Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Washington-Seattle Campus Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 14
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Wisconsin-Madison achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,354 compared to University of Washington-Seattle Campus's $14,091. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Washington-Seattle Campus'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
Washington-Seattle Campus
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $78,466 ten years after enrollment, 6% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,091, roughly $3,263 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,615, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 39% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Wisconsin-Madison
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Washington-Seattle Campus graduates concentrate in Computer Science & IT (13% 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 Washington over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $78,466 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Washington over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Net price $14,091 vs $17,354.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over University of Washington. 89% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Washington and University of Wisconsin-Madison are close on paper, but University of Washington 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 Washington is the harder admit. It takes 39% of applicants, while University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Washington 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 Washington comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,091, about $3,263 a year below University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Graduates of University of Washington also borrow less: median debt of $14,615, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $13,052 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Washington leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Washington graduates report median earnings of $78,466, compared with $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Washington has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% 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 Washington 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 Washington concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, while University of Wisconsin-Madison leans toward Business & Marketing, Social Sciences. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Washington 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 Washington's $14,091.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,484, against $14,615 at University of Washington.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment, and University of Washington is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wisconsin-Madison holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% of admitted students enroll, versus 23% at Washington-Seattle Campus — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Washington-Seattle Campus, where only about 24% 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 Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
With nearly 32,000 students, the University of Washington-Seattle Campus is a vibrant choice for those interested in a diverse academic experience. It attracts students who lean towards technology, health sciences, and business, with strong programs in Computer Science, Biology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 39% means it’s competitive, but still accessible for many.
When it comes to life after graduation, UW alumni see impressive earnings, with a median income of around $78,466 a decade after finishing their degrees. This financial outlook is significant, especially considering the relatively affordable net price of $14,091 after aid. Understanding the financial landscape is crucial; many graduates manage their debt well, with a median debt load of $14,615, which suggests that students here can find a balance between education costs and future earnings.
Looking at the practicalities, students who thrive at UW typically take advantage of the resources available, including a strong support system for managing finances and career services. With a Pell Grant rate of 15%, there are opportunities for lower-income students to access education. Overall, those who are proactive and engaged tend to find a fulfilling experience, both during their time at the university and in their careers afterward.
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 Washington-Seattle Campus is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Washington ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Washington-Seattle Campus's top program is Computer Science (13% of enrollment), while Wisconsin-Madison leads with Business Administration (16%).
Washington-Seattle Campus
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Washington-Seattle Campus) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Washington is strongest in Engineering, 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 Washington or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Washington is harder to get into, admitting 39% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, University of Washington or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Washington is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,091 after aid versus $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do University of Washington or University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more?
University of Washington graduates earn more: median earnings of $78,466 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Washington or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 84%.
Should you choose University of Washington or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Washington 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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