Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Massachusetts-Amherst Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 12
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $17,354 vs University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383, 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
Massachusetts-Amherst
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Wisconsin-Madison
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment, 3% more than University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,354, roughly $5,029 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?
Massachusetts-Amherst graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (17% 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 Massachusetts-Amherst. Median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment vs $71,631.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Net price $17,354 vs $22,383.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over University of Massachusetts-Amherst. 89% completion rate vs 83%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Massachusetts-Amherst and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 Wisconsin-Madison is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while University of Massachusetts-Amherst takes 60%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,423 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 $5,029 a year below University of Massachusetts-Amherst's $22,383. Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison also borrow less: median debt of $20,484, against $22,763.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $20,116 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, University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates report median earnings of $73,792, compared with $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That is a 3% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Wisconsin-Madison has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.32x.
So what: An earnings gap of 3% 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 83%. 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Wisconsin-Madison 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.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $22,383 runs well above University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds University of Massachusetts-Amherst's 23,671.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wisconsin-Madison holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% of admitted students enroll, versus 17% at Massachusetts-Amherst — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
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 Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public
With an enrollment of 23,671 students, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a great fit for those looking for a diverse and vibrant campus life. It stands out for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Engineering. Students here are often engaged in a wide range of studies, reflecting both academic rigor and practical application. The acceptance rate of 60% means that while it’s accessible, there’s still a competitive edge that can stimulate personal growth.
Graduates from UMass-Amherst can expect solid outcomes, with a median earning of $71,631 ten years after graduation. This figure speaks volumes about the potential return on investment. It’s encouraging to know that students can find rewarding careers, especially considering the affordability of education here. The net price after aid is $22,383, which positions the school as a reasonable choice for many families.
When it comes to finances, the median debt stands at $22,763, which is manageable given the earning potential. UMass-Amherst tends to attract students who are motivated and ready to embrace the opportunities that come with a public university experience. With 20% of students receiving Pell Grants, there’s a commitment to supporting diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall, this school nurtures those who are eager to thrive both academically and professionally after graduation.
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 Wisconsin-Madison is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 17% of Massachusetts-Amherst's student body and 16% of Wisconsin-Madison's.
Massachusetts-Amherst
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts-Amherst) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Massachusetts-Amherst or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 60% at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which is more affordable, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,354 after aid versus $22,383 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Do University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 $71,631 at University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Massachusetts-Amherst or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 83%.
Should you choose University of Massachusetts-Amherst or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Wisconsin-Madison 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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