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University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

42 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

9
University Wins
9
Tied / N/A
24
University Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
23,671
Enrollment
36,902
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

60%
Acceptance Rate
45%
1423
SAT Average
1427
31
ACT Midpoint
29
1310-1500
SAT Range
1380-1520

Cost & Financial Aid

$17,772
In-State Tuition
$11,603
$40,449
Out-of-State Tuition
$42,103
$22,383
Average Net Price
$17,354
$10,164
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$4,200
$10,456
Net Price ($30-48K)
$4,101
$12,932
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,134
$30,793
Net Price ($110K+)
$27,292
20%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
47%
Federal Loan Rate
20%

Academics

83%
Graduation Rate
89%
92%
Retention Rate
96%
81%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$14,663
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,643
22%
First-Gen Students
17%

Student Body

52%
Female
53%
57%
White
59%
9%
Hispanic
9%
5%
Black
2%
14%
Asian
11%
0.64
Diversity Index
0.62

Outcomes

$60,347
Earnings (6yr)
$61,275
$66,904
Earnings (8yr)
$69,868
$71,631
Earnings (10yr)
$73,792
$22,763
Median Debt
$20,484
0.32x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.28x
75%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Capital

1.80
Economic Connectedness
1.78
0.01
Friending Bias
0.00
9.0%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#27
N/A
Teaching Score
74.3
N/A
Research Score
77.3
N/A
Citations Score
90.6

The Overviews

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · Public

60% accept 83% grad $71,631 earnings $22,383 net

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

45% accept 89% grad $73,792 earnings $17,354 net

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.

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