-College Park 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 Maryland-College Park comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $15,678, about $1,676 a year below University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Graduates of University of Maryland-College Park also borrow less: median debt of $19,000, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $6,704 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Maryland-College Park leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates report median earnings of $82,860, compared with $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Maryland-College Park has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Maryland-College Park 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 Maryland-College Park concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Maryland-College Park competes well across the dimensions measured.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment, and University of Maryland-College Park is stronger here.
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
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
With nearly 31,000 students, the University of Maryland-College Park is a vibrant choice for those interested in fields like Computer Science and IT, Business and Marketing, and Engineering. The school’s acceptance rate is 45%, meaning it’s competitive but still accessible for many. What stands out here is the impressive 89% graduation rate, indicating that students who enroll are likely to see their academic journeys through to completion.
After graduation, students can expect solid earnings, with a 10-year post-degree salary averaging $82,860. This figure is particularly important when considering the long-term return on investment for education. The affordability of the school plays a big role in this, as the net price after aid is around $15,678. This allows for a manageable financial situation, especially when considering that only 19% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting that many students are coming from a range of economic backgrounds.
In terms of financial outlook, graduates leave with a median debt of $19,000, which is quite reasonable compared to potential earnings. This balance is crucial for those who want to thrive after college without being weighed down by excessive debt. Students who tend to succeed here are often those who take advantage of internships and career services, engaging actively with the community and resources available to them. Overall, Maryland-College Park supports students through a solid combination of academic rigor and financial feasibility.
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 Maryland-College Park is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Maryland ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Maryland-College Park's top program is Computer Science (25% of enrollment), while Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (16%).
Maryland-College Park
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Maryland-College Park) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Maryland-College Park is strongest in Engineering, while University of Wisconsin-Madison concentrates in 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 University of Maryland-College Park or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Maryland-College Park is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, University of Maryland-College Park or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Maryland-College Park is more affordable, with an average net price of $15,678 after aid versus $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do University of Maryland-College Park or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn more: median earnings of $82,860 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Maryland-College Park or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 89%.
Should you choose University of Maryland-College Park or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Maryland-College Park 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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