University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin–Madison stands as a beacon of public research and innovation, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Mendota in the vibrant city of Madison. As the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System and a proud land-grant institution, UW–Madison is deeply committed to the "Wisconsin Idea," a tradition holding that the university's beneficial influence should reach every home in the state, applying research to improve health, quality of life, and the environment for all.

Academically, UW–Madison is a powerhouse, classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity." With its 13 schools and colleges, students can explore a vast array of 136 undergraduate majors, 148 master's programs, and 120 doctoral programs. This commitment to groundbreaking discovery is evident in its ranking, placing 6th among U.S. universities in research expenditures in 2023. The university boasts an impressive roster of affiliated individuals, including 20 Nobel laureates, 41 Pulitzer Prize winners, and leading producers of Fulbright Scholars and MacArthur Fellows.

From its founding in 1848, UW–Madison has been a place of pioneering spirit. It's the home of the historic "sifting and winnowing" proclamation, a foundational statement on academic freedom. Its researchers have made world-changing discoveries, from Vitamin A and B to Warfarin, the enzyme reverse transcriptase, and the first isolation of human embryonic stem cells. This legacy of scientific and societal impact continues to attract bright minds eager to solve real-world problems.

Beyond academics, the Badger spirit thrives, with 25 intercollegiate sports teams competing in NCAA Division I as part of the Big Ten Conference, having earned 31 national championships and 50 Olympic medals for alumni and students. A dynamic campus life, coupled with its stunning natural setting and the enriching "Wisconsin Idea," offers prospective students and families an engaging and impactful college experience.