University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · founded 1848 · 48,000 students · public research university · Big Ten Conference

Known for: Being a premier public research university and a land-grant institution, famous for its vibrant student life, top-tier academics across many disciplines, groundbreaking research, and beautiful location between two lakes.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #35
QS World: #102
Times Higher Education: #58
ARWU Shanghai: #32
Forbes: #52

Top programmes

Business
Education
Engineering
Political Science
Life Sciences
Journalism

Notable alumni

Frank Lloyd Wright — Iconic architect
Charles Lindbergh — Aviator, first solo nonstop transatlantic flight
John Bardeen — Only person to win the Nobel Prize in Physics twice (transistor, superconductivity)
Greta Van Susteren — Television news anchor and commentator
Joyce Carol Oates — Prolific novelist and short story writer
Dick Cheney — 46th Vice President of the United States
Steve Miller — Rock musician, founder of the Steve Miller Band

Traditions

Jump Around at Camp Randall Stadium
Mifflin Street Block Party
The Fifth Quarter post-game celebration
Floating the Union Terrace chairs onto Lake Mendota

If University of Wisconsin-Madison were…

As a food: New Glarus Spotted Cow beer with a cheese curd chaser — Quintessentially Wisconsin, beloved locally, unpretentious yet high-quality, and impossible to get outside the state—just like Madison's blend of Midwestern charm and world-class research that you can't replicate anywher
As an athlete: J.J. Watt — Hardworking, humble, Midwestern roots, dominant in his field, and beloved for community impact—mirrors Wisconsin-Madison's blend of academic powerhouse status, approachable vibe, and deep commitment to public service thr
As a person alive today: Greta Gerwig — Progressive, artistically ambitious, intellectually curious, and unafraid to challenge conventions—captures Madison's indie-spirited, politically engaged campus culture that produces thoughtful creatives and changemakers
As a historical figure: Robert La Follette — The progressive Wisconsin governor and senator who embodied the Wisconsin Idea—using expertise to serve the public good—perfectly mirrors UW-Madison's founding mission and its ongoing commitment to accessible, impactful
As a movie or TV show: Parks and Recreation — Earnest Midwestern optimism, quirky characters deeply invested in public service, and a genuine belief that institutions can make communities better—that's Madison's progressive, civic-minded ethos in a nutshell.
As a US president: Franklin D. Roosevelt — Progressive reformer who believed government and institutions should serve the people, championed bold public programs, and surrounded himself with academics—embodies the Wisconsin Idea and Madison's activist, public-ser
As a city: Copenhagen — Progressive Nordic capital with bikes everywhere, strong social programs, environmental consciousness, vibrant nightlife, and a balance of intellectual rigor and quality of life—Madison on a bigger, European scale.
As an element: Sodium — Essential, reactive, forms strong bonds, and absolutely everywhere in the Midwest (salt on winter roads, cheese, beer)—like Wisconsin-Madison's foundational role in public higher education and its pervasive influence acr
As a car: 1984 Volkswagen GTI — Madison invented the hot hatch formula—spirited, fun, surprisingly capable, and beloved by both party-goers and granola progressives. It's the campus where you can rally for causes all week, then rally down State Street

Campus life

UW-Madison is known for an exceptionally active and spirited student body. Social life is a major part of the experience, with a famous party scene, over 900 student organizations, a strong Greek presence, and massive turnout for Badger football games. The campus is integrated into the capital city of Madison.