An internationally-ranked public research university, the University of Wisconsin at Madison was founded in 1848. The University of Wisconsin at Madison, often shortened to UW Madison, is considered a Public Ivy and offers over 130 undergraduate majors. Rooted in the Wisconsin Idea that education should benefit people’s lives outside of the classroom, UW Madison has almost 900 student organizations. It’s also home to the First Wave Learning Community, the first university program in the United States centered on urban arts, spoken word, and hip-hop culture.
There’s plenty of Badger pride at UW Madison. The football team plays at Camp Randall Stadium and competes in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. Students can catch live music, outdoor movies, and sunsets over Lake Mendota at Memorial Union Terrace. There are several museums to explore on UW Madison’s campus, including the Geology Museum, Chazen Museum of Art, Zoological Museum, and L. R. Ingersoll Physics Museum.
Bascom Hall was built in 1857
Fountain at UW's Library Mall
Cheering on the Badgers at Kohl Center
The education building on Bascom Hill
As of February 2025, the average apartment rent in Madison, WI is $1,162 for a studio, $1,427 for one bedroom, $1,767 for two bedrooms, and $2,143 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Madison has increased by 1.5% in the past year.
Studio
458 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,162/month
Average Rent
1 BR
711 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,427/month
Average Rent
2 BR
1,031 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$1,767/month
Average Rent
3 BR
1,244 sq ft
Average Sq Ft
$2,143/month
Average Rent
Discover easy steps to find off-campus housing in Madison, WI. Get tips on locations, budgeting, and more on the Apartments.com blog.
Somewhat Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.
Some Transit
out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Very Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
This area is very bikeable. You’ll find a variety of bike paths and lanes.
Public
Grades K-5
431 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
381 Students
Public
Grades 3-5
311 Students
Public
Grades 3-5
149 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
493 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
725 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
452 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
263 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
256 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
623 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,147 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,025 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,649 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,482 Students
Public
Grades 4-12
19 Students
3,236
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