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Head to head · Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, University of Wisconsin-Madison is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeUniversity of WisconsinUniversity of WisconsinDifference
Under $30k$4,200$10,329$6,129 · University of Wisconsin
$30–48k$4,101$10,709$6,608 · University of Wisconsin
$48–75k$8,134$12,344$4,210 · University of Wisconsin
$75–110k$17,763$19,315$1,552 · University of Wisconsin
Over $110k$27,292$21,477$5,815 · University of Wisconsin

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

University of Wisconsin-Madison$74,871
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee$81,413
Difference over four years$6,542

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate45% · 91%
Average SAT1427 · 1090

Listed University of Wisconsin first, then University of Wisconsin. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$73,792 · $54,990
Graduate in four years75% · 31%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$20,484 · $23,000

Again University of Wisconsin first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

University of Wisconsin-Madison — every income band · University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — every income band · All Wisconsin public colleges