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.

Undergraduate student Fantasia Coleman-Elzie looks over a film reel. — Variety magazine consistently ranks UWM’s film program among the world’s best.

Architecture graduate students Adam Uy and Jadyn Anderson team up on a project. — There’s only one accredited architecture school in Wisconsin — and it’s here at UW-Milwaukee.

UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences is the only one of its kind in the country.

Excellent Academics

UWM offers 214 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 more than 900 classes and 52 fully online certificate and degree programs, as well as pre-professional programs.

Academic Programs Schools & Colleges

Facts & Figures

Founded in1956

22,882students

214academic programs

1,648faculty and instructional staff

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.

Biomedical engineering master's student Sina Jafari looks at stem cells under a microscope with professor Priya Premnath. — Sina Jafari (left), a master’s student in biomedical engineering, surveys stem cells under a microscope with Priya Premnath, assistant professor in the UWM College of Engineering & Applied Science. Premnath’s research aims to repurpose an existing anti-cancer drug to treat bone healing.

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, with its impact estimated at $1.5 billion per year by the North Star Consulting Group. The university employs 7,853 people, including faculty, staff and student workers. What’s more, Forbes and marketing research firm Statista recognized UWM as a top-ranked employer in Wisconsin in their 2024 Best Employers by State list. In addition, 74 percent of UWM’s 208,000 graduates stay in Wisconsin, using their education, skills and experience to benefit the state.

2024-25 UWM Operating Budget

19%	Financial aid passed directly to students	$129 million
25%	State appropriations	$179 million
18%	Other operating receipts	$138 million
5%	Federal aid, grants and contracts	$41 million
4%	Gift fund income	$30 million
29%	Student tuition	$205 million
	Total	$721 million