University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
About University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
UW-La Crosse is a public university in La Crosse, Wisconsin, along the Mississippi River. It is known for its strong programs in health sciences, physical therapy, and education, and consistently ranks among the top public universities in the Midwest.
Founded
1909
Location
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Students
10,222
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
75.5%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
71%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$10,070
Out-of-state: $19,517
Avg Net Price
$16,210
After financial aid
SAT Average
1220
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$60,378
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
Feb 1
Regular
Rolling
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse accepts the majority of applicants at 75.5%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1220/ 1600
Average: 1220 out of 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
71% complete their degree within six years
Retention
86.5%
4-Year Grad
46%
6-Year Grad
73%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
81.1%
$/Student
$8.5K
Class Size
Large
While 46% finish in 4 years, 86.5% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,070
In-State
$19,517
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$8,702
Books & Supplies
$120
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,593
After Financial Aid
$16,210
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,224
Receive Grants
14.4%
Take Loans
42.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $19,593/yr for in-state students, including $8,702 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,210. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $19,517.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse fund their education.
While in School
14.4%
Get Grants
Free money
42.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$83,835
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$239/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $22,500 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Gender
56.6%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
9,277
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
945
Graduates
21.4%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
1.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 21.4% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
9,277
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse fields 15 varsity teams with 828 student athletes, about 9% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Wisconsin
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
15
Biggest: Track and Field (Outdoor)
Student Athletes
828
9% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
47% / 53%
390
Men
438
Women
9
Men's Teams
12
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of University of Wisconsin-La Crosseearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$60,378
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Biology, General
$37K
234 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$31K
226 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$56K
201 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$31K
187 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$46K
131 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$43K
130 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $50K at six years, $48K at eight, and $60K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?▾
How much does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?▾
How much do University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.