Beloit College vs University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison is selective with a 43.4% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Beloit College (57.4%). Graduates of University of Wisconsin-Madison earn $20,532 more per year at the 10-year mark ($73,792 vs $53,260). For families earning $48k–$75k, University of Wisconsin-Madison is more affordable at $9,613 net price vs $18,491. Students at University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate with less debt ($20,484 vs $25,738).
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. University of Wisconsin-Madison has a higher median SAT (1450 vs 1280).
Beloit, 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 — $28,465 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. Beloit College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (29%), 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.
Beloit College
- 1 Chemistry$40,821
- 2 Business/Managerial Economics$38,289
- 3 Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences$37,208
- 4 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics$32,382
- 5 Education, General$30,926
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.
Beloit College
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Sociology
- 4 Anthropology
- 5 Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
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.
Beloit College
- International students14%
- Tuition (international)$52,858
- Est. total cost/year$63,036
- 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 Beloit College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is more selective with a 43.4% acceptance rate, compared to 57.4%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Beloit College or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $73,792 compared to $53,260. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Beloit College 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 $18,491. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Beloit College vs University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 89.3%, compared to 67.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Beloit College 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 Beloit College and University of Wisconsin-Madison?
At Beloit College, Chemistry graduates earn a median of $40,821 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.