The name has changed – several times—but the roots of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee go back to 1885 when Wisconsin established the Milwaukee Normal School, a two-year teachers college.
By the turn of the 20th century, the school had expanded to offer programs in the liberal arts and sciences as well as education.
As a premier research university in a vibrant city, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers unique programs and academic opportunities that challenge and inspire our students, faculty and community.
Discover our comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, from the arts and architecture to freshwater science and beyond. Join us as we explore new frontiers of knowledge, examine pressing societal issues and empower students to make a meaningful impact on the world.
As one of only two top-tier research universities recognized in Wisconsin by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, UWM plays a critical role in fueling the state’s economy through discovery and innovation.
UWM research focuses on addressing the big problems facing our world today. From sustainable energy advancements to health care initiatives and keeping the Great Lakes clean, our faculty work for the common good.
Each year UWM surveys its recent graduates to determine where they have landed within six months of earning their degree. We conduct the First Destination Survey that provides insight into how our students launch their career or continue their education. We find out where our students work, how much they earn, what geographic area they reside.
The numbers speak for themselves:
At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, we believe that success goes beyond just getting good grades — it’s about feeling confident, being persistent and actively participating. Our commitment to your success includes impactful support services, from academic guidance to community building.
From first-year to graduate students, there’s a place for everyone here. Explore UWM residence halls, residential learning communities and extensive off-campus housing resources.
International students moving into a residence hall can expect a welcoming space bursting with opportunities for connection and support.
While off-campus living might offer specific benefits, for international students seeking a smooth transition, robust support, and a vibrant college experience, on-campus housing provides an invaluable foundation for success.
Embrace the convenience of having everything close by and the supportive environment that residence hall life offers to launch your successful international student journey!
The UWM Libraries on the Milwaukee campus are committed to promoting student success, research excellence, and community engagement at UWM. The American Geographical Society Library was established in 1978 when the research collections of the American Geographical Society (AGS) moved, and ownership was transferred, to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. AGS had compiled a cartographic collection that held items such as maps, atlases, globes, a library with an internationally focused monograph and serial collection, and a burgeoning photograph and film negative collection.
The Student Health and Wellness Center (SHAW) is here to help you reach your full potential for health and well-being through our medical care, counseling services, health promotion, and victim advocacy.
Campus life is a vibrant mix of new experiences, friendships and personal exploration. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, you will have opportunities for all that and more. From engaging student activities like Fall Welcome and Geek Week to the Summerfest music festival and professional sports, college life in Milwaukee doesn’t end once your classes are over — it’s only just beginning.
University Recreation (UREC) is UWM's ultimate destination for all things recreation, health and wellbeing. The Klotsche Center – UWM's main recreation and athletics facility – houses a swimming pool, fitness center and cardio room, gym with four full-size courts, walking/running tracks and much more. Students enjoy extensive opportunities to stay active through fitness programs, outdoor adventures, intramural leagues and club sports.
Find your place at UWM! With over 300 student organizations to choose from, it's easy to get involved and meet new friends.
Here are five reasons to join an org:
Organizations group categories:
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 17 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 713 | 722 | 739 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1201 | 1201 | 1201 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Times Higher Education
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | 1001 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2027 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 801 | 901 | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Based on 2 reviews
My time at UWM has been wonderful the classes are comprehensive and some professors are really inclined to help and make sure you do more than just pass the class. there are various avenues to help new students and lots of opportunities for academic and extracurricular activities which is great. All around good time
My experience at UWM has been a great learning experience so far. I've had the opportunity to explore my interests in Public Health, get involved in research and connect with faculty. I specially appreciate the opportunity available for undergraduate research and professional development. Overall, UWM has given me the opportunities to grow both academically and personally.
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