University of Wisconsin Madison vs University of Michigan

University of Wisconsin–Madison vs University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison and University of Michigan–Ann Arbor are both first-rate public research institutions in the United States and are steadily ranked among the world's best. University of Wisconsin ranks #110 in QS and 56^th in Times Higher Education whereas University of Michigan ranks #455 in QS and 22 in Times Higher Education. By discipline, Michigan is globally number one in Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Education, and Life Sciences, often being in the world's top 10–20. Wisconsin is world-famous in Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences, often being within the world's top 25–40, with special research productivity strength.

General Information

The University of Michigan, which was established in 1817, is one of the United States' oldest and most respected public universities. The university has a student population of approximately 52,000, with a substantial international student population, and is situated in Ann Arbor, a highly respected college town with a very strong cultural and academic atmosphere. The University of Wisconsin–Madison, established in 1848, enrolls approximately 50,000 students and is located in Madison, Wisconsin's capital city, which is regularly ranked as one of the top college towns in the United States. Michigan is well recognized for both its wide-ranging prestige at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, while Wisconsin is most admired for its public mission and intensity of research.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Both institutions are selective, although the University of Michigan tends to be more so, with an acceptance rate of approximately 18%. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is slightly more, usually in the range of 43%. There are more out-of-state and foreign applications drawn to Michigan in its strongly ranked business, engineering, and social sciences programs. Wisconsin is also selective, particularly for highly competitive majors like engineering, computer science, and biological sciences, but is a little more open than Michigan.

Research Impact & Facilities

The University of Michigan is a research powerhouse, with more than $1.7 billion in annual research expenditures, ranking it as one of the biggest research universities in America. It has premier medical, engineering, business, and social science research facilities. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is also a world research leader, with more than $1.5 billion in yearly research expenditures, and has long ranked at or near the very top of U.S. public universities in terms of research output. Wisconsin excels in biological and agricultural sciences, with unique strengths, whereas Michigan excels across medicine, engineering, and social sciences more broadly. Both are members of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

Cost & Financial Aid

Both universities are public institutions, so pricing depends on in-state or out-of-state residency. Tuition for in-state students is around $17,000–$19,000 per year, and out-of-state students can expect to pay $40,000–$55,000 based on the program. Michigan tends to charge more than Wisconsin. Both universities offer aid, but Michigan has higher endowment-funded aid packages, especially for in-state and need-based students. International students will find pricing at both universities high, although Michigan's resources available for aid are wider because of its higher endowment.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement

Both universities have excellent career outcomes and access to extensive alumni communities. The University of Michigan boasts one of the world's largest and most successful alumni communities, with excellent placement in business, consultancy, technology, government, and academia. Its Ross School of Business, College of Engineering, and Law School are exceptionally well-respected. The University of Wisconsin–Madison also boasts a far-reaching alumni network, with some very strong networks in public service, science, and education, many of whom go into careers in research, health care, and public policy. Michigan is generally better known internationally, particularly to employers abroad, while Wisconsin continues to have an equally esteemed reputation in the United States, especially in science- and research-oriented fields.