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Founded when Wisconsin achieved statehood in 1848, UW–Madison is the official state university of Wisconsin and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It was the first public university established in Wisconsin and remains the oldest and largest public university in the state.
Madison, WI: The ultimate college town. The University of Wisconsin is a top-ranked research institution located in Madison, Wisconsin, providing exceptional education opportunities to undergraduates, graduate and professional students.
1851 – North Hall opens. The first campus building, it is designed and used as a classroom facility and a men’s dormitory. 1854 – The UW awards its first degrees to Levi Booth and Charles T. Wakeley. 1861 – Wisconsin Alumni Association formed. 1863 – First women admitted to UW in the Normal Department.
About UW–Madison. Since its founding in 1848, this campus has been a catalyst for the extraordinary. As a public land-grant university and major research institution, our students, staff, and faculty engage in a world-class education while solving real-world problems.
Guided by the Wisconsin Idea, the university has made it a mission to push beyond the boundaries of campus through education, research, and public service. Because this is where an idea can change the world. Explore by date range. A foundation of academic freedom: 1838–1900. The Wisconsin Idea turns reality: 1901–1944.
The Universities of Wisconsin are a premier system of public higher education serving more than 162,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live.
