<p>Madison - 38000 per year
Uiuc - 35000 per year</p>
<p>I do not know for sure what major I would want to do, probably accounting or finance. </p>
<p>Just which do you think would be a better school in terms of social life, location, academics, job prospects, and other stuff</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>bump10char</p>
<p>I think my profile picture says the answer. lol.</p>
<p>But in all seriousness I’m very unbiased if you read my posts. It will really depend what you want out of a school. Madison is a great school for business, but so is UIUC. (#2 for undergraduate accounting). In fact, I think UIUC is overall stronger academically in business, generally speaking. </p>
<p>In terms of job prospects, UIUC does very well with finance and other majors, being that Chicago has a lot companies that focus on finance. But of course, the school is recognized nationwide so you have a boat load of opportunities.</p>
<p>Social life is similar at both schools with the “big ten” atmosphere.</p>
<p>UIUC is also a bit cheaper so that helps. (it also has locked in tuition)</p>
<p>From what it looks like, unless you feel like Madison is a place you fit in perfectly and has what you want out of a school then U of I seems like a better decision.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Have you visited both campuses? Can you go for admitted student days? Apart from the strength of the business schools, what else are you looking for? </p>
<p>Although I am clearly biased the other way because my son is at UW, many people do consider Madison one of the top college towns around, and it is pretty amazing. Madison is a city, but small enough to feel manageable to a student. State St is a college students’ (and their parents’) dream – great restaurants, odd little shops etc -though my younger son wanted to know what a hookah shop was and why there was more than one on State St . </p>
<p>WI tends to be a swing state now, so during election cycles, lots of attention and visits from candidates (my son’s freshman year, President Obama spoke on campus and came back later in the election cycle to speak downtown, at the capital). As the capital of WI, there can be lots of internship opportunities for those interested in government-related careers (and other). I believe that Greek life plays a bigger role at UIUC than at UW – percentage of students involved in fraternities and sororities at UIUC is around 25%, I think – don’t quote me on that precise number – and more like 10% at UW. If that matters to you – the role of Greek life on social life at the school, that might be a factor to consider. </p>
<p>At UW B school, most students apply to B school in the spring of their freshman year and learn about their acceptance to B school in the early summer. UW has some direct admits to B school but I am assuming you are not one. So, UW freshmen need to keep their grades up and join some student organizations/get involved to demonstrate their interest in B school. In contrast, UIUC admits directly into colleges as incoming freshman – if you are already admitted to B school at UIUC, consider whether that difference matters to you. </p>
<p>UW has about 60-65% WI residents, about another 15- 20% MN residents (again, don’t quote me on percentages exactly) and maybe another 20% out of state. While there are lots of Chicago area kids at UW, there are also plenty of kids from east and west coasts that my son is friends with. I know UIUC used to hold 90% of incoming class for Illinois residents but I also remember hearing that percentage was going to be adjusted. At either school, there will be lots of midwesterners. </p>
<p>How much do finances matter? A difference of $3000 per year might mean a lot or a little, depending on your circumstances. For my son, once he was admitted to UW, he didn’t look back. But he also knew the minute he stepped on campus as a prospective student that UW was where he wanted to go. </p>
<p>There is no right decision here – they are both excellent schools with great reputations. Good luck with your decision. </p>