Visit UW–Madison: University of Wisconsin–Madison (2024)

Visit UW–Madison: University of Wisconsin–Madison (1)

Feel the magic of UW–Madison. Bustling pedestrian malls lead to serene lakeside views, and modern facilities blend in comfortably with historic landmarks. The city’s vibrant arts scene attracts the world’s top talent, and changing seasons regularly afford unexpected experiences. Come see for yourself.

Find a visit option that’s right for you

Whether you join us in person or from the comforts of home, you can experience all that UW–Madison has to offer. Check out our many options for exploring campus.

Visit UW–Madison: University of Wisconsin–Madison (2)

Campus events for prospective students

Explore UW–Madison through a variety of events specifically for prospective and admitted undergraduate students and their guests. Choose from open houses, admissions information sessions, campus tours, transfer visit days, academic-specific sessions, and more.

Register for an in-person event

Visit UW–Madison: University of Wisconsin–Madison (3)

Specialty group campus tours

Campus walking tours are available for school and adult groups visiting campus. Discover UW–Madison’s history, traditions, academic excellence, campus landmarks, dynamic and diverse student life, and more.

Request a specialty tour

Visit UW–Madison: University of Wisconsin–Madison (4)

Cultural landscape tour

The First Nations Cultural Landscape Tour provides an introduction to the 12,000 years of human history along the shores of Lake Mendota and the relationship between the Native Nations and Teejop (the area now known as Madison).

Request a cultural landscape tour

Take a student-led tour using our app

Discover UW–Madison using our free mobile app featuring a student-led narrated tour. The tour includes information about buildings, academics, transportation, housing, and all things surrounding the student experience.

Explore our favorite places on campus

Find something fun to do

  • Find an event

Ready to visit? Start building your itinerary

Transportation

UW–Madison is located in the capital city of Madison, in south-central Wisconsin. Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), on Madison’s northeast side, provides regional and national air service to and from Madison. Additionally, long distance intercity bus services provide scheduled service to and from Madison, connecting to Milwaukee and Chicago airports and to Amtrak in Chicago.

Hotels

UW–Madison offers accommodations for guests attending university-related functions or conducting university business. Check individual websites for current rates and guest eligibility guidelines.

Discounted private hotel partner options are also available for campus visitors at the DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown (15% discount) and Hyatt Place (20% discount). Campus visitor rates are based on availability. If available, the discount will appear for your designated travel dates.

Looking for more options? Destination Madison has complete listings. Availability may be limited when there are large events and conventions being held in the city or on campus.

Where to park

Visitor parking is available in university garages and in city-run ramps and lots. Please note that parking on or near campus is limited. Give yourself 45–60 minutes to park and arrive at your destination. Street parking near campus is usually restricted to two hours.

  • Real-time parking availability
  • Visitor parking rates
  • Accessible parking options

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Where should I park when visiting campus?

Hourly parking is available in campus gated lots (garages/ramps) and some surface lots on campus. The campus map shows locations of public parking on campus, including a realtime count of open spots in each public lot.

You can also check online for current parking availability in campus ramps and garages, or visit the Transportation Services drive-through location at 21 North Park St. upon arrival.

If you plan to visit a welcome center, we recommend the following campus parking lots:

  • Union South - Lot 17, Lot 20, or Lot 80
  • Discovery Building - Lot 17, Lot 20, or Lot 80
  • Memorial Union - Lot 6

What options are available to avoid parking on campus?

Consider door-to-door service by taking a taxi, shuttle, or ridesharing service to your destination.

While on campus, get around for free on the campus circulator bus (routes 80, 81, 82, or 84). Routes 80 and 84 provide daytime service, and routes 80, 81, and 82 provide nighttime service. Find information about routes and schedules on the bus page.

If you prefer to park off campus, a full list of city parking options are available on the City of Madison website.

Who can I contact with parking questions?

If you have questions, check out the visitor parking help center or contact Transportation Services.

Places to eat

Campus and the surrounding Madison area offer a wide selection of dining options.

Campus information

If you have any questions or need assistance, Campus and Visitor Relations is available to help.

  • Welcome centers
  • Campus map
  • Submit a question

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Visit UW–Madison: University of Wisconsin–Madison (2024)

FAQs

Can I go to UW-Madison for free? ›

UW-Madison: Free tuition for families making less than $56K – Office of Student Financial Aid – UW–Madison.

How prestigious is UW-Madison? ›

University of Wisconsin--Madison is ranked #35 out of 439 National Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

Why is UW-Madison so popular? ›

Academic excellence is at the heart of UW-Madison's mission–that's why the university is recognized worldwide for its commitment to academics and out-of-classroom learning.

Is UW-Madison a hard school to get into? ›

For every 100 applicants, 49 are admitted. This means the school is moderately selective. The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools. If you exceed their requirements, you have an excellent chance of getting in.

Can Native Americans go to UW-Madison for free? ›

The program includes the cost of tuition and fees, housing, meals, books and other educational expenses. To be eligible, a student must be a Wisconsin resident, verified as an enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe in Wisconsin, and enrolled at UW-Madison.

What is the lowest GPA to get into UW-Madison? ›

UW – Madison

GPA of 3.50 minimum (on a 4.0 scale) and minimum ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1860. Admission is competitive and selective. Students with the strongest qualifications, including number of courses taken, rigor of academic program (honors and Advanced Placement courses, etc.)

What major is UW-Madison known for? ›

The most popular majors at University of Wisconsin--Madison include: Computer and Information Sciences, General; Economics, General; Psychology, General; Finance, General; Biology/Biological Sciences, General; Political Science and Government, General; Neuroscience; Marketing/Marketing Management, General; Mathematics, ...

Is UW-Madison a public ivy? ›

Schools on this list include Indiana University Bloomington, the University of Georgia, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Washington. These institutions are all said to match the actual Ivy League in terms of academic quality. That said, the Public Ivies differ from the Ivy League in key ways.

Is UW-Madison a pretty campus? ›

Overall, it's a beautiful campus with a lot to offer, and I'm grateful for the experiences and connections I've made here. My experience at UW-Madison has been absolutely phenomenal.

What GPA do you need to go to Madison? ›

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.88, University of Wisconsin - Madison requires you to be near the top of your class, and well above average. You'll need mostly A's, ideally with several AP or IB classes to help show your preparation at a college level.

Is a degree from UW-Madison good? ›

The University of Wisconsin–Madison graduate programs are once again ranked among the nation's best in the 2024-25 edition of U.S. News & World Report's “Best Graduate Schools,” including ranking the School of Education first overall in the country.

How to go to college for free in Wisconsin? ›

Eligibility Requirements

Must file a FAFSA each year and in the first year have $62,000 or lower adjusted gross income. Fall and spring enrollment only. Must meet Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) and other Title IV eligibility requirements for continued eligibility. Must be continuously enrolled.

How to afford UW-Madison? ›

Grants & Scholarships

FREE money to help lower your cost to attend UW-Madison. Grants and scholarships are not repaid. The total amount of need-based sources of financial aid (grants, scholarships, subsidized loans, and work study) cannot exceed a student's financial need.

What is the no fee project at UW-Madison? ›

The No Fees Project seeks to remove campus Cost of Experience (CoE) fees for all Federal Pell Grant-eligible and UW Promise Program students.

What is the UW-Madison fee waiver program? ›

A limited number of application fee waivers are available for applicants with extreme financial hardship. To request a waiver, submit this form to the Office of Admissions at the campus(es) to which you are applying. Your request will be reviewed. APPLICANT (To be completed by the individual applying for admission.)

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