Where is uw madison

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The University of Wisconsin–Madison is located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States, at 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706. Founded in 1848, it sits on the ancestral lands of the Ho-Chunk Nation and overlooks Lake Mendota.

Key Facts

Founded in 1848, UW–Madison opened its doors to students two years later in 1850.
The campus spans 936 acres across the isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.
UW–Madison enrolls over 45,000 students, including 31,000 undergraduates.
It is classified as an R1 research university with over $1.3 billion in annual research expenditures.
The university is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), joining in 1900.

Overview

The University of Wisconsin–Madison, commonly referred to as UW–Madison, is a public research university located in the state capital of Wisconsin. Established in 1848, it is the flagship institution of the University of Wisconsin System and one of the most respected public universities in the United States.

Situated on a scenic 936-acre campus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, UW–Madison combines urban accessibility with natural beauty. The university serves as a major academic, cultural, and economic hub for the region, drawing students and faculty from all 50 states and over 130 countries.

Location: UW–Madison is located at 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, in the heart of the state capital, offering access to government, tech, and cultural institutions.
Founding Date: The university was established by the Wisconsin Constitution in 1848, with instruction beginning in 1850, making it one of the oldest universities in the Midwest.
Campus Size: The main campus covers 936 acres and includes over 400 buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Student Population: As of 2023, UW–Madison enrolls more than 45,000 students, including over 31,000 undergraduates and 14,000 graduate and professional students.
Research Activity: Classified as an R1 institution, UW–Madison reported $1.34 billion in research expenditures in 2022, ranking it among the top 10 public universities nationally.

How It Works

UW–Madison operates as a land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university, integrating teaching, research, and public service. Its academic structure includes 20 schools and colleges offering more than 200 degree programs.

Admissions:Approximately 49% of applicants were admitted in 2023, with admitted students averaging an unweighted GPA of 3.85 and ACT scores between 29 and 33.
Academic Calendar: The university follows a semester system with fall and spring terms, plus optional summer sessions, allowing flexibility for internships and research.
Tuition: For in-state students, tuition was $10,750 for 2023–2024; out-of-state students paid $40,740, reflecting its status as a public institution with competitive pricing.
Research Infrastructure: UW–Madison hosts over 200 research centers, including the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and the Morgridge Institute for Research.
Public Service: The Wisconsin Idea drives outreach, with faculty and students contributing to state policy, agriculture, health, and education through extension programs.
Student Life: Over 900 student organizations and Division I athletics in the Big Ten Conference create a vibrant campus culture centered on academics and community engagement.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of UW–Madison with other leading public universities in research output, size, and selectivity.

University	Founded	Enrollment	Research Expenditures (2022)	Admission Rate
UW–Madison	1848	45,300	$1.34 billion	49%
University of Michigan	1817	52,000	$1.7 billion	18%
UC Berkeley	1868	42,000	$1.0 billion	11%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	1867	50,000	$860 million	45%
Ohio State University	1870	62,000	$1.0 billion	53%

While UW–Madison has a slightly higher admission rate than peers like Michigan and Berkeley, it remains highly selective and competitive in research funding. Its location in a progressive state capital enhances its role in public policy and innovation, distinguishing it from larger or more selective institutions.

Why It Matters

UW–Madison plays a critical role in shaping higher education, scientific discovery, and public service, both nationally and globally. Its commitment to accessibility, research excellence, and community engagement sets a benchmark for public universities.

Economic Impact: The university contributes over $13.1 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
Alumni Network: Notable alumni include U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Nobel laureate James Watson, and former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg.
Innovation Hub: UW–Madison ranks in the top 5 among public universities for startup creation, with over 100 active companies launched since 2000.
Diversity Initiatives: The university has increased underrepresented student enrollment by 15% since 2015 through targeted outreach and scholarships.
Sustainability: Committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, UW–Madison reduced campus emissions by 43% between 2006 and 2020.
Global Reach: Partnerships with institutions in over 150 countries support study abroad, research collaboration, and international development.

As a leader in public higher education, UW–Madison continues to expand access, drive innovation, and fulfill the Wisconsin Idea—improving lives beyond the boundaries of campus.