Public Four-Year Universities in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin System

Overview

The University of Wisconsin System (UW System) is one of the largest and most prestigious public university systems in the United States, comprising 13 universities and 26 campuses across Wisconsin. The UW System is known for its comprehensive academic programs, cutting-edge research, and vibrant campus communities.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), founded in 1848, is the flagship institution of the UW System and one of the leading public research universities in the nation. UW-Madison is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research initiatives, and vibrant campus life.

Location

Madison, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 45,000 students

Academic Programs

UW-Madison offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its 13 schools and colleges:

• College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Education
• College of Engineering
• School of Human Ecology
• College of Letters and Science
• School of Medicine and Public Health
• School of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy
• School of Veterinary Medicine
• Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
• Law School
• Graduate School

The university is particularly known for its programs in engineering, business, medicine, law, and the sciences.

Research and Innovation

UW-Madison is a leader in research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, the Waisman Center, and the Morgridge Institute for Research. The university’s research efforts span a wide array of disciplines, contributing significantly to advancements in science, technology, medicine, and the humanities.

Campus Life

UW-Madison offers a dynamic campus life with over 900 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The Wisconsin Badgers compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is a central part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, author Joyce Carol Oates, and former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, literature, science, and business.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee), founded in 1956, is a public research university known for its strong emphasis on engineering, business, health sciences, and the arts. UW-Milwaukee is recognized for its innovative research, high academic standards, and commitment to student success.

Location

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 25,000 students

Academic Programs

UW-Milwaukee offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its 15 schools and colleges:

• College of Letters and Science
• Lubar School of Business
• College of Engineering and Applied Science
• School of Architecture and Urban Planning
• Peck School of the Arts
• School of Education
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Nursing
• School of Information Studies
• Helen Bader School of Social Welfare
• Zilber School of Public Health
• School of Freshwater Sciences
• Graduate School
• School of Continuing Education
• Honors College

The university is particularly known for its programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and the arts.

Research and Innovation

UW-Milwaukee is at the forefront of research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Center for Water Policy, the Institute for Systems Change and Peacebuilding, and the Center for Urban Population Health. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from engineering and health sciences to social sciences and the arts.

Campus Life

UW-Milwaukee provides a vibrant campus life with over 300 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, performances, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UW-Milwaukee Panthers compete in NCAA Division I in the Horizon League. The university offers a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, professional basketball player Larry Sanders, and journalist John Gurda. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, journalism, and business.

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UW-Eau Claire), founded in 1916, is a public liberal arts university known for its strong emphasis on business, nursing, education, and the liberal arts. UW-Eau Claire offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 10,000 students

Academic Programs

UW-Eau Claire offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its four colleges:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Education and Human Sciences
• College of Nursing and Health Sciences

The university is particularly known for its programs in business, nursing, education, and the liberal arts.

Research and Innovation

UW-Eau Claire is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, the Blugold Center for High-Impact Learning, and the Watershed Institute for Collaborative Environmental Studies. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from education and business to health sciences and the arts.

Campus Life

UW-Eau Claire provides a vibrant campus life with over 250 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UW-Eau Claire Blugolds compete in NCAA Division III in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Wisconsin State Treasurer Kurt Schuller, professional football player Todd McMillon, and actor and comedian Jim Abrahams. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, entertainment, and business.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-La Crosse), founded in 1909, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on health sciences, business, education, and the liberal arts. UW-La Crosse offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 10,000 students

Academic Programs

UW-La Crosse offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its five colleges:

• College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
• College of Business Administration
• School of Education
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Science and Health

The university is particularly known for its programs in health sciences, business, education, and the liberal arts.

Research and Innovation

UW-La Crosse is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the River Studies Center, the Exercise and Sport Science Research Institute, and the Center for Urban Sustainability. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and business to education and the liberal arts.

Campus Life

UW-La Crosse provides a vibrant campus life with over 200 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, performances, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UW-La Crosse Eagles compete in NCAA Division III in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, track and field, and volleyball. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Wisconsin Governor Scott McCallum, professional football player Bill Schroeder, and Olympic athlete Andrew Rock. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, and business.

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UW-Oshkosh), founded in 1871, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on business, education, nursing, and the liberal arts. UW-Oshkosh offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 14,000 students

Academic Programs

UW-Oshkosh offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its four colleges:

• College of Letters and Science
• College of Business
• College of Education and Human Services
• College of Nursing

The university is particularly known for its programs in business, education, nursing, and the liberal arts.

Research and Innovation

UW-Oshkosh is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the Center for Community Partnerships, the Environmental Research and Innovation Center, and the Business Success Center. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from business and education to health sciences and the arts.

Campus Life

UW-Oshkosh provides a vibrant campus life with over 180 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, performances, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UW-Oshkosh Titans compete in NCAA Division III in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Wisconsin State Senator Roger Roth, professional football player Jim Gantner, and author Jerry Apps. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, literature, and business.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW-Platteville), founded in 1866, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on engineering, agriculture, business, and education. UW-Platteville offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Platteville, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 8,000 students

Academic Programs

UW-Platteville offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its three colleges:

• College of Business, Industry, Life Science, and Agriculture
• College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science
• College of Liberal Arts and Education

The university is particularly known for its programs in engineering, agriculture, business, and education.

Research and Innovation

UW-Platteville is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the Pioneer Farm, the Center for Distance Learning, and the Nanotechnology Center for Collaborative Research and Development. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from engineering and agriculture to business and the arts.

Campus Life

UW-Platteville provides a vibrant campus life with over 200 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, performances, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UW-Platteville Pioneers compete in NCAA Division III in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, track and field, and soccer. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Wisconsin State Senator Dale Schultz, professional football player Ross Scheuerman, and engineer and entrepreneur David P. Beck. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, engineering, and business.

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UW-River Falls), founded in 1874, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on agriculture, business, education, and the liberal arts. UW-River Falls offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

River Falls, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 6,000 students

Academic Programs

UW-River Falls offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its four colleges:

• College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business and Economics
• College of Education and Professional Studies

The university is particularly known for its programs in agriculture, business, education, and the liberal arts.

Research and Innovation

UW-River Falls is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the St. Croix Institute for Sustainable Community Development, the Food Science and Technology Center, and the Rural Studies Center. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from agriculture and business to education and the arts.

Campus Life

UW-River Falls provides a vibrant campus life with over 150 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, performances, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UW-River Falls Falcons compete in NCAA Division III in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Wisconsin State Senator Sheila Harsdorf, professional hockey player John Mayasich, and author and educator Dr. Donald Anderson. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, literature, and education.

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-Stevens Point), founded in 1894, is a public university known for its strong emphasis on natural resources, business, education, and the liberal arts. UW-Stevens Point offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 8,000 students

Academic Programs

UW-Stevens Point offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its four colleges:

• College of Fine Arts and Communication
• College of Letters and Science
• College of Natural Resources
• College of Professional Studies

The university is particularly known for its programs in natural resources, business, education, and the liberal arts.

Research and Innovation

UW-Stevens Point is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the College of Natural Resources, the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station, and the Center for Watershed Science and Education. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from natural resources and business to education and the arts.

Campus Life

UW-Stevens Point provides a vibrant campus life with over 200 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, performances, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UW-Stevens Point Pointers compete in NCAA Division III in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Wisconsin State Senator Julie Lassa, professional basketball player Terry Porter, and author and educator Dr. Michael Perry. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, literature, and education.

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout), founded in 1891, is a public polytechnic university known for its strong emphasis on applied learning, business, technology, and education. UW-Stout offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Menomonie, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 9,500 students

Academic Programs

UW-Stout offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its three colleges:

• College of Arts, Communication, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• College of Education, Hospitality, Health, and Human Sciences
• College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Management

The university is particularly known for its programs in applied learning, business, technology, and education.

Research and Innovation

UW-Stout is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the Discovery Center, the Stout Technology Transfer Institute, and the Center for Applied Ethics. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from business and technology to education and the arts.

Campus Life

UW-Stout provides a vibrant campus life with over 150 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, performances, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UW-Stout Blue Devils compete in NCAA Division III in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Wisconsin State Senator Sheila Harsdorf, professional football player John Moffitt, and educator and author Dr. John T. Anderson. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, literature, and education.

University of Wisconsin-Superior

Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Superior (UW-Superior), founded in 1893, is a public liberal arts university known for its strong emphasis on business, education, and the liberal arts. UW-Superior offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Superior, Wisconsin

Enrollment

Approximately 2,600 students

Academic Programs

UW-Superior offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its four academic departments:

• Business and Economics
• Education
• Human Behavior, Justice, and Diversity
• Natural Sciences

The university is particularly known for its programs in business, education, and the liberal arts.

Research and Innovation

UW-Superior is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the Lake Superior Research Institute, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from business and education to environmental sciences and the arts.

Campus Life

UW-Superior provides a vibrant campus life with over 70 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, performances, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UW-Superior Yellowjackets compete in NCAA Division III in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). The university offers a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, hockey, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former Wisconsin State Senator Bob Jauch, professional hockey player Glenn Resch, and author and educator Dr. James P. Leary. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, literature, and education.