Milwaukee School of Engineering vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison is selective with a 43.4% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Milwaukee School of Engineering (60.4%). Graduates of Milwaukee School of Engineering earn $15,278 more per year at the 10-year mark ($89,070 vs $73,792). For families earning $48k–$75k, University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable at $9,613 net price vs $17,233. Students at University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate with less debt ($20,484 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Wisconsin-Madison has a higher yield rate (28.9%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Milwaukee, WI
Madison, WI
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable at $4,458 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $31,207 vs $26,427.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Milwaukee School of Engineering enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (23%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Milwaukee School of Engineering
- 1 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians$74,200
- 2 Computer Engineering$72,857
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$68,316
- 4 Architectural Engineering$67,420
- 5 Industrial Engineering$66,653
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 1 Computer Engineering$81,997
- 2 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$78,814
- 3 Computer and Information Sciences, General$75,282
- 4 Real Estate$73,949
- 5 Chemical Engineering$73,378
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Milwaukee School of Engineering
- 1 Mechanical Engineering
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- 4 Civil Engineering
- 5 Computer Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General
- 2 Economics
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Finance and Financial Management Services
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Milwaukee School of Engineering
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$41,820
- Est. total cost/year$54,054
- School typePublic
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- International students15%
- Tuition (international)$37,161
- Est. total cost/year$50,830
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 15% international enrollment, University of Wisconsin-Madison likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Milwaukee School of Engineering or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective with a 43.4% acceptance rate, compared to 60.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Milwaukee School of Engineering or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Milwaukee School of Engineering graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $89,070 compared to $73,792. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Milwaukee School of Engineering or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), University of Wisconsin-Madison has a lower net price at $9,613 per year vs $17,233. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Milwaukee School of Engineering vs University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 89.3%, compared to 71.5%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Milwaukee School of Engineering or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has a larger international student population at 15% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Milwaukee School of Engineering and University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At Milwaukee School of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians graduates earn a median of $74,200 within two years. At University of Wisconsin-Madison, the top-earning major is Computer Engineering at $81,997. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.