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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public university in La Crosse, WI. University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public university in Madison, WI. University of Wisconsin-Madison admits about 45% of applicants and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse about 76%, making University of Wisconsin-Madison the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,210 a year at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse after aid, and about $17,354 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. About 89% of students graduate at University of Wisconsin-Madison, compared with 71% at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Ten years after enrolling, University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni earn a median of about $73,792, against $60,378 for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI · Public

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
La Crosse, WI
Madison, WI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
9,277
36,902
Acceptance rate
76%
45%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1380–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
22–27
29–33
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,210
$17,354
Full cost / yr
$19,593
$28,679
In-state tuition
$10,070
$11,603
Out-of-state tuition
$19,517
$42,103
Application fee
$25
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,224
$4,200
$30k - $48k
$8,766
$4,101
$48k - $75k
$10,608
$8,134
$75k - $110k
$17,394
$17,763
Over $110k
$18,991
$27,292
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
89%
Freshman retention
87%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,626
$61,275
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,378
$73,792
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
$20,484
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
16%
First-generation students
21%
17%
International students
1%
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 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 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 76% at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,210 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 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Before aid, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse costs about $19,593 a year and University of Wisconsin-Madison about $28,679. 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, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,200 there, against about $8,224 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is the larger of the two, with about 36,902 undergraduates against 9,277 at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse or University of Wisconsin-Madison have a better graduation rate?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 71% at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Do graduates of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 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 $60,378 for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and University of Wisconsin-Madison require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Wisconsin-Madison is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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