University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. Wisconsin

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Minnesota Duluth in Duluth, MN with University of Wisconsin Madison in Madison, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin Madison is larger than University of Minnesota-Duluth based on total student enrollment (51,044 students vs. 9,253 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Minnesota Duluth is located in Duluth, MN (Small City setting); University of Wisconsin Madison is in Madison, WI (Midsize City setting).
• University of Minnesota Duluth is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Madison is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Minnesota Duluth 16:1; University of Wisconsin Madison 18:1.

University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. Wisconsin Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Minnesota-Duluth or Wisconsin? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Wisconsin Madison than University of Minnesota-Duluth ($14,235 vs. $20,128).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Minnesota Duluth are 21.3% lower than at University of Wisconsin Madison ($11,110 vs. $14,124).
• University of Minnesota Duluth is 25.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wisconsin (about $3,007 more per year; $14,610.00 vs. $11,603.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109.2% higher at Wisconsin than at University of Minnesota Duluth (about $21,973 more per year; $42,103.00 vs. $20,130.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Minnesota Duluth than at University of Wisconsin Madison (95% vs. 35%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Wisconsin Madison students is 146.9% larger than aid received by University of Minnesota Duluth students ($17,741 vs. $7,186).

University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. Wisconsin Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Minnesota-Duluth or Wisconsin? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Wisconsin and University of Minnesota-Duluth.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Wisconsin Madison (1450) is 180 points higher than at University of Minnesota-Duluth (1270).
• Incoming Wisconsin students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 25 at University of Minnesota-Duluth).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Minnesota Duluth 1180/1350; University of Wisconsin Madison 1380/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Minnesota Duluth 23/28; University of Wisconsin Madison 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Minnesota-Duluth - Test optional; Wisconsin - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Minnesota-Duluth Aug 1, 2027; Wisconsin Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wisconsin students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at University of Minnesota-Duluth (3.51).
• University of Minnesota-Duluth has a higher acceptance rate (88.8%) than Wisconsin (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. 28.6% at Wisconsin.

University of Minnesota-Duluth vs. Wisconsin Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Minnesota-Duluth and Wisconsin? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Wisconsin Madison's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than University of Minnesota Duluth's (55%).
• Graduates from University of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates about ten years after starting college ($64,800 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wisconsin Madison graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates ($22,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Wisconsin graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Minnesota-Duluth graduates ($230 vs. $258).
• More Wisconsin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Minnesota-Duluth students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 76%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.