About UWM
Unlock Your Potential
Located in a tree-lined neighborhood minutes from a bustling downtown, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee provides an affordable, world-class education to almost 23,000 students from 86 countries. At UWM, you’ll gain real-world experiences that shape your education and career, from paid internships at Fortune 500 companies to impactful community projects. We’re also one of the nation’s top research universities, with more than 200 academic programs taught by expert faculty dedicated to your growth and success.
Excellent Academics
UWM offers 209 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs with classes taught by faculty members recognized as worldwide experts in their fields. We’re home to Wisconsin’s largest online education program, with nearly 400 classes and 53 fully online certificate and degree programs, as well as pre-professional programs.
Facts & Figures
Distinctive Research
As one of only two top-tier research universities in Wisconsin recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UWM plays a critical role in fueling the state’s economy through discovery and innovation.
Groundbreaking Discoveries
UWM researchers strive to tackle the big problems facing our world today. From sustainable energy advancements and health care initiatives to keeping the Great Lakes clean, our dedicated faculty work for the common good.
Student Involvement
Our undergraduate students have unique opportunities to conduct research with faculty members across disciplines, gaining practical experience that many other universities offer only at the graduate level. Meanwhile, our graduate students study with internationally recognized experts and drive major advances in their fields.
Community Partners
UWM partners with hundreds of businesses and nonprofits, empowering students to engage with a variety of organizations that are transforming our region. UWM is among the nation’s top universities for community engagement.
Standards of Excellence
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education first added UWM to its list of institutions with “highest research activity” in 2016. In 2018 and 2021, UWM received this designation again, one of only 146 of the more than 4,300 post-secondary institutions to do so. UWM continues to hold this high level of distinction.
Budget & Economic Impact
UWM is an important contributor to the Wisconsin economy. The university employs 7,169 people, including faculty, staff and student workers. Forbes and marketing research firm Statista recognized UWM as a top-ranked employer in Wisconsin in their 2024 Best Employers by State list. More than 80% of UWM’s 216,000 recent graduates stay in Wisconsin, using their education, skills and experience to benefit the state.
2025-26 UWM Operating Budget
| 6% | Financial aid passed directly to students | $41 million |
| 28% | State appropriations | $177 million |
| 23% | Other operating receipts | $145 million |
| 6% | Federal aid, grants and contracts | $37 million |
| 5% | Gift fund income | $32 million |
| 32% | Student tuition | $205 million |
| Total | $637 million |