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Carroll University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

Carroll University is a private university in Waukesha, WI, and University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public university in Madison, WI. University of Wisconsin-Madison is the more selective of the two, admitting about 45% of applicants against 67% at Carroll University. Carroll University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,193 a year against $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. About 89% of students graduate at University of Wisconsin-Madison, compared with 70% at Carroll University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni earn a median of about $73,792, against $58,009 for Carroll University.

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Carroll University

Waukesha, WI · Private

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Waukesha, WI
Madison, WI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,523
36,902
Acceptance rate
67%
45%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1270
1380–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
21–27
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$15,193
$17,354
Full cost / yr
$52,639
$28,679
In-state tuition
$38,890
$11,603
Out-of-state tuition
$38,890
$42,103
Application fee
$0
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,718
$4,200
$30k - $48k
$16,875
$4,101
$48k - $75k
$14,134
$8,134
$75k - $110k
$15,730
$17,763
Over $110k
$14,891
$27,292
Outcomes
Graduation rate
70%
89%
Freshman retention
78%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$54,456
$61,275
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,009
$73,792
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$20,484
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
16%
First-generation students
27%
17%
International students
4%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Carroll University or University of Wisconsin-Madison harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is harder to get into. It admits about 45% of applicants, compared with 67% at Carroll University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Carroll University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Carroll University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,193 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Carroll University and University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Before aid, University of Wisconsin-Madison costs about $28,679 a year and Carroll University about $52,639. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Carroll University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,200 there, against about $15,718 at Carroll University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carroll University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is the larger of the two, with about 36,902 undergraduates against 2,523 at Carroll University.
Does Carroll University or University of Wisconsin-Madison have a better graduation rate?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 70% at Carroll University.
Do graduates of Carroll University or University of Wisconsin-Madison earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni earn more on average: a median of about $73,792 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,009 for Carroll University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carroll University and University of Wisconsin-Madison require SAT or ACT scores?
Carroll University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Wisconsin-Madison is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carroll University and University of Wisconsin-Madison look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1270 at Carroll University and 1380–1520 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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