Overview
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a less selective public four-year institution in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The school accepts 74.3% of applicants and enrolls 9,194 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 74.3%
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 24
- Total Enrollment
- 9,194
Admission Guide
Apply through the University of Wisconsin System application, which opens in August for the following fall semester. You can submit your application as early as September 1st, with a priority deadline of February 1st for fall admission. Applications received after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Submit your high school transcript, ACT or SAT scores, and complete the application essays. UW-La Crosse requires all applicants to write a personal statement and respond to one additional prompt. No letters of recommendation are required for general admission.
Several programs have additional requirements or competitive admission processes. The physical therapy doctoral program requires separate application materials and has much lower acceptance rates than general admission. Nursing requires completion of prerequisite courses and maintains higher academic standards. Exercise and sport science programs may have capacity limits that create competition even among qualified applicants.
Housing applications open in November for the following academic year. Submit your housing contract early, as residence halls fill quickly. First-year students must live on campus unless they live within 30 miles of La Crosse or meet specific exemption criteria.
The campus sits on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, creating a distinct physical environment that affects everything from campus transportation to recreational opportunities. Winter weather significantly impacts daily life, so prepare for cold temperatures and snow from November through March.
Plan to attend SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) during the summer before your first semester. You will register for classes, meet with academic advisors, and complete placement testing if needed. International students attend a separate orientation program that begins earlier.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $15,374/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $9,651
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $18,691
- Students Receiving Aid
- 14%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $60,378/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 85.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
UW-La Crosse has a rolling admissions process with a priority deadline of February 1 for fall admission. Applications submitted after this date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse require SAT or ACT scores?
UW-La Crosse is test-optional, meaning SAT or ACT scores are not required for admission. Students can choose to submit test scores if they believe the scores will strengthen their application.
What GPA do you need to get into University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
UW-La Crosse does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. Most admitted students have strong academic records with competitive grades in college preparatory courses.
Can you transfer to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from another college?
Yes, UW-La Crosse accepts transfer students who have completed at least 12 college credits. Transfer applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA, though competitive programs may require higher GPAs.