Universities of Wisconsin operates a public university system spanning 13 campuses across all 72 counties of the state. The system serves over 164,600 students and awards more than 37,000 degrees annually across nearly 1,500 degree programmes in education, research, healthcare, STEM, and applied sciences.
The research and innovation ecosystem generates over $2 billion in annual sponsored research funding, supporting economic development and advancement across the state. Campuses range from flagship research institutions to regional universities serving urban and rural communities, with notable locations in Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Platteville, and River Falls. Approximately 90% of graduates remain in Wisconsin within five years of completion.
The system is built on the Wisconsin Idea, which holds that education should improve lives beyond the classroom. This principle guides emphasis on community engagement, accessible education for diverse student populations including first-generation and transfer students, and hands-on learning experiences that connect academic work to regional needs and economic opportunity.