University of Wisconsin–Madison vs University of Minnesota – Rankings, Fees, Admissions & Career Outcomes

University of Wisconsin vs University of Minnesota

University of Wisconsin–Madison, located in Madison, Wisconsin, is a large public research institution that nearly enrolls 37,817 undergraduate students. The school has a moderately selective acceptance rate of about 43%, making admission competitive but possible for qualified applicants. Wisconsin–Madison is well-known for its programs in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Life Sciences. The school has an average graduation rate of 89% within six years, while graduates of Wisconsin enjoy early career salaries of approximately ?55–60 lakhs annually (£46,000–50,000).

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, located in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota, is a large public research institution that enrolls approximately 39,250 undergraduate students. The school has a moderately selective acceptance rate of about 73%, making admission competitive but possible for qualified applicants. Minnesota is well-known for its programs in Engineering, Business, Public Health, and Political Science. The school has an average graduation rate of 85% within six years, while graduates of Minnesota enjoy early career salaries of approximately ?50–55 lakhs annually (£42,000–47,000).

Overview Comparison
University of WisconsinUniversity of Minnesota
Collegedunia Score6.8 Out of 10-
ranking (overall)# 53 Times Higher Education 2026
# 110 QS World University 2026
# 30 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 88 Times Higher Education 2026
# 210 QS World University 2026
# 87 Times Higher Education 2025
Subject Strength# 27 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 119 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 28 for Law by US News 2025
# 101 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 86 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2022
# 20 for Law by US News 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -166
PG Programs -101
Doctorate Programs -69
UG Programs -31
Doctorate Programs -1
Acceptance Rate45.0 %71.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
TOEFL-80
SAT-1150
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   38634
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  25540
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 16414 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   14170
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  35988
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 18100 Per Year
Campuses and B-SchoolsWisconsin School of Business
NA
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of WisconsinUniversity of Minnesota
Type of UniversityUniversity
College
Established1848
1960
Student:Faculty Ratio18:1
13:1
Male:Female42% Male, 58% Female44% Male, 56% Female
Hostel#Housing & Meals - $16414
#Off campus (with family) - $1800
#On campus - $8150
#Off campus (not with family) - $8150
Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Wisconsin–Madison vs University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026):

Wisconsin–Madison is included among the top 40 national universities in the U.S., known for its research capabilities and a variety of academic programs. It has a strong reputation for its Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Life Sciences programs. University of Minnesota, a public university, is included among the top 60 national universities and among the top public schools; known for its research capacities in Engineering, Business, Public Health, and Political Science.

General Information:

Wisconsin–Madison is a large public research university, located on a metropolitan campus in Madison, Wisconsin, with over 200 offered degrees, and serves more than 37,000 students. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a large public research university situated on a compact urban campus in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota, educating around 39,000 students, and offers a liberal arts and research-focused education in a public institution.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions:

Wisconsin–Madison has a moderately selective admission process with an acceptance rate around 43%, and receives a significant volume of in-state, out-of-state, and international applicants. University of Minnesota has a moderately selective admission process with an acceptance rate around 73%, and receives a significant volume of in-state, out-of-state, and international applicants.

Research Impact & Facilities:

Wisconsin–Madison is a Carnegie R1 research university with considerable research funding, mostly in Engineering, Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Public Policy. It operates state-of-the-art labs, research centers, and collaborates with partners worldwide. University of Minnesota is also a Carnegie R1 research university with considerable research funding, mostly in Engineering, Business, Public Health, and Political Science. It operates state-of-the-art labs, research centers, and collaborates with partners worldwide.

Cost & Financial Aid:

For international students, Wisconsin–Madison’s tuition and fees average between $40,000–42,000 per year; University of Minnesota’s tuition for non-residents averages between $32,000–35,000 per year. Both universities offer scholarships for international students, with merit and need-based awards available.

Career Destinations & Graduates’ Success:

Wisconsin–Madison graduates usually enter Engineering, Business, Agriculture, and Life Sciences roles, benefiting from the university’s strong research opportunities and extensive alumni network. University of Minnesota graduates tend to move into Engineering, Business, Public Health, and Political Science sectors, benefiting from strong state and regional connections and a large alumni base.