Last Updated: October 20, 2021
Wisconsin - The Badger State
Wisconsin is located in the upper Midwestern part of the United States. Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin, whereas Milwaukee is the largest city here. As per the United States Census Bureau estimates, Wisconsin has a population of about 5.9 million in 2021 with the maximum population concentration (one-third of the state's population) in the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area. This makes Wisconsin the 20th most densely populated state in America.
Wisconsin is bordered by the states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan, and the great lakes, namely Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The state was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Menominee, Ojibwe, Dakota Sioux, Winnebago, Potawatomi, and Sauk. Wisconsin received its statehood on May 29, 1848, making it the 30th state of America. The Badger State experiences a humid continental climate with mildly humid summers and snowy winters.
Major Cities in Wisconsin
Milwaukee
With an estimated population of 578,000, Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin. Situated in Milwaukee County, the city has got several nicknames such as Cream City, Brew City, Beer Capital of the World, City of Festivals, and so on. Milwaukee was incorporated as a city on January 31, 1846. The city is also a major educational hub because of the presence of numerous institutes of higher learning such as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee School of Engineering, Marquette University, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Cardinal Stritch University, and several others.
Madison
Madison is the second-largest city in Wisconsin with an estimated population of around 270,000. Madison was founded in 1836 and established as a city in the year 1856. It was named in honor of America's Founding Father and diplomat, James Madison. It is also the capital city of the state. Madison is also a major tourist spot because of the presence of several beautiful lakes and parks and is also popularly called "The City of Four Lakes". Some of the popular sites in this city are Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace, Allen Centennial Gardens, etc. The prestigious University of Wisconsin-Madison is also situated in this city.
Green Bay
Green Bay has an estimated population of 108,000 making it the third-biggest city in the Badger State. The city is located in Brown County beside the Fox River. It has got a variety of nicknames such as "Bayland", "Bay City", "Packerland", and "Packer City". Major institutions such as the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Rasmussen College-Wisconsin are situated in this city. Green Bay is also a popular travel destination with its top tourist sites such as the National Railroad Museum, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Green Bay Botanical Garden, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Heritage Hill State Historical Park, and so on.
Kenosha
With an estimated population of about 100,000, Kenosha is the fourth-largest city in the Badger State. IT is located in Kenosha County. Kenosha was founded in the year 1835 and was established as a city on February 8, 1850. The city of Kenosha is a major economic hub with important industries such as manufacturing, tourism, transportation, and healthcare services. Major tourist attractions in this city include Anderson Arts Center, Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, Gateway Classic Cars, Kenosha History Center, and so on.
Economy/Job Market
- Agriculture and manufacturing are the main contributors to the economy of this state.
- Other important industries include energy, aerospace and aviation, water technology, food and beverage, biotechnology, forestry, and so on.
- Wisconsin also leads in the production of dairy products which is why it is also popularly called "The Dairy State", "America's Dairyland", and even "Cheese State".
- Menard Inc., Johnson Controls, Cellular Logistics, Kohl’s, Tyco International plc, Braun, Aurora Health Care, Kohler Co., ManpowerGroup, etc., are some of the largest companies situated in Wisconsin.
- Despite the setbacks caused by the covid-19 pandemic, the economic state of Wisconsin seems to be recovering gradually to its pre-pandemic stage. The unemployment rate in the state seems to be unchanged and is at 3.9%. However, it is lower than the national unemployment rate.
- Trade, transportation, government services, manufacturing, education and healthcare services, and manufacturing are the main sectors currently contributing to the state's economic growth.
Tuition Fee and Living Cost in Wisconsin
The cost of living in Wisconsin is lower than that of the United State's national average. Housing costs and the cost of transportation are extremely affordable in this state and are considerably cheaper than the national average. Madison, Delafield, Fitchburg, Lake Geneva, etc., are some of the most expensive cities to live in Wisconsin. Some of the most affordable cities here are Waupaca, Merrill, Rothschild, and Waupun.
The cost of education is affordable to moderately high depending on the type of institution. For instance, tuition is affordable for in-state students in the University of Wisconsin-Madison but is costlier for out-of-state students (higher than the national average).
List of Few Major Universities/Colleges
Wisconsin has approximately 46 private and 31 public higher education institutions. Some of the best universities/colleges in the state are:
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Situated in the city of Madison, this is a prestigious public university of the state. The university was established in 1848 and is well-known for its academic excellence, renowned faculty, student diversity, and vibrant campus life. With approximately 48,000 students and about 2,500 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Some of the most popular majors offered here are Information Science, Economics, Psychology, and Biology. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $12,000 and around $40,000 for out-of-state students.
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Located in the largest city of Milwaukee, this is another prestigious public university in Wisconsin. Established in 1956, the university was originally known as Milwaukee Normal School, Milwaukee State Teachers College, and Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee. The university is known for its high-quality research, student diversity, and excellent faculty. With around 32,000 students and roughly 1,600 teachers, the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Popular majors offered here are Marketing, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Finance, and Information Science. The tuition fee for in-state undergraduate students is about $11,000 and about $23,000 for out-of-state students.
- Milwaukee School of Engineering This is an eminent private institution situated in the city of Milwaukee and was established in 1903. The institution is well-known for its excellent research, rigorous academic programs, valuable professors, and great campus life. With around 3,000 students and around 140 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The tuition fee is roughly $45,000 for all undergraduate students.
- Marquette University Marquette University is said to be one of the finest private Jesuit universities in the country and it is located in the city of Milwaukee. The university was founded by the first Bishop of the diocese of Milwaukee, John Martin Henni, on August 28, 1881. The university is popular for its high-quality research, and educational excellence. With about 12,000 students and more than 1,200 faculty members, the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. Some of the most sought-after majors offered in the university are Psychology, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, and Molecular Medicine, Finance, and more. The tuition fee is roughly $40,000 for all undergraduate students.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
- Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship: this is a popular scholarship program administered by the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board to assist the academically meritorious high school graduates of the state. To be qualified for the program, the student must be a legal resident of Wisconsin and must secure the highest GPA in high school. The student must also plan to pursue an undergraduate degree from an accredited educational institution in Wisconsin on a full-time basis. The award amount is up to $2,250 per academic year which will cover the full tuition fee of the student.
- Technical Excellence Scholarship: This is a scholarship program provided to high school graduates of Wisconsin who are willing to pursue technical education subjects from Wisconsin Technical Colleges. The scholarship is administered by the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board. To be qualified for the program, the student must be a legal resident of the state of Wisconsin and demonstrate excellent academic progress in technical education subjects. The student must also pursue the undergraduate degree from an accredited Wisconsin Technical College on a full-time basis. The program covers full-time tuition, and the award amount will be up to $2,250.
- Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant: This is a need-based grant administered by the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board to help the undergraduates belonging to the minority communities in Wisconsin. To be eligible for the program, the student must belong to any one of the minority groups, namely "African American; American Indian; Hispanic; or Southeast Asian from Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam". The student must also be a legal resident of the state of Wisconsin and pursue an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in the state. the student should also display the required level of economic need. The award amount will range from $250 to $2,500 per academic year.
- Wisconsin Grant Program: This is a need-based program administered by the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board to assist undergraduate students of Wisconsin. To be qualified for the program the student must be a permanent resident of Wisconsin, pursue an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in Wisconsin at least on a part-time basis, and demonstrate the required level of financial need. The award amount will range from $250 to $2,500 and may vary each year.
Tourism
Wisconsin has a plethora of beautiful parks, lakes, farms, and diverse natural landscapes that attract thousands of visitors from across the country and the globe. Some of the most fascinating sites to visit in this state are Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Frank Lloyd Wright's Country Home, Harley-Davidson Museum, Geneva Lake Shore Path, Cave of the Mounds National Landmark, House on the Rock, Devil’s Lake State Park, and a lot more.
Early summers or autumns in Wisconsin are ideal for people to explore the beauty of the state because of the moderate temperatures. Some of the most delicious and popular foods available in the Badger State are Cheese Curds, Garlic Butter-Stuffed Chicken, Cream Puffs, Roesti, Frozen Custard, Cornish Pasties, and several others.
Universities & Colleges in Wisconsin
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
- Recommended program (Top 250)
