Wisconsin Universities: Thoughts?

Hi folks, looking for some college advice. I'm planning on applying to Wisconsin's universities but I'm a bit on the fence. Can anyone lay down the pros and cons, or even just some unique facets of WI universities? Thanks in advance!

Each Wisconsin university has its own unique charms and benefits. The University of Wisconsin system, the campuses range from small to large and are spread throughout the state, offering a variety of community and environment types.

For starters, the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) is one of the state's most well-regarded institutions and consistently ranks highly on national and international scales. Its robust research environment across a wide range of fields can open up wonderful opportunities, including internships, research projects, and networking. The Badger community is quite lively, with spirited athletics and numerous student organizations to get involved in. On the downside, the school is quite large, with over 34,000 undergraduate students, which can lead to some large class sizes, especially in introductory courses. Also, as it's located in a bustling city, it might not offer the slower, quieter pace of life some students prefer. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, for example, is the state's second-largest university and provides some unique programs in areas like Film, Architecture, Business, and Health Sciences. However, like many urban campuses, it's more commuter-heavy, so it might not offer the traditional reside-on-campus college experience some people are looking for.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a smaller, more intimate environment, consider a school like the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UW-Eau Claire) or the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UW-Stevens Point). These institutions offer smaller classes, a stronger sense of community, and often have strong programs in specific disciplines.

The strong sense of community is pretty prevalent throughout Wisconsin universities. For instance, Marquette University in Milwaukee shares a Jesuit tradition that emphasizes service and community engagement, and it has a strong pre-professional focus, especially in fields like Business and Health Sciences.

Some state schools, like those in the UW system, tend to have higher in-state tuition than out-of-state tuition, so that's something to keep in mind. Each institution will also have its own strengths and weaknesses in different academic areas, so it's crucial to look closely at each school's offerings in your areas of interest.

Another important tip is considering the cost of tuition versus the return on investment. Paying less for your education doesn't always equate to getting less, and vice versa.

It's important to remember, the best university for you comes down to a mix of academic offerings, cost, location, and social factors. It might be useful to list your priorities before you start your research, then use that as a guide to find the schools that fit you the best. Good luck!