University of Wisconsin-Madison

Overview

Acronyms: UW

Founded: 1848

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #75

Rank in United States: #19

Motto: Numen Lumen

Colours: Cardinal and white

Mascot: Bucky Badger

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Established in 1848, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Madison (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Wisconsin.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 176-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

UW also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Planning a visit to University of Wisconsin-Madison or following up with admissions? Location and contact details are listed below. Admissions email typically replies within 5–10 business days during peak season.

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for University of Wisconsin-Madison: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.

Academic Structures

The schools and colleges that constitute University of Wisconsin-Madison's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.

Programs Offered

Below are University of Wisconsin-Madison's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.

How to apply to University of Wisconsin-Madison

A short guide to applying to University of Wisconsin-Madison — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

1. 1
   Identify the right programme

   Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. University of Wisconsin-Madison runs 731 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

2. 2
   Check entry requirements

   Before applying to University of Wisconsin-Madison, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.

3. 3
   Prepare your application documents

   Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with University of Wisconsin-Madison's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

4. 4
   Submit via the institution

   Lodge your application through the official website (www.wisc.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

5. 5
   Get in touch with admissions

   Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (608) 263 2400. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Wisconsin-Madison

The questions below summarise University of Wisconsin-Madison's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

the United States's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing University of Wisconsin-Madison's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.

Harvard University

Cambridge · Private · Rank #1

Stanford University

Stanford · Private · Rank #8

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore · Private · Rank #13

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge · Private · Rank #16

University of Washington

Seattle · Public · Rank #19

Members of Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)

Member institutions of Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.

University of Toronto

Toronto · Public · Rank #14

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley · Public · Rank #41

University of Chicago

Chicago · Private · Rank #53

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill · Public · Rank #60

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis · Public · Rank #70

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Universities geographically close to University of Wisconsin-Madison are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.

Drew University

Madison · Private · Rank #505

Dakota State University

Madison · Public · Est. 1881

Edgewood College

Madison · Private · Est. 1927

Herzing University

Madison · Private · Est. 1965

Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia

Madison · Private · Est. 1950

Where Else to Study Agriculture

Alumni outcomes data publication varies across Agriculture programmes in the United States. Where available, post-grad employment and salary data is the best signal of programme quality beyond marketing claims.

Cornell University

Ithaca · Private · Rank #25

New York University

New York City · Private · Rank #49

University of Florida

Gainesville · Public · Rank #71

University of California, Davis

Davis · Public · Rank #83

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Champaign · Public · Rank #90

Universities Often Compared with University of Wisconsin-Madison

Universities at a similar tier to University of Wisconsin-Madison appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.

CA

California Southern University

Irvine · Rank #82

The Ohio State University

Columbus · Public · Rank #66

Penn State University

University Park · Public · Rank #86

Northwestern University

Evanston · Private · Rank #63

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis · Private · Rank #89