Overview
Enrollment
Located in Wisconsin's largest city, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) occupies an urban campus spread across 104 acres on Milwaukee's east side, near the shores of Lake Michigan. The institution began as Milwaukee Normal School in 1885 and merged with the University of Wisconsin system in 1956, evolving into a major research university. UWM maintains a mix of modern and historic buildings, including the iconic Golda Meir Library and the School of Architecture and Urban Planning's distinctive brutalist design. The university is known for its programs in freshwater sciences, engineering, business, and film, housing one of the only dedicated film schools in the University of Wisconsin System. Most first-year students reside in one of the university's residence halls, while the campus also serves a substantial commuter population from the greater Milwaukee metropolitan area.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UWM is rated within the lower 37% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of Wisconsin Milwaukee within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#845 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#320 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#20 in Best Colleges in Wisconsin
#9 in Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin
#52 in Best Value Colleges in Wisconsin
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| ACT | 19/24 |
| GPA | 3.16 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Sep 1, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Wisconsin Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $1,565 |
| Room and Board | $10,980 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,400 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| Other Fees | $1,565 |
| Room and Board | $10,980 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $37,400 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 27% |
| Health Professions | 10% |
| Education | 7% |
| Social Sciences | 7% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=240453 IPEDS survey data for University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Current students may use the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025