Wisconsin's University System: Student Population Insights

The University of Wisconsin System is a network of public universities in the U.S. 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 comprises two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and twelve two-year branch campuses. The University of Wisconsin–Madison, the flagship campus, is a large, four-year research university that enrolled approximately 34,200 undergraduate and 14,300 graduate and professional students in 2024.

University of Wisconsin–Madison: ~37,000 students

The University of Wisconsin (UW) System is a university system of public universities in the U.S. 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 comprises two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and twelve two-year branch campuses.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university that was founded in 1848. It has a large student body, with around 37,000 students enrolled as of Fall 2024. The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with a slight majority of female students (around 53%) and a male population of around 47%. The student body is predominantly white, with around 29,000 white students, while there are also significant populations of Asian and Black students, with around 4,200 and 1,200 students respectively. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on research and academics.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has a large campus, spanning 939 acres, and is located along the southern shore of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin. The university has a strong reputation and is ranked highly among national universities. It is particularly well-known for its highly ranked graduate schools, including the School of Education, Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, College of Engineering, School of Business, School of Medicine and Public Health, and Law School. The university also has a rich history, with notable alumni including renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly and author Joyce Carol Oates.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved outside of the classroom, with nearly 900 organizations on campus and an active Greek life and social scene. The university's sports teams, the Wisconsin Badgers, compete in more than 20 NCAA Division I sports and are part of the Big Ten Conference. The university also has a high graduation rate of 89.5% and offers various residential communities where students can live and learn with their peers and faculty.

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee: ~22,800 students

The University of Wisconsin (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, enrolling over 160,000 students each year. The system comprises two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and twelve two-year branch campuses.

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) is a public urban research university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is the largest university in the Milwaukee metropolitan area and one of the two doctorate-granting research universities in the UW System. The university consists of 14 schools and colleges, including the only graduate school of freshwater science in the US, the first CEPH-accredited dedicated school of public health in Wisconsin, and the state's only school of architecture.

UWM has about 22,800 graduate and undergraduate students. It offers 88 undergraduate programs and 48 graduate programs, including 22 doctoral degree programs, with a university-wide focus on academic research, teaching, and community service. The university's athletic teams are the Panthers, and a total of 15 Panther athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I.

UWM is nationally recognised for its undergraduate research, and students can gain real-world experiences that shape their education and careers through paid internships, entrepreneurship programs, and community-based classes and volunteer opportunities. The university has a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1 and offers nearly 300 student clubs and organisations.

UWM's compact campus covers about four city blocks, and there are plenty of scenic spots to sit and study or relax. The campus is just five minutes from Lake Michigan and is nestled in a safe, tree-lined neighbourhood. It is also only ten minutes from downtown Milwaukee, so students can enjoy the benefits of a large city, including year-round internships and plenty of entertainment options.

University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire: ~10,000 students

The University of Wisconsin (UW) System is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the United States, enrolling over 160,000 students each year. The system comprises two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and twelve two-year branch campuses.

University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UW–Eau Claire, UWEC, or simply Eau Claire) is a public university in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It is part of the University of Wisconsin System, offering bachelor's and master's degrees. As of 2024, the university had an enrollment of approximately 10,000 students, with around 9,500 undergraduates and 500 graduate students.

The university is situated on the banks of the Chippewa River and consists of 28 major buildings spanning 333 acres. An additional 168 acres of forested land are used for environmental research. The campus is located in an urban setting, close to Eau Claire's historic Water Street.

UW-Eau Claire has a small-school vibe with big-school resources. The university offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and certificates, as well as graduate programs. The university is known for its beautiful campus and has a wildly active marching band, with over 400 members as of 2021. The university's athletic teams are called the Blugolds, reflecting the school colours of navy blue and old gold.

History

The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire was founded in 1916 as the Eau Claire State Normal School, originally offering teacher training courses. In 1927, the name changed to Eau Claire State Teachers College, and it began offering bachelor's degree programs. In the 1940s and 1950s, the university underwent significant changes, with a rise in enrollment and an expanded scope beyond teacher education. The Wisconsin Board of Regents authorised the school to offer bachelor's degrees in liberal arts, and the name changed to the Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire.

In the 1960s, the university expanded further with new buildings and dormitories. In 1964, the Board of Regents granted university status to the state colleges, and the institution became Wisconsin State University – Eau Claire. During this time, the university was involved in protests against the Vietnam War, and Martin Luther King Jr. visited the campus, calling for a second Emancipation Proclamation.

In 1971, the university's name changed to the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire following the merger of the Wisconsin State University System and the University of Wisconsin System. Since then, the university has expanded its course offerings, faculty, student body, and campus grounds.

University of Wisconsin–Platteville: ~6,500 students

The University of Wisconsin–Platteville is a public university in Platteville, Wisconsin, with a student population of approximately 6,500 as of 2022. The university was founded in 1866 and has since become a regional leader among 4-year colleges in Wisconsin. It offers a range of challenging academics, renowned faculty members, and notable alumni.

The University of Wisconsin–Platteville, also known as UW–Platteville or UW Platt, is part of the University of Wisconsin System, which is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country. The UW System enrols more than 160,000 students each year and employs approximately 41,000 faculty and staff statewide.

The University of Wisconsin–Platteville offers bachelor's and master's degrees across three colleges: The College of Business, Industry, Life Sciences and Agriculture; The College of Liberal Arts and Education; and The College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science. The university is committed to providing practical, real-world experiences that equip students for success in today's competitive job market. With hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and affordable tuition rates, UW–Platteville is a smart investment in one's future.

The campus life at UW–Platteville includes diverse student organisations, clubs, and an NCAA Division III athletics program. The university fosters an inclusive environment, encouraging lifelong connections, collaboration, creativity, and leadership. The campus is 821 acres in size, including the campus proper, Pioneer Farm, and the mound. There are 13 residence halls, with over 3,700 students living on campus.

UW–Platteville has a long history of academic excellence and innovation. It was established as the first teacher preparation school in Wisconsin and has since expanded its academic programs and established new colleges. The university is also committed to supporting veterans and integrating them into a community that honours their service and contributions.

University of Wisconsin–Whitewater: ~11,000 students

The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (UW–Whitewater or UWW) is a public university in Whitewater, Wisconsin, and is part of the University of Wisconsin System. The university has approximately 11,000 students, 1,400 faculty and staff, and a student body consisting of individuals from 40 US states and 30 countries. It offers 47 undergraduate majors and 13 graduate programs. The university is split into four undergraduate colleges at the Whitewater Campus and one at the Rock County Campus, and a graduate school. The undergraduate colleges include the College of Arts and Communication, College of Business and Economics, College of Education and Professional Studies, College of Integrated Studies, and College of Letters and Sciences. The School of Graduate Studies is the university's graduate school.

The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater has two campuses, with a total area of 400 acres in southeastern Wisconsin. The university's iconic landmark, Old Main, was destroyed by fire in 1970, and only the east wing, now called Hyer Hall, remains. Hyer Hall houses administrative offices, classrooms, and lecture halls. The James R. Connor University Center ("UC") is located in the heart of the campus and features a bowling alley, an art gallery, a stage for live music, a coffee shop, and several dining options. The largest performing arts venue on campus is Young Auditorium, which hosts dance, music, theatre, comedy, and other university events. The university also has a nature preserve located in the northeast corner of the campus, consisting of 110 acres of various ecosystems, including woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. It serves as an outdoor classroom and laboratory, and includes recreational trails for running, hiking, cross-country skiing, and biking.

The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater has a rich history, dating back to 1868 when it was named Whitewater Normal School. In 1927, the school received authority to grant baccalaureate degrees in education and was renamed Whitewater Teachers College. With the addition of liberal arts programs in 1951, it became Wisconsin State College–Whitewater, and was later designated a Wisconsin State University in 1964, as Wisconsin State University–Whitewater. In 1971, after the merger of the University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Universities, the school became part of the University of Wisconsin System and was renamed the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

The University of Wisconsin–Whitewater has a strong focus on student success and is committed to providing a full-on college experience. It is known for its outstanding academic programs, dedicated faculty and staff, and affordable tuition and fees. With a graduation rate of 99% of students employed in their field or in graduate school, the university offers exceptional value and has been recognised as a College of Distinction. The university also has a championship tradition in NCAA Division III athletics and boasts a celebrated Warhawk Marching Band.

Frequently asked questions