UConn vs UW Madison: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Connecticut and University of Wisconsin-Madison, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UConn vs UW Madison at a glance
UConn admits 52.4% of applicants and UW Madison 45.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $24,342 at UConn and $16,600 at UW Madison. Six-year graduation rates are 83.5% and 89.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UConn admits 52.4% of applicants and UW Madison 45.2%, so UW Madison is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $24,342 a year at UConn and $16,600 at UW Madison; UW Madison costs $7,742 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $13,649 at UConn and $3,424 at UW Madison.
- 83.5% of students graduate within six years at UConn, against 89.8% at UW Madison.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $82,098 for UConn and $80,330 for UW Madison; UConn is $1,768 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,313 at UConn and $18,375 at UW Madison.
- UConn enrolls 19,835 students (large suburb) and UW Madison 36,902 (large city).
Side by side
UConn and UW Madison in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | UConn | UW Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 45.2% |
| Applicants | 36,753 | 53,781 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1210–1440 | 1380–1520 |
| ACT middle 50% | 28–33 | 29–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $24,342 | $16,600 |
| Tuition, in state | $21,334 | $12,166 |
| Tuition, out of state | $44,002 | $44,191 |
| Cost of attendance | $40,744 | $29,943 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $13,649 | $3,424 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,415 | $3,837 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $17,169 | $6,026 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $26,207 | $15,839 |
| Over $110,000 | $36,552 | $28,208 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 83.5% | 89.8% |
| First-year retention | 92.5% | 96.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $82,098 | $80,330 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,313 | $18,375 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $231 | $209 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 19,835 | 36,902 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Storrs, CT | Madison, WI |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
UConn reports 85 bachelor's programs and UW Madison 100; 66 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UConn vs UW Madison
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UConn or UW Madison?
UW Madison is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UConn admits 52.4% of applicants and UW Madison admits 45.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UConn 1210–1440; UW Madison 1380–1520.
Which is cheaper, UConn or UW Madison?
UW Madison has the lower average net price after grants: $24,342 a year at UConn against $16,600 at UW Madison. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $13,649 and $3,424. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UConn or UW Madison graduates earn more?
UConn graduates earn more at the median: $82,098 ten years after entry for UConn and $80,330 for UW Madison. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,313 and $18,375.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UConn or UW Madison?
UW Madison does: 83.5% of UConn students graduate within six years, against 89.8% at UW Madison.
How big are UConn and UW Madison?
UConn has 19,835 students in Storrs, CT and UW Madison has 36,902 students in Madison, WI.