
The University of Wisconsin System is a network of public universities in the US state of Wisconsin. It is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country, enrolling more than 160,000 students each year. The system includes two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses. The University of Wisconsin—Madison, founded in 1848, is the largest university in the system, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 37,817 students as of fall 2023. The University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, formed in 1956, is another large campus within the system, located in Wisconsin's biggest city.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of enrolled students | 161,000 |
| Number of faculty and staff | 41,000 |
| Number of awarded degrees annually | 37,000 |
| Undergraduate enrollment at University of Wisconsin–Madison | 37,817 |
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What You'll Learn
- The University of Wisconsin System enrols over 160,000 students annually
- The system includes two doctoral research universities
- There are 11 other comprehensive universities in the system
- Eight two-year branch campuses are part of the system
- The University of Wisconsin–Madison has around 37,817 undergraduates

The University of Wisconsin System enrols over 160,000 students annually
The University of Wisconsin System, officially the University of Wisconsin and sometimes referred to as the UW System, is a large public university system in the US state of Wisconsin. It enrols over 160,000 students annually, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 37,817 as of fall 2023. The system comprises two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses. It also includes UW Colleges Online, which operates as an additional campus.
The University of Wisconsin has a long history dating back to the 1940s when freshman-sophomore centres began to open across the state. In 1951, the state teachers' colleges were redesignated as "Wisconsin State Colleges", offering a full four-year liberal arts curriculum. Over time, these colleges were granted university status, and by 1971, the University of Wisconsin system was established with campuses in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Kenosha/Somers. Today, the UW System is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country, employing approximately 41,000 faculty and staff statewide.
The University of Wisconsin System is headquartered in the state capital of Madison. The Madison campus is often simply referred to as the "University of Wisconsin", which has caused controversy and debates over brand dilution. Despite this, the UW System has a strong presence in Wisconsin, with nearly 90% of in-state graduates staying in the state five years after earning their degrees.
The UW System provides a wide range of educational opportunities for its students, offering various undergraduate and graduate programs. It also has a significant impact on the state's economy, with UW System graduates earning a median salary of more than $66,000. The system is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for its students, as reflected in its ranking in state and local funding per student for two-year institutions.
In conclusion, the University of Wisconsin System enrols a significant number of students each year, making it one of the largest public higher-education systems in the United States. With its comprehensive academic programs, dedicated faculty and staff, and strong graduate outcomes, the UW System plays a crucial role in shaping the future of its students and contributing to the intellectual and economic growth of Wisconsin.
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The system includes two doctoral research universities
The University of Wisconsin System is a large public higher-education system, enrolling more than 160,000 students each year and employing approximately 41,000 faculty and staff members across the state. The system includes two doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses.
The two major doctoral research universities within the University of Wisconsin System are the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. UW–Madison, founded in 1848, is a public institution with a large undergraduate enrollment of nearly 38,000 students (as of fall 2023) and a vast campus spanning 936 acres. It consistently ranks highly among America's best colleges and offers a wide range of graduate programs, including over 100 doctoral programs. The graduate programs at UW–Madison are highly regarded, earning top rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The university is also known for its innovative research, supported by entities like the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF).
UW–Milwaukee, on the other hand, was established in 1956 through the merger of the Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee (WSCM) and the University of Wisconsin–Extension's Milwaukee division. This merger responded to the growing demand for a large public university offering graduate programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city. While there have been discussions about changing its name to something other than "University of Wisconsin," the UW–Milwaukee name has been retained.
Both UW–Madison and UW–Milwaukee are nationally recognized Research I universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including doctoral and professional degrees. They contribute significantly to the University of Wisconsin System's reputation for academic excellence and research innovation.
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There are 11 other comprehensive universities in the system
The University of Wisconsin (also known as the University of Wisconsin System or UW System) is a large public university system in the US state of Wisconsin. It enrols more than 160,000 students each year, making it one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country. The UW System comprises two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses.
The eleven comprehensive universities within the UW System are spread across Wisconsin. The UW System was formed in 1971 through the union of various universities and colleges under the University of Wisconsin System name. The name "University of Wisconsin" is often used to refer specifically to the Madison campus, which has made it difficult for other institutions within the system to establish distinct identities. This has caused some controversy, and in 2006 and 2009, students at UW–Milwaukee (UWM) voted on whether to change the school's name. While a plurality of students voted to keep the name, over 50% were in favour of a new name. As a result, the UWM athletic teams are now referred to as the Milwaukee Panthers.
The UW System has a long history dating back to the 1940s when freshman-sophomore centres began to open across Wisconsin. Over time, some of these centres evolved into full-fledged four-year institutions, such as the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay in 1968. By 1971, the University of Wisconsin system had campuses in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Kenosha/Somers, along with 10 freshman-sophomore centres and the statewide University of Wisconsin–Extension. The system has continued to evolve, with mergers and restructurings occurring over the years.
The comprehensive universities within the UW System offer a range of academic programmes and contribute to the overall diversity of the system. They provide students with opportunities to pursue various fields of study and engage in research. The specific names and locations of these eleven comprehensive universities can be found on the University of Wisconsin System website, along with information about their unique histories, programmes offered, and enrolment figures.
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Eight two-year branch campuses are part of the system
The University of Wisconsin System (also known as the UW System) is a network of public universities in the US state of Wisconsin. It is one of the largest public higher education systems in the country, with more than 160,000 students enrolled annually. The UW System includes two major doctoral research universities, eleven comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses.
The history of the University of Wisconsin System dates back to the 1940s, when freshman-sophomore centres began to open across Wisconsin. In 1968, the Green Bay centre became the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, a four-year institution. In 1956, the Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee (WSCM) and the University of Wisconsin–Extension's Milwaukee division merged to become the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
In 1971, the University of Wisconsin System was established through the merger of the University of Wisconsin with the Wisconsin State University system. This merger created a unified system with 13 universities, 14 freshman-sophomore centres, and a statewide extension. Over time, the UW System has continued to evolve, with the addition of new campuses and the restructuring of existing ones.
The eight two-year branch campuses within the UW System are an integral part of its offerings. These campuses provide accessible higher education options for students across Wisconsin. They offer a range of associate degree programs and serve as a stepping stone for students who may later transfer to four-year institutions. The two-year campuses benefit from their association with the larger UW System, gaining access to shared resources, academic programs, and support services.
In October 2017, UW System President Ray Cross proposed a restructuring of the UW Colleges, which included the two-year branch campuses. The proposal envisioned bringing these colleges under the umbrella of their nearest comprehensive university, thereby creating regional two-year campuses within the system. This restructuring aimed to streamline administration and reduce costs. Despite some criticism, the proposal was approved by the UW Board of Regents in November 2017, and the implementation process began on July 1, 2018.
The eight two-year branch campuses have played a significant role in expanding access to higher education in Wisconsin. They provide a more affordable and flexible option for students who may not be able to commit to a four-year degree program immediately. The campuses also contribute to the diversity and reach of the UW System, ensuring that a wide range of students can benefit from the world-class education, research opportunities, and public service initiatives that the system offers.
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The University of Wisconsin–Madison has around 37,817 undergraduates
The University of Wisconsin is officially referred to as the University of Wisconsin System, and sometimes shortened to the UW System. It is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the United States, enrolling more than 160,000 students each year. The system comprises two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses.
The University of Wisconsin System has campuses in Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Kenosha/Somers. The Madison campus has historically been referred to simply as the "University of Wisconsin", which has caused controversy as it has made it difficult for other institutions in the system to establish distinct names and brands. This has resulted in brand dilution, according to many connected to the UW-Madison campus.
The University of Wisconsin System serves as Wisconsin's talent pipeline, awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually. It puts graduates in a position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Wisconsin System enrols more than 160,000 students each year.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has a total undergraduate enrolment of 37,817 as of Fall 2023.
The University of Wisconsin System awards nearly 37,000 degrees annually.











































