UW Madison vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Wisconsin-Madison and Rutgers University-New Brunswick, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UW Madison vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick at a glance
UW Madison admits 45.2% of applicants and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 58.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $16,600 at UW Madison and $24,897 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Six-year graduation rates are 89.8% and 83.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UW Madison admits 45.2% of applicants and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 58.2%, so UW Madison is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $16,600 a year at UW Madison and $24,897 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick; UW Madison costs $8,297 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $3,424 at UW Madison and $15,090 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- 89.8% of students graduate within six years at UW Madison, against 83.9% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $80,330 for UW Madison and $80,490 for Rutgers University-New Brunswick; Rutgers University-New Brunswick is $160 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,375 at UW Madison and $18,974 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
- UW Madison enrolls 36,902 students (large city) and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 37,751 (small city).
Side by side
UW Madison and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 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 | UW Madison | Rutgers University-New Brunswick |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 45.2% | 58.2% |
| Applicants | 53,781 | 43,161 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1380–1520 | 1310–1500 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–33 | 28–33 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $16,600 | $24,897 |
| Tuition, in state | $12,166 | $18,824 |
| Tuition, out of state | $44,191 | $39,649 |
| Cost of attendance | $29,943 | $36,096 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $3,424 | $15,090 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $3,837 | $17,496 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $6,026 | $18,838 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,839 | $24,156 |
| Over $110,000 | $28,208 | $34,232 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 89.8% | 83.9% |
| First-year retention | 96.2% | 93% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $80,330 | $80,490 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,375 | $18,974 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $209 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 36,902 | 37,751 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Madison, WI | New Brunswick, NJ |
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
UW Madison reports 100 bachelor's programs and Rutgers University-New Brunswick 100; 70 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UW Madison vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UW Madison or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
UW Madison is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UW Madison admits 45.2% of applicants and Rutgers University-New Brunswick admits 58.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UW Madison 1380–1520; Rutgers University-New Brunswick 1310–1500.
Which is cheaper, UW Madison or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
UW Madison has the lower average net price after grants: $16,600 a year at UW Madison against $24,897 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $3,424 and $15,090. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UW Madison or Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduates earn more at the median: $80,330 ten years after entry for UW Madison and $80,490 for Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,375 and $18,974.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UW Madison or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
UW Madison does: 89.8% of UW Madison students graduate within six years, against 83.9% at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
How big are UW Madison and Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
UW Madison has 36,902 students in Madison, WI and Rutgers University-New Brunswick has 37,751 students in New Brunswick, NJ.