Exploring University Of Wisconsin-Madison's Student Population

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a large university with a total undergraduate enrollment of around 37,000 students. It is a public institution with a long history, founded in 1848, and located in Madison, Wisconsin. The university has a strong academic reputation and offers a wide range of courses and extra-curricular activities to its large student body.

Undergraduate enrolment

UW–Madison is a large university, with a total campus size of over 900 acres. The high number of undergraduate students is reflected in the large class sizes, with the first class in 1849 consisting of 17 students, and the current enrolment being much higher. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, with 136 majors to choose from.

The gender distribution among undergraduate students is fairly balanced, with sources stating that around 47% are male and 53% female. In terms of housing, 25% of undergraduate students live in university-owned or affiliated accommodation, while the remaining 75% live off-campus.

The acceptance rate for undergraduate programs at UW–Madison is around 50%, making it a fairly competitive school. The university received over 60,000 applications for the Fall 2023 intake and accepted around 43%. The yield rate, which is the percentage of accepted students who choose to enrol, is around 29%.

The graduation rate for undergraduates at UW–Madison is impressive, with 89% of students graduating within six years. The average time to obtain an undergraduate degree is around 3.86 years.

Graduate enrolment

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) is a public land-grant research university in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. It was founded in 1848 and is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. The university offers a wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees.

Graduate Enrollment:

UW–Madison had a total graduate enrollment of about 14,300 students in 2024, according to one source. This number includes both graduate and professional students. Another source mentions that the university had a total graduate enrollment of 12,816 students in the fall of 2023.

The university is organised into eight main undergraduate schools and colleges and four main professional schools, with further divisions within some of these. The graduate programs cover a diverse range of fields, including:

• Environmental studies
• Law
• Library and information studies
• Medicine and public health
• Public affairs
• Veterinary medicine
• Agriculture and life sciences
• Business
• Education
• Engineering
• Human ecology
• Journalism and mass communication
• Letters and science
• Music
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Social welfare

UW–Madison's graduate schools are highly ranked and well-regarded. 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 are among the best in the country.

The university offers a comprehensive array of graduate programs, providing students with numerous opportunities for advanced study and research. With its strong academic programs, renowned faculty, and extensive research capabilities, UW–Madison attracts graduate students from across the globe who are seeking a world-class education.

Gender distribution

The University of Wisconsin–Madison (University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, UW, UW–Madison, or simply Madison) is a public land-grant research university in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. The gender distribution of the university is as follows:

Undergraduate Students

According to figures from Fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 37,817, with a gender distribution of 47.1% male students and 52.9% female students. This figure represents a slight increase from the previous year's enrollment of 36,902 undergraduates in Fall 2022.

Graduate Students

In addition to the undergraduate population, the University of Wisconsin–Madison also had an enrollment of approximately 14,300 graduate and professional students in 2024. However, the specific gender distribution of this group was not readily available.

Historical Context

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has a long history dating back to its founding in 1848. Female students were first admitted to the university during the American Civil War in 1863, marking a significant step towards gender equality in higher education.

Student Life and Activities

The university offers a range of extracurricular activities to engage its diverse student body. With nearly 900 organizations on campus, students can find numerous opportunities to connect and interact with peers. The university also boasts an active Greek life and social scene, contributing to its reputation as one of the top party schools in the country.

On-campus vs off-campus living

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a large public university with a total undergraduate enrollment of around 37,000 students. The campus is located on the shores of Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin, and spans 933 acres.

When it comes to choosing between on-campus and off-campus living at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, there are several factors for students to consider. Here is a detailed comparison to help guide the decision-making process:

On-Campus Living

On-campus living at the University of Wisconsin–Madison offers several benefits and conveniences. Firstly, about 90% of first-year students choose to live on campus, providing a great opportunity to build a strong social network and ease the transition into college life. The university offers various residential communities where students can live and learn together, fostering a sense of community and support.

Additionally, on-campus housing provides easy access to classes, libraries, and other academic resources, which can be especially beneficial for students who want to focus on their studies. The proximity to campus amenities and the vibrant social scene can enhance the overall college experience. On-campus residents also benefit from having utilities, renter's insurance, and other amenities included in their housing fees, making it a more straightforward option in terms of budgeting.

Off-Campus Living

Off-campus living offers students more independence and a chance to explore the surrounding neighbourhoods of Madison. The area around the university offers a variety of housing options, including apartments, houses, rooms in private homes, cooperatives, and privately-owned residence halls. This means students can find accommodations that better suit their specific needs and preferences.

While off-campus living provides more freedom and privacy, it also comes with additional responsibilities. Students need to consider factors such as price, location, and amenities when searching for off-campus housing. Creating a budget that includes expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation is essential. Additionally, off-campus residents may need to purchase additional items such as furniture and household goods.

However, living off campus can also provide opportunities for students to develop important life skills, such as navigating leases, building relationships with landlords, and managing their finances. It allows students to become more integrated into the local community and explore a wider range of social and cultural experiences beyond the campus.

Both on-campus and off-campus living options have their advantages and disadvantages. On-campus living provides convenience, a strong sense of community, and easy access to academic resources. On the other hand, off-campus living offers more independence, privacy, and a chance to explore life beyond the university. Ultimately, the decision should be based on each student's personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle choices.

Acceptance rate

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is a large, public university with a moderately competitive acceptance rate.

Undergraduate Acceptance Rate

For the class of 2027 (enrolled Fall 2023), UW-Madison received 63,537 applications and accepted 27,527, giving an acceptance rate of 43.3%. Of those accepted, 7,966 enrolled, resulting in a yield rate of 28.9%. The university tends to accept around two-thirds of in-state applicants and its out-of-state acceptance rate is approximately 18%.

Admissions Profile

The average unweighted GPA of enrolled freshmen in 2022 was 3.88. Of those who submitted ACT scores, the middle 50% Composite score was between 28 and 33. For the SAT, the middle 50% Composite scores were 1370-1500.

Graduate Acceptance Rate

In 2024, UW-Madison enrolled approximately 14,300 graduate and professional students.

Historical Acceptance Rate

In 2022, the Princeton Review ranked UW-Madison's undergraduate admissions selectivity as 92/99. The university was also categorised as "more selective" by U.S. News & World Report for its 2022 annual ranking.

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