About University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
This full university in La Crosse builds its reputation on strong health and exercise science programs alongside powerhouse athletics. The 9,194 students know UW-La Crosse as a place where academic rigor meets athletic excellence, producing graduates like NFL quarterback Dave Krieg and current Wisconsin basketball coach Greg Gard. The small city setting creates a tight-knit community feel while offering Division III competition across 21 varsity sports.
Students pay an average net price of $15,374 after aid, making this one of Wisconsin's better educational values. With median debt of just $22,500, graduates enter careers well-positioned for success. Ten years out, alumni earn a median salary of $60,378, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. The 98% employment rate demonstrates strong career preparation across programs.
The student body reflects Wisconsin's demographics, with 80% coming from in-state and 89% identifying as white. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top privates but maintains accessibility. With 611 total athletes competing without athletic scholarships, sports remain truly amateur while fostering school spirit. The 71% six-year graduation rate shows solid completion rates for a public full university.
Students pay an average net price of $15,374 after aid, making this one of Wisconsin's better educational values. With median debt of just $22,500, graduates enter careers well-positioned for success. Ten years out, alumni earn a median salary of $60,378, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. The 98% employment rate demonstrates strong career preparation across programs.
The student body reflects Wisconsin's demographics, with 80% coming from in-state and 89% identifying as white. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top privates but maintains accessibility. With 611 total athletes competing without athletic scholarships, sports remain truly amateur while fostering school spirit. The 71% six-year graduation rate shows solid completion rates for a public full university.
Academics & Faculty
UW-La Crosse built its reputation as a full university with standout health and exercise science programs that attract students statewide. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top colleges but still allows for meaningful professor interaction. With a 71% six-year graduation rate, most students successfully complete their degrees, though some struggle with the academic transition. The university excels in preparing future physical therapists, athletic trainers, and health professionals. Education and business programs also draw strong enrollment. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and research experiences typically found at larger universities. The 85% retention rate suggests freshmen generally adapt well to campus life and academic expectations.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.2%
- Retention Rate
- 85.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,378
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | Master | $171,020 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,308 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,725 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $68,592 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $58,479 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,159 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $56,776 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $54,531 |
Campus Life
La Crosse sits along the Mississippi River about 140 miles southeast of Minneapolis, where bluffs and water create one of the Midwest's most scenic college towns. With housing capacity for 3,220 students and total enrollment at 9,194, about 35% of students live on campus in residence halls that overlook the river valley. Wisconsin winters demand serious gear, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through February.
The Eagles compete in 21 varsity sports with 611 total athletes, creating a campus where fitness and outdoor recreation dominate weekend activities. Students hike the nearby bluffs, kayak the backwaters, or catch Division III games at Veterans Memorial Field. With 80% of students coming from Wisconsin, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do along La Crosse's historic downtown, just a short walk from campus. The health and exercise science programs draw students who live active lifestyles year-round, whether cross-country skiing in winter or volleyball on the river beaches when weather warms up.
The Eagles compete in 21 varsity sports with 611 total athletes, creating a campus where fitness and outdoor recreation dominate weekend activities. Students hike the nearby bluffs, kayak the backwaters, or catch Division III games at Veterans Memorial Field. With 80% of students coming from Wisconsin, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do along La Crosse's historic downtown, just a short walk from campus. The health and exercise science programs draw students who live active lifestyles year-round, whether cross-country skiing in winter or volleyball on the river beaches when weather warms up.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,220 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–25°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 101.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 43.3"
Student Demographics
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse draws a heavily Wisconsin-based student body, with over 80% coming from in-state. This reflects the school's strong regional reputation, particularly for its health and exercise science programs that feed into local healthcare and fitness industries. Women outnumber men at 57% to 43%, likely driven by the popularity of programs in health sciences, education, and social work. Only 14% receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body skews toward middle-class families who value UW-La Crosse's combination of affordable tuition and strong career preparation in health-related fields.
- Men
- 43.1%
- Women
- 56.9%
- White
- 88.9%
- Black
- 0.7%
- Hispanic
- 4.0%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 80.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 14.2%
Location
La Crosse sits in western Wisconsin along the Mississippi River, about 140 miles southeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The city of 52,000 creates a classic college town atmosphere where students make up nearly 20% of the population. Bluffs rise dramatically on both sides of the river valley, offering hiking trails and scenic overlooks that draw outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The historic downtown district connects directly to campus, providing internships and part-time jobs within walking distance. With 80% of students coming from within Wisconsin, many are already familiar with the region's mix of river recreation and small-city amenities. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-9959
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $60,378
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $58,854
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
UW-La Crosse accepts 74.25% of applicants with an average ACT score of 24. The university attracts students primarily interested in health sciences and exercise science programs, making it moderately selective among Wisconsin public universities.
How much does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,374 annually, with in-state tuition at $9,651. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,798 net price, making this comprehensive university quite affordable for Wisconsin residents.
What academic programs is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse known for?
The university excels in health and exercise science with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across all programs. UW-La Crosse has built a strong reputation for preparing students in athletic training, physical therapy, and related health fields.
What are the employment outcomes for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates?
Graduates achieve a remarkable 98.0% employment rate with median earnings of $60,378 ten years after graduation. The 71.20% six-year graduation rate reflects solid completion rates for students in health sciences and other popular majors.
Where is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in La Crosse, a small Wisconsin city, with housing for 3,220 students out of 9,194 total enrollment. The university maintains an 85.73% retention rate, suggesting students appreciate the close-knit community atmosphere.
Does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offer athletic scholarships?
UW-La Crosse competes in NCAA Division III and offers $0 in athletic scholarships, as Division III schools prohibit athletic aid. Despite this, 611 student-athletes participate across 21 varsity sports, with the Eagles known for strong football and track programs.
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