About University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has built a solid reputation around business programs and teacher education. This full public university enrolls 9,180 students in the small college town of Whitewater, about an hour southwest of Milwaukee. The business school draws students seeking practical, career-focused training. Education majors appreciate the strong teacher preparation programs that have supplied Wisconsin schools for decades.
Students pay an average net price of $14,785 after financial aid, making this one of Wisconsin's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,356 ten years after graduation. Most students graduate with $23,188 in debt and manageable monthly loan payments of $246. The numbers work out to a reasonable return on investment for most majors.
The campus feels evenly split with 50.9% men and 49.1% women. Most students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Warhawks compete in 22 Division III sports without athletic scholarships, emphasizing student-athletes over recruits. With a 77.5% retention rate, most freshmen stick around, though the 64.3% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to finish their degrees.
Students pay an average net price of $14,785 after financial aid, making this one of Wisconsin's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,356 ten years after graduation. Most students graduate with $23,188 in debt and manageable monthly loan payments of $246. The numbers work out to a reasonable return on investment for most majors.
The campus feels evenly split with 50.9% men and 49.1% women. Most students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Warhawks compete in 22 Division III sports without athletic scholarships, emphasizing student-athletes over recruits. With a 77.5% retention rate, most freshmen stick around, though the 64.3% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
UW-Whitewater has built its academic reputation around strong business and teacher education programs that prepare students for practical careers. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can feel large, but professors remain accessible in this full public university setting. About 63% of students graduate within four years, which reflects the school's focus on career-ready programs rather than highly selective academics. The business school draws students across Wisconsin for its hands-on approach and industry connections. Education majors benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities in surrounding school districts. With an 82% acceptance rate, Whitewater welcomes motivated students who want solid professional preparation without the pressure of top academic competition.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 83.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.3%
- Retention Rate
- 77.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,356
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $74,874 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $59,576 |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $59,485 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $57,650 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $54,435 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $53,308 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $49,563 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $49,324 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,327 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,254 |
Campus Life
Whitewater sits 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee in classic Wisconsin farm country. The campus houses 4,168 students in residence halls, meaning nearly half of the 9,180 students live on campus. You'll need serious winter gear for the long, snowy months that stretch from November through March. The compact campus centers around a traditional quad where students gather between classes.
With 84% of students coming from Wisconsin, the Warhawks have a distinctly local feel. Students pack into Perkins Stadium for football games, part of the school's 22 varsity sports programs that compete in Division III. The business school draws ambitious students to its well-regarded programs, while future teachers fill the education courses. Weekend life revolves around campus events and trips to nearby Lake Geneva or Madison. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors, especially in upper-level business and education classes. Small-town Whitewater offers the classic college experience without big-city distractions.
With 84% of students coming from Wisconsin, the Warhawks have a distinctly local feel. Students pack into Perkins Stadium for football games, part of the school's 22 varsity sports programs that compete in Division III. The business school draws ambitious students to its well-regarded programs, while future teachers fill the education courses. Weekend life revolves around campus events and trips to nearby Lake Geneva or Madison. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll get to know your professors, especially in upper-level business and education classes. Small-town Whitewater offers the classic college experience without big-city distractions.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 4,168 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
107 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 20 | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| Rape | 17 | 17 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–27°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 35.9"
Student Demographics
The student body draws heavily from Wisconsin, with 84% coming from in-state. This reflects UW-Whitewater's strong regional reputation for business and education programs that prepare students for careers throughout the state. A quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class families seeking affordable four-year degrees. The nearly even gender split mirrors the school's dual strength in business and teacher preparation programs. Students typically choose Whitewater for its practical career focus and small-town campus environment rather than prestige, creating a down-to-earth community of future teachers, business professionals, and state employees.
- Men
- 50.9%
- Women
- 49.1%
- White
- 79.6%
- Black
- 4.8%
- Hispanic
- 9.3%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 84.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.0%
Location
Whitewater sits in southeastern Wisconsin, about 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee and 60 miles southeast of Madison. This classic college town of roughly 15,000 residents nearly doubles in size when students arrive each fall. The campus spreads across rolling farmland in Wisconsin's lake country, with several small lakes dotting the surrounding area. Downtown Whitewater centers around Main Street, where local businesses cater to the university's 9,180 students who make up nearly two-thirds of the town's population during the academic year. The setting offers a quintessential small-town college experience with easy access to Wisconsin's larger cities. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190-1790
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,356
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,015
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 70.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,188
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater?
UW-Whitewater accepts 82.38% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. This comprehensive public university provides accessible admission to students seeking strong business and education programs in a small college town atmosphere.
How much does University of Wisconsin-Whitewater cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,785 annually, with in-state tuition at $8,250. The school keeps costs manageable for Wisconsin families, as 84.14% of students come from in-state and graduates carry a median debt of $23,188.
What academic programs is University of Wisconsin-Whitewater known for?
The university built its reputation on business programs and teacher education, serving 9,180 students with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. These professional-focused programs prepare graduates for solid career outcomes in Wisconsin and beyond.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater?
About 64.30% of students graduate within six years, and 97.5% find employment after graduation. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,356 ten years after graduation, reflecting the practical value of the university's career-oriented programs.
Where is University of Wisconsin-Whitewater located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Whitewater, Wisconsin, a classic college town setting with housing for 4,168 students. With 597 student-athletes competing in 22 NCAA Division III sports as the Warhawks, the campus maintains an active but intimate community feel.
Does University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offer athletic scholarships?
UW-Whitewater offers $0 in athletic scholarships because it competes in NCAA Division III, which prohibits athletic scholarships. Instead, the 597 student-athletes across 22 varsity sports compete purely for the love of the game while focusing on academics.
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