About University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has built its reputation around strong music and teacher education programs that serve 8,995 students in this small Wisconsin city. The full university launched the careers of Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and NFL quarterback Carson Wentz. Students benefit from strong undergraduate focus and personal attention in a campus environment that balances academic rigor with creative expression. The 76% acceptance rate makes admission accessible while maintaining academic standards with an average ACT score of 24.
Money matters work in students' favor at UW-Eau Claire. The average net price of $16,948 represents solid value, especially for families earning under $75,000 who pay between $9,565 and $13,803 annually. Graduates earn a median of $58,561 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads of $20,909 remain manageable with monthly payments of $222. The 98% employment rate demonstrates strong career outcomes that justify the investment.
Women comprise 61% of the student body, creating a campus culture that values collaboration over competition. The Blugolds field 25 Division III varsity teams with 745 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 82% retention rate reflects student satisfaction, though the 67% six-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete degrees.
Money matters work in students' favor at UW-Eau Claire. The average net price of $16,948 represents solid value, especially for families earning under $75,000 who pay between $9,565 and $13,803 annually. Graduates earn a median of $58,561 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads of $20,909 remain manageable with monthly payments of $222. The 98% employment rate demonstrates strong career outcomes that justify the investment.
Women comprise 61% of the student body, creating a campus culture that values collaboration over competition. The Blugolds field 25 Division III varsity teams with 745 student-athletes competing without athletic scholarships. The 82% retention rate reflects student satisfaction, though the 67% six-year graduation rate suggests some students need extra time to complete degrees.
Academics & Faculty
UW-Eau Claire built its reputation around music and teacher education, drawing students who want hands-on learning at a full public university. The school's music program has produced notable alumni like Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, while education majors benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities in local schools. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay manageable for meaningful professor interaction. The 67% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's focus on undergraduate teaching rather than research intensity. Students also pursue strong programs in business, nursing, and liberal arts. The full university model means undergraduates can access diverse academic options while receiving the personal attention typically found at smaller colleges.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.6%
- Retention Rate
- 81.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,561
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $113,187 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $85,206 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $69,867 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $61,350 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $58,796 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,359 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $53,045 |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $50,270 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
Campus Life
The Chippewa River runs right through campus, giving UW-Eau Claire a distinctive natural setting that shapes daily life here. About 45% of the 8,995 students live on campus, creating a residential feel in this city of 68,000 residents. You'll need that winter coat - Eau Claire sits in western Wisconsin where temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. Minneapolis is just 90 minutes away for bigger city adventures.
Music fills the air across campus, reflecting the university's well-known programs that have produced artists like Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. The 25 varsity sports teams draw crowds as Blugolds, with 745 student-athletes competing in Division III. Weekend activities center around the downtown area, where students frequent local coffee shops and venues. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, expect smaller class sizes than at larger state schools. The 81.89% retention rate suggests most students stick around after freshman year, finding their place in this blend of outdoor recreation, strong academics, and tight-knit community feel.
Music fills the air across campus, reflecting the university's well-known programs that have produced artists like Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. The 25 varsity sports teams draw crowds as Blugolds, with 745 student-athletes competing in Division III. Weekend activities center around the downtown area, where students frequent local coffee shops and venues. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, expect smaller class sizes than at larger state schools. The 81.89% retention rate suggests most students stick around after freshman year, finding their place in this blend of outdoor recreation, strong academics, and tight-knit community feel.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 4,031 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
38 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 9 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 7°–24°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 54.0"
Student Demographics
UW-Eau Claire draws heavily from Wisconsin, with nearly two-thirds of students staying in-state for their education. The student body skews female, reflecting the university's strong reputation in education and music programs that traditionally attract more women. With relatively few Pell Grant recipients, the campus serves primarily middle-class families seeking quality public education close to home. The demographic profile matches a regional full university known for preparing teachers and musicians. Students typically choose Eau Claire for its solid academic programs and manageable class sizes rather than prestige or national recognition.
- Men
- 39.4%
- Women
- 60.6%
- White
- 86.1%
- Black
- 1.0%
- Hispanic
- 3.9%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 63.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.7%
Location
Eau Claire sits in west-central Wisconsin, about 90 miles east of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The city of 69,000 creates a classic college town atmosphere along the Chippewa River. UW-Eau Claire draws 63% of its 8,995 students from within Wisconsin, reflecting its strong regional appeal. The area offers typical Midwest charm with outdoor recreation opportunities and a walkable downtown district. Students enjoy four distinct seasons and access to both urban amenities and natural areas. The campus integrates well with the broader Eau Claire community, which has embraced its identity as a university town. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare UW-Eau Claire with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,561
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,697
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $222/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,909
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire?
UW-Eau Claire accepts 76.62% of applicants with an average ACT score of 24. The school draws primarily from Wisconsin, with 62.98% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $16,948, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,565. Students graduate with a median debt of $20,909 and monthly loan payments of $222.
What academic programs is University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire known for?
The university has a strong reputation for music programs and teacher education with its focus on undergraduate learning. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, students get solid attention in this comprehensive public university.
What are the graduation rates at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire?
UW-Eau Claire graduates 66.43% of students in four years and 67.60% within six years. The 81.89% retention rate shows most students stick around after their first year.
Where do University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students live on campus?
The university houses students in facilities with a capacity of 4,031 in the small city of Eau Claire. With 8,995 total enrollment, nearly half the student body can live on campus for $9,200 in room and board.
Does University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire have successful alumni in entertainment?
Notable graduate Justin Vernon founded the indie folk band Bon Iver, putting the school's music programs in the spotlight. The university also produced NFL quarterback Carson Wentz, showing its reach beyond the arts.
Similar Schools
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, Wisconsin
College of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota