University of Wisconsin-Green Bay: 89.6% Acceptance Rate

89.6%Acceptance

$8,342Tuition

6,230Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,528Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay builds its reputation around environmental sciences and sustainability programs focused on the Great Lakes region. This public full university serves 6,230 students in Green Bay's midsize city setting. The school emphasizes hands-on learning in environmental studies, taking advantage of its proximity to Lake Michigan and the bay ecosystem. With an 89.62% acceptance rate, UW-Green Bay welcomes most applicants who meet basic requirements.

Students pay an average net price of $12,878 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in the UW system. Graduates earn a median of $52,528 ten years after graduation, while carrying manageable debt loads averaging $18,500. The monthly loan payment of $196 represents a reasonable burden given typical earnings. In-state students get the best deal with tuition at just $8,342.

Nearly 92% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community feel on campus. The Phoenix compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 14 sports in the Horizon League. However, the 53.10% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees. Women make up 62.44% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in education and health-related programs.

Academics & Faculty

Wisconsin-Green Bay built its reputation around environmental sciences and sustainability programs that tap into the Great Lakes region's ecological richness. The university offers hands-on research opportunities in fields like freshwater science, environmental policy, and natural resource management. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, students get decent access to professors, though class sizes can be larger than at smaller colleges. The 53% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing academics with work or family obligations. Strong programs also include business, education, and the arts. As a public full university, Wisconsin-Green Bay provides affordable access to both career-focused majors and traditional liberal arts disciplines.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 69.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.1%
Retention Rate: 70.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,528
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$66,287
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$61,516
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$53,497
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$48,823
Social Work.	Master	$44,933
Economics.	Bachelor	$42,682
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$42,479
Chemistry.	Bachelor	$42,123
Information Science/Studies.	Bachelor	$39,369
Social Work.	Bachelor	$37,808

View all 65 programs →

Campus Life

Green Bay sits 100 miles north of Milwaukee, putting you in the heart of Packers country where winter means serious business. You'll need heavy coats and boots for the long, snowy months that stretch from November through March. About 32% of the 6,230 students live on campus in residence halls that house 2,005 students total. The majority commute from nearby communities, creating a campus that buzzes during weekdays but quiets down on weekends.

Students often head to Lambeau Field for Packers games or explore the Fox River Trail for hiking and biking. The Phoenix athletic teams compete in Division I, with basketball games drawing decent crowds during winter months. Green Bay's downtown offers restaurants and bars within walking distance, though many students drive the short trip to nearby De Pere for additional nightlife options. The strong environmental science programs mean you'll find students conducting research along Lake Michigan's shoreline. With 91.96% of students from Wisconsin, expect a Midwest-friendly atmosphere where outdoor activities dominate free time, from ice fishing in winter to kayaking when the weather warms up.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 2,005 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

30 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Rape	11	6
Dating Violence	4	2
Fondling	5	1
Burglary	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 9°–24°F
July Avg: 58°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 32.4"
Annual Snowfall: 55.6"

Student Demographics

UW-Green Bay draws primarily from Wisconsin families, with over 90% of students calling the state home. The strong local pull reflects the university's reputation as an affordable path to solid environmental and sustainability careers in the Great Lakes region. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, which aligns with the school's emphasis on environmental science, education, and health programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class Wisconsin families seeking practical degrees close to home.

Men: 37.6%
Women: 62.4%
White: 75.6%
Black: 3.0%
Hispanic: 9.1%
Asian: 4.4%
In-State Students: 92.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.6%

Location

Green Bay sits along the Fox River in northeastern Wisconsin, about 100 miles north of Milwaukee. The city of 105,000 people is famous for the Green Bay Packers and serves as a regional center for manufacturing and paper production. With 91.96% of students coming from Wisconsin, most are familiar with the area's blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation. The university sits in a mid-sized city that offers internships at local businesses while providing easy access to Lake Michigan and Door County's scenic peninsula. The campus benefits from Green Bay's strong environmental focus, supporting the school's sustainability programs. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with similar schools in the region.

Address: Green Bay, Wisconsin 54311-7001

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,528
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,816
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $196/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay?

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay accepts 89.62% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. The school draws heavily from Wisconsin, with nearly 92% of students coming from in-state. This accessible admissions approach fits the university's mission as a comprehensive public institution.

How much does University of Wisconsin-Green Bay cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,878 annually at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. In-state tuition runs $8,342 while out-of-state students pay $16,929. Graduates typically leave with $18,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $196.

What is University of Wisconsin-Green Bay known for academically?

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay specializes in environmental sciences and sustainability programs focused on the Great Lakes region. The student-faculty ratio stands at 23:1 across the university's programs. This environmental focus aligns with the school's location near Lake Michigan and commitment to regional ecological research.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay?

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay graduates 53.1% of students within six years, with a 96.9% employment rate after graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $52,528 ten years after graduating. The retention rate of 70.42% reflects the challenges many public comprehensive universities face in student persistence.

Where do students live at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay?

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay houses students in facilities with a capacity of 2,005, serving the 6,230-student enrollment. Room and board costs $8,042 annually on campus. The Green Bay location provides a mid-sized city environment in northeastern Wisconsin.

Does University of Wisconsin-Green Bay compete in Division I athletics?

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay competes as the Phoenix in NCAA Division I within the Horizon League. The athletic program fields 14 varsity sports with 233 total athletes and distributes $2.3 million in athletic scholarships. This Division I status distinguishes the university among Wisconsin's public institutions.