
2100 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA


The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which validates the institution's commitment to maintaining rigorous educational standards and continuous improvement. This regional accreditation affirms that the university meets comprehensive criteria related to academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and financial stability. For prospective students, this status ensures that the degrees awarded by the university are recognized and respected by employers and other educational institutions.
Beyond the institutional accreditation, several of the university's individual programs also possess specialized accreditations. These programmatic approvals demonstrate compliance with professional standards set by relevant disciplinary bodies, which can be particularly important for students seeking careers in regulated fields. Students interested in areas such as business, engineering, health sciences, or education may find that these specialized accreditations offer additional assurance of quality and can enhance professional opportunities upon graduation.
Therefore, when selecting the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, prospective students can be confident that the university meets established national criteria for quality assurance both at the institutional and program levels, which supports the value and transferability of their academic credentials.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee maintains a selective admission process, requiring applicants to have completed either a traditional high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Prospective students must submit their secondary school academic records, including their grade point average, as part of the evaluation criteria. While there is no open admission policy, the university does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits but does not offer dual credit or college program credit options for incoming students.
Applicants are also obligated to provide proof of English language proficiency through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Although the submission of other standardized test scores is not mandatory, it is recommended to enhance the application. The university does not require applicants to own a computer; however, computer leasing options may be available.
The acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is relatively high, standing at 88%, indicating a favorable admission likelihood for many applicants. The average ACT score of enrolled students is 22, which is considered low and places them roughly in the bottom 30 percentile nationally. The institution admits a large number of applicants each year, with over 14,700 accepted from a pool exceeding 16,600. Enrollment typically includes around 3,300 students, showcasing a robust and diverse student body.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee charges an application fee for prospective students, which is a common practice among higher education institutions to cover processing costs. This fee applies to undergraduate admissions and varies depending on the type of applicant. However, the university offers fee waivers for eligible students, which can significantly reduce the financial burden for those who qualify.
The fee waiver options are designed to support applicants facing financial hardships or those who meet specific eligibility criteria. Typically, fee waivers may be available for students who demonstrate economic need, participate in certain programs, or come from underrepresented backgrounds. Prospective students interested in fee waivers are encouraged to check the university's admissions webpage or contact the admissions office directly for detailed information on how to apply for a waiver and which documentation is required.
By offering fee waivers, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee aims to make the application process more accessible and equitable, removing barriers for talented students who might otherwise be deterred by application costs.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through a cooperative arrangement as a host institution. This means that while the university itself does not have an independent ROTC branch unit, it facilitates access to ROTC training via association with a neighboring or partnering institution that operates the ROTC branch unit. Prospective students interested in pursuing ROTC at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee can participate in the programs available at this cooperating host institution, thereby enabling them to engage in military training and leadership development alongside their academic studies.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers multiple enrollment options for transfer students, accepting applications for fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. This flexibility allows prospective transfers to begin their studies at various times throughout the year.
Additionally, the university recognizes a range of standardized credit examinations, including CLEP subject exams, CLEP general exams, and DANTES tests, facilitating the transfer of earned credits toward degree completion. Transfer applicants are also encouraged to submit recommendations as part of their application process.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a diverse range of study abroad opportunities tailored to enhance students' academic and cultural experiences. These programs include faculty-led trips, exchange programs with partner institutions worldwide, and summer or semester-long abroad options that allow students to immerse themselves in different educational settings and cultures.
The faculty-led programs provide students with the chance to travel under the guidance of university professors, integrating coursework with firsthand experiences abroad. Exchange programs enable students to spend a term or academic year at a partner university, facilitating cultural exchange and academic collaboration while earning credits toward their degree at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Additionally, the institution supports participation in summer and semester-long programs hosted by other universities globally, which often focus on language acquisition, area studies, or specialized disciplines.
These varied study abroad formats accommodate a wide array of academic goals and schedules, offering students the flexibility to select programs that best complement their educational plans and personal interests. Through these options, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee encourages global engagement and the development of cross-cultural competencies essential for today's interconnected world.
Median composite ACT score
22High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
Data not availablePossible transfer
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer