About University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Students from across Wisconsin pack into this mid-sized university of 7,613 students nestled in Oshkosh, a small city along Lake Winnebago. UW-Oshkosh attracts primarily Wisconsin residents (91% in-state) who want a full education without the massive campus feel of Madison. The school has built a reputation for teacher preparation, business programs, and nursing, drawing students who prefer smaller classes over research university anonymity. With an 89% acceptance rate, the university welcomes students with a 20 ACT average who are ready to work but may not have had every advantage in high school.
The financial picture makes sense for most families. Students pay an average net price of $14,761 annually, which drops to just $9,232 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $55,548 ten years out with typical debt of $21,500, making monthly loan payments around $228. These numbers work because UW-Oshkosh serves practical majors that lead to steady jobs rather than high-risk, high-reward careers.
With 56% women and a 72% retention rate, the campus has a serious but not overly competitive atmosphere. The Titans compete in Division III athletics across 15 sports with 554 total athletes, creating school spirit without the pressure of big-time college sports.
The financial picture makes sense for most families. Students pay an average net price of $14,761 annually, which drops to just $9,232 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median of $55,548 ten years out with typical debt of $21,500, making monthly loan payments around $228. These numbers work because UW-Oshkosh serves practical majors that lead to steady jobs rather than high-risk, high-reward careers.
With 56% women and a 72% retention rate, the campus has a serious but not overly competitive atmosphere. The Titans compete in Division III athletics across 15 sports with 554 total athletes, creating school spirit without the pressure of big-time college sports.
Academics & Faculty
UW-Oshkosh is a regional public university that focuses on practical, career-ready programs rather than research. The school is particularly known for its nursing, education, and business programs, which feed directly into Wisconsin's job market. With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, classes are larger than at small colleges but professors still know their students' names. The 57.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students work part-time jobs while studying, stretching their degree timeline. UW-Oshkosh attracts students who want a solid, affordable education without the pressure of a highly competitive environment. The university emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and cooperative education programs that connect classroom theory to real workplace experience.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.9%
- Retention Rate
- 72.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,548
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $80,292 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $75,518 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,556 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $55,061 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,904 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $54,531 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $53,984 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $50,231 |
| Social Work. | Master | $50,105 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $49,158 |
Campus Life
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh sits in a small city about 90 minutes north of Milwaukee, where 7,613 students navigate Wisconsin winters that require serious winter coats from November through March. With housing capacity for 2,522 students, about one-third of the student body lives on campus, creating a close-knit feel where you'll recognize faces walking between buildings.
The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more personal than at massive state universities, and with 90.94% of students coming from Wisconsin, you'll find a distinctly Midwestern, down-to-earth vibe. Students often head to Lake Winnebago for outdoor activities or explore downtown Oshkosh's local bars and restaurants. The Titans compete in NCAA Division III with 554 total athletes across 15 sports, so games draw decent crowds even without athletic scholarships. Weekend life centers around campus events, intramural sports, and trips to nearby cities. The 72.26% retention rate suggests most students find their groove here, even if the pace feels quieter than big city campuses.
The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel more personal than at massive state universities, and with 90.94% of students coming from Wisconsin, you'll find a distinctly Midwestern, down-to-earth vibe. Students often head to Lake Winnebago for outdoor activities or explore downtown Oshkosh's local bars and restaurants. The Titans compete in NCAA Division III with 554 total athletes across 15 sports, so games draw decent crowds even without athletic scholarships. Weekend life centers around campus events, intramural sports, and trips to nearby cities. The 72.26% retention rate suggests most students find their groove here, even if the pace feels quieter than big city campuses.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,522 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–26°F
- July Avg
- 62°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 31.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 35.8"
Student Demographics
Wisconsin-Oshkosh draws heavily from local communities, with 91% of students coming from Wisconsin. This reflects the university's role as a regional center that serves families throughout the state who want quality education close to home. The student body leans female at 57%, which aligns with the school's strength in education, nursing, and social work programs that traditionally attract more women. With relatively low Pell Grant recipients at 16%, the university primarily serves middle-class Wisconsin families looking for an affordable public education option.
- Men
- 43.5%
- Women
- 56.5%
- White
- 78.4%
- Black
- 2.8%
- Hispanic
- 7.0%
- Asian
- 4.2%
- In-State Students
- 90.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.8%
Location
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh sits in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a small city about 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee and 80 miles southwest of Green Bay. The city has around 67,000 people and sits along the Fox River near Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest inland lake. Oshkosh is known for its annual EAA AirVenture, the world's largest aviation gathering that brings hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer. The area offers a mix of outdoor activities with lakes, rivers, and state parks nearby, plus the college gives the city a steady student presence. With 90.94% of students coming from Wisconsin, most know the region well before arriving. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,548
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,423
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?
UW-Oshkosh accepts 88.52% of applicants with an average ACT score of 20. The university takes a fairly open admissions approach, making it accessible to most Wisconsin students who meet basic requirements.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,761 annually for all students. In-state students pay just $8,212 in tuition, while families earning under $30,000 see their net cost drop to $9,232 after aid.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?
The student-faculty ratio is 21:1 with 7,613 total students enrolled. UW-Oshkosh operates as a regional comprehensive university known for its education, business, and nursing programs.
What are the graduation rates at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?
The six-year graduation rate is 57.90% with a retention rate of 72.26%. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,548 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the university's focus on practical career preparation.
Where is University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Oshkosh, a small Wisconsin city along Lake Winnebago. With housing for 2,522 students and 90.94% in-state enrollment, it maintains a close-knit community feel typical of regional state universities.
Does University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offer athletic scholarships?
UW-Oshkosh awards $0 in athletic scholarships as an NCAA Division III institution. The Titans compete in 15 varsity sports with 554 total athletes, emphasizing academics over athletics in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
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