Head-to-Head Comparison
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs Wellesley College
- Wisconsin-Madison Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 20
- Wellesley Wins
- 22
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Wellesley College achieves a higher graduation rate (91% vs 89%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $25,496 compared to University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354. Students who choose University of Wisconsin-Madison benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $73,792 at ten years.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Wisconsin-Madison
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,354, roughly $8,142 a year less
Wellesley
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,803 ten years after enrollment, 15% more than University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Less debt: Median debt of $10,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 14% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Wisconsin-Madison graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (16% of degrees); Wellesley in Social Sciences (23%). 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 Wellesley College over University of Wisconsin-Madison. Median earnings of $84,803 ten years after enrollment vs $73,792.
Pick University of Wisconsin-Madison over Wellesley College. Net price $17,354 vs $25,496.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
University of Wisconsin-Madison and Wellesley College are close on paper, but Wellesley College 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
Wellesley College is the harder admit. It takes 14% of applicants, while University of Wisconsin-Madison takes 45%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,427 to 1,520.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Wellesley College 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 $8,142 a year below Wellesley College's $25,496. Graduates of Wellesley College also borrow less: median debt of $10,000, against $20,484.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $32,568 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, Wellesley College graduates report median earnings of $84,803, compared with $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, Wellesley College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 15% 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 Wisconsin-Madison to keep costs and debt down; pick Wellesley College 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 Wisconsin-Madison saves about $8,142 a year, yet Wellesley College graduates earn $11,011 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 Business & Marketing, while Wellesley College leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $20,484, against $10,000 at Wellesley College.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment, and Wellesley College is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Wisconsin-Madison's enrollment of 36,902 far exceeds Wellesley College's 2,300.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $25,496 runs well above University of Wisconsin-Madison's $17,354.
- Business and consulting-track students: Wellesley College has less business program depth, and University of Wisconsin-Madison offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Wisconsin-Madison holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% of admitted students enroll, versus 46% at Wellesley — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Wellesley offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Wisconsin-Madison does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Wisconsin-Madison, where only about 41% 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) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 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.
Wellesley College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
Wellesley College is a great fit for students who are focused on a strong academic experience and personal growth. With an acceptance rate of just 14%, this school attracts motivated individuals who are passionate about subjects like Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science. The environment here is tailored for those who thrive in a rigorous, supportive setting, making it a solid choice for anyone serious about their studies.
After graduation, Wellesley alumni see impressive outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $84,803 after ten years. This reflects the value of a Wellesley education in the job market. While the cost of attendance can be a concern, the school’s commitment to affordability helps many students manage their financial futures. The relatively low median debt of $10,000 for graduates suggests that most leave with manageable financial obligations.
When it comes to the practicalities, the net price after aid sits at $25,496, which is reasonable for a private institution. Students who tend to thrive here are often those who appreciate a close-knit community and seek a challenging academic environment. With a graduation rate of 91%, it’s clear that Wellesley supports its students well, helping them not just to finish their degrees, but to succeed afterward.
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 Wellesley leads with Sociology (23%).
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 Wellesley).
The two schools feed different job markets. University of Wisconsin-Madison is strongest in Business & Marketing, while Wellesley College concentrates in Physical Sciences. 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 Wellesley College?
Wellesley College is harder to get into, admitting 14% of applicants compared with 45% at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which is more affordable, University of Wisconsin-Madison or Wellesley College?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,354 after aid versus $25,496 at Wellesley College.
Do University of Wisconsin-Madison or Wellesley College graduates earn more?
Wellesley College graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,803 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Which has a better graduation rate, University of Wisconsin-Madison or Wellesley College?
Wellesley College has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 89%.
Should you choose University of Wisconsin-Madison or Wellesley College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Wisconsin-Madison if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Wellesley College 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.
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