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University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI

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Quick Facts

Numen Lumen (Latin)("The divine within the universe, however manifested, is my light")

Public land-grant research university
Type
35,665
Total Students
34,212
Undergrad
14,345
Graduate
$4.9B
Endowment
(2025)
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$41K
Tuition (Out-State)
$17K
Avg Net Price
43%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Graduation Rate
6-year
95%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison: A beacon of research, academic freedom, and the 'Wisconsin Idea' shaping real-world solutions.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison stands as a premier public land-grant research institution, renowned as the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. Celebrated for its commitment to academic freedom, epitomized by the "sifting and winnowing" philosophy, and its groundbreaking "Wisconsin Idea"—which extends the university's influence to every corner of the state—UW-Madison consistently tackles real-world challenges. Classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity," the university's dedication to discovery is evident in its impressive research expenditures, ranking 6th nationally in 2023.

Academically, UW-Madison is a powerhouse, offering an extensive range of programs across 13 schools and colleges, including 136 undergraduate majors, 148 master's, and 120 doctoral programs. Historically, it was home to the influential "Wisconsin School" of economics and diplomatic history. Its faculty and alumni have a legacy of transformative discoveries, from identifying Vitamins A, B, and D, and developing Warfarin (Coumadin), to co-discovering reverse transcriptase and isolating human embryonic stem cells. This rich history of innovation underscores its profound impact on science, health, and society.

Life at UW-Madison is dynamic, set against the picturesque backdrop of Madison, Wisconsin, with its sprawling 933-acre main campus nestled on the shores of Lake Mendota, complemented by a 1,200-acre arboretum. Students immerse themselves in a vibrant academic and social environment, benefiting from a culture that values critical inquiry and engagement. Beyond the classroom, the Wisconsin Badgers ignite school spirit, competing in 25 NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports within the Big Ten Conference, boasting an impressive 31 national championships and 50 Olympic medals won by its students and alumni. This blend of rigorous academics, pioneering research, and spirited campus life offers a truly comprehensive university experience.

Key Highlights

  • A public land-grant research university, classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity."
  • Ranked 6th among U.S. universities in research expenditures in 2023, according to the National Science Foundation.
  • The "Wisconsin Idea" promotes extending the university's research to solve statewide problems and improve quality of life.
  • Affiliated with 20 Nobel laureates, 41 Pulitzer Prize winners, 2 Fields medalists, and 1 Turing Award recipient.
  • Offers 136 undergraduate majors, 148 master's degree programs, and 120 doctoral programs across 13 schools and colleges.
  • Home to pioneering discoveries, including Vitamins A, B, and D, Warfarin, reverse transcriptase, and human embryonic stem cells.
  • The Wisconsin Badgers compete in NCAA Division I Big Ten sports, with 31 national championships and 50 Olympic medals won by students and alumni.

Timeline

1848
Officially created by an act signed by Wisconsin's first governor.
1849
First class of 17 students met; John H. Lathrop became the first chancellor.
1863
Female students were first admitted to the university.
1866
Formally designated as the Wisconsin land-grant institution.
1894
Board of Regents issued a proclamation in favor of academic freedom, known as "sifting and winnowing."
1904
The "Wisconsin Idea" was first articulated by President Charles Van Hise.
1913
Discovery of Vitamin A by Elmer V. McCollum and Marguerite Davis.
1925
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) was chartered.
1969
Howard Temin co-discovered the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
1998
James Thomson first isolated and cultured human embryonic stem cells.

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