Madison Reporter

"The Wisconsin Idea, UW–Madison’s tradition of influencing lives beyond campus, has been integral to the university’s culture and mission essentially since its founding," notes Charles Hoslet, vice chancellor for university relations. "The database project demonstrates in fine detail how consistently the university fulfills that promise to people and communities across the state of Wisconsin in ways large and small."

From urban Milwaukee to rural Washburn County, the University of Wisconsin–Madison is making a significant impact on Wisconsin students, communities and health care, according to the latest available data from the Wisconsin Idea Database project. The project highlights connections between UW–Madison and the State of Wisconsin, outlining county and statewide enrollment trends, alumni counts, community partnerships, financial relationships, and more.

As of fall 2023, there were at least 16,716 undergraduates from Wisconsin enrolled at UW–Madison. Of those students, just over 14% — or about 2,390 Wisconsin undergraduates — were receiving aid covering the full amount of tuition and fees through either Bucky’s Tuition Promise or the Badger Promise. Overall, the university awarded about $103.8 million in financial aid to Wisconsin resident undergraduates in 2022-23. More than 65% of all UW–Madison students who graduated in 2022-23 graduated debt-free.

UW–Madison is creating new ways for Wisconsin residents to access a world-class education. The university began awarding aid under Bucky’s Pell Pathway, which covers the full financial need for Pell-eligible students. The Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise program will guarantee scholarships and grants to meet the full in-state cost of attendance for Wisconsin residents who are enrolled members of federally-recognized Wisconsin Indian tribes.

The School of Education is helping ensure a quality education for the state’s PK-12 students through the Wisconsin Teacher Pledge. This year, 354 teachers who participated in this program are teaching in classrooms across 88 Wisconsin public school districts and 14 private schools. As of spring 2024, 773 students had taken the Teacher Pledge.

UW–Madison partners with more than 500 healthcare facilities around the state to provide critical on-the-job training to medical, nursing, and pharmacy students. More than 18,700 alumni of UW–Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health, School of Nursing, and School of Pharmacy live in Wisconsin — in all 72 counties.

Between July 2022 and June 2023, UW–Madison partnered with 3,100 Wisconsin businesses, individuals, and organizations, paying out more than $360 million in contracts for goods and services and other contributions. Employers from across Wisconsin seek out professional development opportunities at UW–Madison.

The Wisconsin Idea Database project, managed by staff in UW–Madison’s Office of Strategic Communication, demonstrates the ways the university benefits every part of the state through career preparation, economic development, innovative partnerships, and workforce development. It is part of a broader campus commitment to improving the lives of all Wisconsinites through world-class academics, research, and service.