Head-to-head · 2026
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 6 wins for University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1 for University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — 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 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.63 ✓ | 9.16 |
| Avg net price | $17,354 | $15,014 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $73,792 ✓ | $54,990 |
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% ✓ | 90.7% |
| Graduation rate | 89.6% ✓ | 49.3% |
| Median debt | $20,484 ✓ | $23,000 |
| Enrollment | 36,902 | 16,758 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1427 ✓ | 1090 |
| Wins | 6 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Wisconsin-Madison costs $2,340 more per year than University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee ($17,354 vs $15,014). University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates report $18,802 higher median earnings after ten years ($73,792 vs $54,990). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Wisconsin-Madison ahead on projected ROI (10.63 vs 9.16, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Wisconsin-Madison) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Wisconsin-Madison is selective at 45.2% acceptance versus 90.7% (accessible) at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Frequently asked
University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Wisconsin-Madison or University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee the better value?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.63 vs 9.16), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is cheaper — average net price $15,014 per year vs $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The annual difference of $2,340 adds up to about $9,360 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Wisconsin-Madison reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $73,792 vs $54,990 at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,802.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective at 45.2% acceptance vs 90.7% at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
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. University of Wisconsin-Madison reports a B value grade; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee reports B.