The Value of UW-Madison and the UW System
Wisconsin has a right to be proud
of its state universities. UW-Madison and the UW System educate its citizens,
generate substantial economic value and serve as a world leader in many fields.
All universities in the UW System make a significant contribution to educating
the people of Wisconsin. UW-Madison attracts many out-of-state applicants, but
still admits roughly two-thirds of all Wisconsin residents who apply as
freshmen. The university also educates many nontraditional students. In 2006,
for example, UW-Madison's continuing education programs served nearly 150,000
lifelong learners.
By educating Wisconsin residents, creating jobs and stimulating private-sector
entrepreneurship, the universities have a huge impact on the state's economic
vitality. UW-Madison alone creates approximately 75,000 jobs and generates $347
million in state and local tax revenue. Nearly 100 Wisconsin companies are
based on inventions made at UW-Madison, and the university contributes nearly
$5 billion to Wisconsin's economy annually, more than 10 times the state's
investment. The impact of the UW System as a whole is even greater.
The quality of scholarship and research at UW-Madison, in particular, is
world-class. UW-Madison departments rated among the highest in their
disciplines include the top ranked Sociology program, as well as high rankings
for Psychology, History, Economics, English, Political Science, and the College
of Engineering.
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