What Happened to UW–Waukesha?
The University of Wisconsin–Waukesha was formerly a two-year campus within the University of Wisconsin Colleges system, offering associate degrees and serving as a transfer point for students moving on to four-year institutions. However, in 2018, the UW System underwent a significant restructuring, known as the UW Colleges and UW-Extension Restructuring Plan.
As part of this transition, UW–Waukesha merged with the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, becoming known as the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee at Waukesha. This move aimed to streamline operations, expand access, and improve the student experience across the state’s university system.
Now a branch campus of UW–Milwaukee, UW–Milwaukee at Waukesha continues to provide a high-quality liberal arts education, small class sizes, and personalized instruction, while also allowing students to seamlessly transfer to a four-year program.
What Town Is the University of Wisconsin In?
The University of Wisconsin System is spread across various towns and cities throughout the state. Here’s a quick overview of key campuses:
- UW–Madison: Located in Madison, the state capital and a vibrant university city.
- UW–Milwaukee: Situated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city on the shores of Lake Michigan.
- UW–Milwaukee at Waukesha: Found in Waukesha, a growing suburban city approximately 20 miles west of Milwaukee.
- Other branch campuses are located in towns such as Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Marinette, and Baraboo, offering students access to education in more localized settings.
So, there is no single “town” for the University of Wisconsin — rather, the system comprises 13 universities with 26 campuses throughout the state, each in its own unique location.
What Is the Ranking of University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in the World?
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) has established itself as a globally recognized research institution. While global rankings vary slightly depending on the source, UWM often places in the top 1000 universities worldwide in major ranking systems such as:
- Times Higher Education (THE)
- QS World University Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
In the U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Global Universities rankings, UWM is recognized for its strong research output, notable engineering and health sciences programs, and commitment to innovation. It consistently earns accolades for:
- Top programs in architecture, engineering, and information sciences
- A Carnegie Classification as an R1 research university, indicating “very high research activity”
- National recognition for diversity and affordability
Although not ranked as high as the flagship UW–Madison, UWM still plays a pivotal role in the academic, cultural, and economic development of southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee?
The acceptance rate for the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is approximately 88%, making it a relatively accessible institution for many students. This rate reflects the university’s mission to provide inclusive education and opportunities for a diverse population.
Admission Requirements Include:
- A minimum GPA of 2.0 for most programs (higher for competitive majors)
- Submission of high school transcripts
- Optional ACT/SAT scores, though they may enhance your application
- For transfer students, a minimum college GPA of 2.0 is generally required
Despite its high acceptance rate, UWM maintains rigorous academic standards once students are enrolled, ensuring that all graduates meet the university’s commitment to academic excellence and career readiness.
