Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 23
- Tied
- 13
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 12
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. While University of Wisconsin-Madison achieves a higher graduation rate (89% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $17,354 compared to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities'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
Wisconsin-Madison
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment, 7% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Higher grad rate: 89% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 45% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $576 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Wisconsin-Madison graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (16% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Net price $16,778 vs $17,354.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 89% completion rate vs 85%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are close on paper, but University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 Wisconsin-Madison is the harder admit. It takes 45% of applicants, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,427 to 1,362.
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $576 a year below University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Graduates of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $2,304 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 7% advantage.
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.
Finishing the degree
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates a larger share of its students, 89% versus 85%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $576 a year, yet University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $4,772 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 Wisconsin-Madison concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
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 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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Wisconsin-Madison is featured on the Best Bachelor's Programs in Wisconsin ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Wisconsin-Madison's top program is Business Administration (16% of enrollment), while Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Biology (12%).
Wisconsin-Madison
Minnesota-Twin Cities
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Wisconsin-Madison) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Minnesota-Twin Cities).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Wisconsin-Madison is strongest in Social Sciences, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities concentrates in Engineering. 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 Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is harder to get into, admitting 45% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Do University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more: median earnings of $73,792 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 85%.
Should you choose University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 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 Wisconsin-Madison and Minnesota-Twin Cities 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.
