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Why choose UW–Madison?
UW–Madison is special in so many ways: The lakeside campus. The dedication to service. The stellar academics, recognized for excellence around the globe.
- #8Best public universityU.S. News & World Report, 2027
- #5Best public university for financial aidThe Princeton Review, 2027
- 93%Accepted a position within six months of graduationFirst Destination Survey, UW–Madison, 2024-25
- #6Public university in undergraduate foundersPitchBook, 2026
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UW–Madison ranked No. 11 for ‘best value’ among public schools
Princeton Review also places the university at No. 5 for financial aid and among top 20 for career placement, alumni networks and service impact.
A movie about war, college football and two heroic Badgers
Our research solves mysteries and transforms lives
UW–Madison is one of the 10 largest research institutions in the country, allocating more than $1 billion annually to groundbreaking exploration. Spanning the humanities to the hard sciences, our vast research enterprise has a singular mission: to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
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We’re a public university guided by public service
UW–Madison’s longest and proudest tradition is the Wisconsin Idea: the principle that our work should improve people’s lives beyond the boundaries of campus. This century-old guiding philosophy applies to our academics, research, and outreach.
The Badger Way
The Badger Way describes how we approach our work — with curiosity, humility, integrity, tenacity, civility, and a bit of playfulness. The Badger Way shapes how we teach and learn, how we collaborate, how we navigate conflict, and how we steward the public’s trust. We show up for one another through our Community Commitments, practicing civility, embracing complexity, fostering connection, and supporting all Badgers as they learn, grow, and pursue excellence.
We believe that one Badger can change the world
I knew that if I attended medical school at UW–Madison, I would be positioned to give back to rural communities in Wisconsin and help them live healthier lives.
Madison, WI: The ultimate college town
This is where big-city opportunities meet small-town conveniences. Where vibrant streetscapes lead to lakeside retreats. Where a Big Ten college and capital city blend together, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Welcome to Madison.