Head-to-head · 2026
Milwaukee School of Engineering vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Milwaukee School of Engineering, 5 for University of Wisconsin-Madison — University of Wisconsin-Madison has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Milwaukee School of Engineering | University of Wisconsin-Madison |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.92 | 10.63 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $22,453 | $17,354 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $89,070 ✓ | $73,792 |
| Acceptance rate | 58.9% | 45.2% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 67.1% | 89.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $20,484 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,654 | 36,902 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1427 |
| Wins | 1 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Milwaukee School of Engineering costs $5,099 more per year than University of Wisconsin-Madison ($22,453 vs $17,354). Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates report $15,278 higher median earnings after ten years ($89,070 vs $73,792). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Madison ahead on projected ROI (10.63 vs 9.92, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Wisconsin-Madison) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Milwaukee School of Engineering is accessible at 58.9% acceptance versus 45.2% (selective) at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Frequently asked
Milwaukee School of Engineering vs University of Wisconsin-Madison, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Milwaukee School of Engineering or University of Wisconsin-Madison the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.63 vs 9.92), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is cheaper — average net price $17,354 per year vs $22,453 at Milwaukee School of Engineering. The annual difference of $5,099 adds up to about $20,396 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Milwaukee School of Engineering reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $89,070 vs $73,792 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The annual gap in the federal data is $15,278.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective at 45.2% acceptance vs 58.9% at Milwaukee School of Engineering.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Milwaukee School of Engineering reports a B value grade; University of Wisconsin-Madison reports B.