Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University: $6,030 Tuition

$6,030Tuition

205Students

13%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$24,302Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University preserves and teaches Ojibwe culture while preparing students for modern careers. This tribal college serves the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and welcomes students from all backgrounds in rural Wisconsin. With just 205 students enrolled, everyone knows each other on this tight-knit campus. The university focuses on combining traditional Ojibwe knowledge with contemporary education, offering programs that honor indigenous ways of learning.

Students pay the same $6,030 tuition whether they live in Wisconsin or come from out of state. After financial aid, the average student pays $11,536 per year. Nearly 74% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve low-income and first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $24,302 ten years after starting college. The low earnings reflect the rural location and the university's focus on community service rather than high-paying careers.

Women make up 78% of the student body, and 79% of students come from Wisconsin. The 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally. Only 13% of students graduate within six years, but many transfer to four-year universities or return to serve their tribal communities in other ways.

Academics & Faculty

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University centers its academics around Ojibwe culture and Native American studies, serving the Lake Superior Chippewa community. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors work closely with each of the 205 students, offering intensive mentorship in this intimate tribal college setting. However, the 13% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing education with family and economic responsibilities common in Native communities. Three-quarters of students receive financial aid, with most qualifying for Pell Grants. The university emphasizes culturally relevant education, integrating traditional Ojibwe knowledge with contemporary academic disciplines. Nearly 80% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community focused on preserving and advancing Native American educational traditions.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Full-Time Faculty: 69.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 10.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 13.3%
Retention Rate: 50.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $24,302
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

The 205 students at this tribal college experience intimate learning in Wisconsin's North Woods, where 77.56% are women and the 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. Hayward sits roughly 90 miles northeast of Minneapolis, surrounded by pristine lakes and dense forests that define Ojibwe homeland. You'll need serious winter gear for temperatures that regularly drop below zero from December through February.

The small enrollment creates a tight-knit community where Ojibwe language and cultural traditions weave through daily academics. With 79.41% of students from Wisconsin, many commute from nearby reservations rather than live on campus. Weekend activities often center around powwows, traditional ceremonies, and outdoor pursuits like fishing and hunting that connect to Ojibwe heritage. The rural-remote setting means the nearest shopping or entertainment requires a drive, but students find community in cultural events and studying together. The 50% retention rate reflects both the challenges of rural college life and the unique mission of preserving indigenous education in a place where Ojibwe culture remains central to campus identity.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 0°–21°F
July Avg: 53°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.8"
Annual Snowfall: -718.6"

Student Demographics

Students at this tribal college come primarily from Wisconsin, with nearly 80% staying in-state to connect with their cultural heritage. The student body is overwhelmingly female, reflecting the university's strong programs in education and human services that traditionally draw more women. About three-quarters of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class Native American families seeking affordable higher education. The diverse racial composition includes both Native American students from the Lac Courte Oreilles Band and other students drawn to the unique Ojibwe-centered curriculum and intimate learning environment.

Men: 22.4%
Women: 77.6%
White: 15.1%
Black: 3.9%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 79.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 74.0%

Location

Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University sits in Hayward, Wisconsin, roughly 100 miles northeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The campus operates in Wisconsin's Northwoods region, where dense forests meet pristine lakes. Hayward draws visitors for its fishing tournaments and outdoor recreation, but the area remains sparsely populated year-round. Nearly 80% of students come from within Wisconsin, reflecting the university's deep ties to local Ojibwe communities. The rural-remote setting offers students connection to traditional lands and cultural practices. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summers bring tourists to the area's chain of lakes. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hayward, Wisconsin 54843

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $24,302
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $17,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is it to get into Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University?

As one of Wisconsin's few tribal colleges, LCOOU serves a specialized population with 79% of students coming from in-state. The university maintains strong connections to the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and focuses on culturally responsive education for Native American students.

What does Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,536 regardless of residency status, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition set at $6,030. Nearly 74% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the university's commitment to making education accessible to tribal community members.

What are class sizes like at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University?

With just 205 total students and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, classes are exceptionally small and personalized. This intimate learning environment allows for deep cultural immersion and individualized attention that supports the university's mission of preserving and teaching Ojibwe traditions.

What are the graduation rates at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University?

The university has a 6-year graduation rate of 13% and graduates earn a median of $24,302 ten years after enrollment. As a tribal college serving a unique population with distinct cultural and economic circumstances, traditional metrics don't fully capture the institution's role in preserving Ojibwe language and culture.

Where is Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University located?

The university sits in rural Hayward, Wisconsin, in the heart of traditional Ojibwe territory surrounded by lakes and forests. This remote setting with 50% student retention provides an authentic connection to tribal lands and natural resources central to Ojibwe culture and education.

What makes Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University unique among Wisconsin colleges?

LCOOU is one of Wisconsin's only tribal colleges, with 78% female enrollment and a focus on Ojibwe cultural preservation. The university integrates traditional knowledge with contemporary education, serving the specific needs of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band and surrounding Native American communities.