About University of Wisconsin-Superior
The Yellowjackets draw 1,899 students to this historic campus that has served northern Wisconsin since 1893. UW-Superior operates as a full public university where nearly two-thirds of students are women (63.09%). The school accepts 95.60% of applicants with an average ACT score of 20, making it accessible to students across academic backgrounds. Superior sits on the shores of Lake Superior in a midsized suburban setting that draws students from both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Students pay an average net price of $13,405 after financial aid, with costs dropping to just $8,194 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,606 ten years after completing their degrees. The typical borrower leaves with $22,500 in debt and monthly payments of $239. This represents reasonable value given the school's affordable tuition structure and solid employment outcomes, with 96.3% of graduates finding work.
The student-faculty ratio of 17:1 provides decent access to professors, though the 44.10% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish or transfer elsewhere. The Yellowjackets compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 347 total athletes. About half the student body comes from Wisconsin (48.91%), creating a regional feel that reflects the school's role serving the Twin Ports area.
Students pay an average net price of $13,405 after financial aid, with costs dropping to just $8,194 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,606 ten years after completing their degrees. The typical borrower leaves with $22,500 in debt and monthly payments of $239. This represents reasonable value given the school's affordable tuition structure and solid employment outcomes, with 96.3% of graduates finding work.
The student-faculty ratio of 17:1 provides decent access to professors, though the 44.10% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish or transfer elsewhere. The Yellowjackets compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 347 total athletes. About half the student body comes from Wisconsin (48.91%), creating a regional feel that reflects the school's role serving the Twin Ports area.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Wisconsin-Superior serves as a full public university with a strong focus on undergraduate education and practical career preparation. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive more personal attention than at larger research universities. The school is particularly known for its teacher education programs, which have supplied educators to the region for over a century. Business, natural sciences, and social work also draw many students. However, the 44% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many students face in completing their degrees. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement, preparing graduates for careers in education, business, and public service throughout the Upper Midwest.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 84.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 42.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 44.1%
- Retention Rate
- 70.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,606
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Materials Moving, Other. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,041 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $41,565 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,056 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $37,671 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,230 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| History. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
UW-Superior sits just across the bay from Duluth, Minnesota, giving students access to a mid-sized city while maintaining a small-town campus feel. With housing capacity for only 650 students and total enrollment of 1,899, about one-third of students live on campus in a close-knit community. The campus overlooks Lake Superior, creating stunning views but also brutal winters where temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow blankets the ground from November through March.
The 63% female student body creates a welcoming atmosphere, though with 48.91% of students coming from in-state, many go home on weekends. Students often head to Duluth for shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, or take advantage of the region's outdoor recreation. The Yellowjackets compete in 19 Division III sports with 347 total athletes, creating school spirit without the pressure of athletic scholarships. Lake Superior dominates campus life - students ice fish in winter, kayak in warmer months, and always pack heavy coats for the notorious lake-effect weather that defines the Superior experience.
The 63% female student body creates a welcoming atmosphere, though with 48.91% of students coming from in-state, many go home on weekends. Students often head to Duluth for shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, or take advantage of the region's outdoor recreation. The Yellowjackets compete in 19 Division III sports with 347 total athletes, creating school spirit without the pressure of athletic scholarships. Lake Superior dominates campus life - students ice fish in winter, kayak in warmer months, and always pack heavy coats for the notorious lake-effect weather that defines the Superior experience.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 650 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1893
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 5°–22°F
- July Avg
- 57°–75°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 30.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 56.2"
Student Demographics
Wisconsin-Superior draws students who value accessible education without sacrificing quality. Nearly half the students come from out-of-state, showing the school's appeal extends beyond regional boundaries. Women make up almost two-thirds of enrollment, reflecting the university's strength in education, social work, and health sciences programs. About 30% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school successfully serves working-class families seeking upward mobility. The diverse geographic mix creates a campus where Minnesota, Wisconsin, and other Midwest students connect over shared values of hard work and community service.
- Men
- 36.9%
- Women
- 63.1%
- White
- 78.2%
- Black
- 2.2%
- Hispanic
- 4.0%
- Asian
- 1.3%
- In-State Students
- 48.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.6%
Location
Superior sits in northwestern Wisconsin, just across the bay from Duluth, Minnesota, forming the Twin Ports region at the western tip of Lake Superior. The campus serves 1,899 students in a midsize suburban setting that blends small-town charm with access to outdoor recreation. Superior's location offers stunning lake views and proximity to the Apostle Islands, making it popular with students who enjoy hiking, sailing, and winter sports. The area's economy centers on shipping and lumber, giving the region a working-class character. Nearly half of students come from in-state, drawn to the lakefront setting and affordable tuition of $8,487 for Wisconsin residents. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare University of Wisconsin-Superior with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Superior, Wisconsin 54880-4500
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,606
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,048
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $239/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Superior?
The acceptance rate is 95.60% with an average ACT score of 20. This open-access approach reflects the university's mission to serve students from diverse academic backgrounds, particularly those from northern Wisconsin and Minnesota.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Superior cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,405, with students typically graduating with $22,500 in debt. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay less than $8,200 annually, making this one of the most affordable options in the UW system.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Wisconsin-Superior?
The student-faculty ratio is 17:1 among the 1,899 enrolled students. This small campus environment allows for close mentoring relationships and hands-on learning experiences that larger universities cannot provide.
What are the graduation rates at University of Wisconsin-Superior?
The four-year graduation rate is 42.05% and the six-year rate is 44.10%. Graduates earn a median of $49,606 ten years after graduation, with many staying in the Twin Ports region to work in education, social services, and natural resources.
Where do students live at University of Wisconsin-Superior?
Housing capacity is 650 students with room and board costing $7,227 annually. The campus overlooks Lake Superior and offers a tight-knit residential community where 70.74% of first-year students return for their sophomore year.
Does University of Wisconsin-Superior offer athletic scholarships?
The university offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III school with 347 student-athletes across 19 varsity sports. The Yellowjackets compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over athletic recruiting.
