Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has been ranked first among national public universities and 12th overall in Washington Monthly’s 2024 College Guide and Rankings. This marks an improvement from last year when UW was ranked second among public universities and 11th overall.

Provost Charles Lee Isbell Jr. commented on the ranking, stating, “Public universities have a mission to provide an education both inside and outside of the classroom so that our students become more active, thoughtful, and well-rounded citizens of the world. While no single ranking tells the entire story, I’m pleased that Washington Monthly rankings value the Wisconsin Experience we provide to students.”

Washington Monthly evaluates schools based on their contributions to the public good in three categories: social mobility, research, and providing opportunities for public service. UW–Madison achieved high scores in these areas: it was ranked seventh in public service (down from sixth last year), 18th in research (down from 17th last year), and saw significant improvement in social mobility, rising to 42nd from 62nd.

Additionally, UW–Madison climbed to 12th place in the Midwest from 21st last year in Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for Your Buck” rankings. This list assesses how well schools help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices. For families with incomes below $75,000, UW ranked 16th overall in net price of attendance.

UW–Madison has implemented several programs aimed at making education more affordable. These include Bucky’s Tuition Promise, which covers tuition and fees for Wisconsin resident students in need; Bucky’s Pell Pathway, offering full-need funding for qualifying Pell grant recipients; and the Badger Promise for transfer students.

In terms of research expenditures, UW–Madison was ranked seventh nationally. The university also achieved high national rankings for AmeriCorps/Peace Corps participation (seventh), science and engineering PhDs awarded (10th), and faculty accolades (30th).

Other recent recognitions include being listed among Princeton Review’s Best 390 Colleges with specific ranks such as No. 9 in Best-Run Colleges and Students Love Their School Teams categories. Additionally, UW was named No. 22 in Princeton Review’s Top 50 Best Value Colleges (Public Schools) and No. 7 on Best Schools for Financial Aid (Public Schools).

Globally, UW–Madison was ranked 36th by Shanghai Ranking's Academic Ranking of Worldwide Universities released on August 15.

For further information or inquiries about this ranking or other related topics:

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