Admit rate has ranged 73%–75% over the last 5 years. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse punches above its weight as a mid-sized public university with a tight-knit campus vibe and standout programs in health sciences and education. With an 87% freshman retention rate and a reputation for affordability, UWL delivers strong outcomes—73% of students graduate within six years, often landing jobs in Wisconsin’s healthcare and education sectors. Its riverside location fuels an outdoorsy student culture, complete with hiking trails and a bustling club scene.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Demonstrated competencies
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
9,277
In-state tuition
$10,070
Out-of-state tuition
$19,517
Acceptance Rate
75.5–81%
6-Year Grad Rate
73%
Student-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Freshman Retention Rate
87%
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$60,378
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.7×
Median debt at graduation
$22,500
Graduation rate
71%
First-year retention
87%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
80%
Pell (lower-income) share
37%
First-generation share
21%
Endowment / student
$4,966
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer and Information Sciences, General$68,592
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions$58,479
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$57,318
Accounting and Related Services$57,159
Management Information Systems and Services$56,776
Finance and Financial Management Services
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
5
Per 1,000 students
0.54
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
95
Summer high
81°F
Winter low
14°F
Annual rain
34.8"
Annual snow
35.1"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
158
Scholarly works
6,293
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's acceptance rate is approximately 76% (La Crosse, WI), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse cost?
At University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the average net price (after aid) is about $16,210 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse enrolls approximately 9,277 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse located?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is located in La Crosse, WI.
Admissions
UW-La Crosse maintains a moderately selective admissions process, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering between 75.5% (per Data USA) and 81% (US News). The middle 50% of admitted students score between 23–27 on the ACT or 1130–1270 on the SAT. Notably, UWL is Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight.—while 82% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores in recent years, high school GPA remains the cornerstone of evaluations. Application fees are $35, with in-state tuition discounts for Wisconsin residents ($4,741 annually for full-time undergrads).
Acceptance Rate: 75.5–81% (varies by source)
Test Scores (Middle 50%): ACT 23–27 / SAT 1130–1270
Application Fee: $35
Key Deadline: Rolling admissions, but priority given to applications submitted by February 1
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$50,387
Mathematics$47,846
Economics$46,087
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Academics
UWL offers 130+ degree programs, with particular strength in health sciences and education—its physical therapy, clinical lab science, and teacher preparation programs are frequently cited as regional standouts. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning: 73% of students complete senior capstones, and writing-intensive courses are required across disciplines. A 20:1 student-faculty ratio supports small class sizes, especially in upper-division courses. The university also boasts a robust undergraduate research culture, with STEM and health fields dominating funded projects.
Nestled between the Mississippi River and bluffs, UWL’s campus thrives on outdoor recreation and Midwestern camaraderie. Over 200 student clubs range from a nationally competitive dance team to sustainability-focused groups. Residence life is integral—about 40% of undergraduates live on campus, where themed floors (like the ‘Adventure Learning Community’) foster tight bonds. The university hosts renowned speakers and cultural events, while downtown La Crosse—a 10-minute walk—offers coffee shops and live music. Greek life exists but isn’t dominant (12% participation).
Clubs & Organizations: 200+
On-Campus Housing: ~40% of undergrads
Greek Life: 12% involvement
Local Vibe: Outdoorsy (hiking, kayaking) with quaint downtown access
UWL graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, particularly in Wisconsin’s healthcare and education sectors. Six months post-graduation, 94% of 2022 alumni were employed or in graduate school, with median early-career earnings of $43,472 (per Money.com). The six-year graduation rate of 73% far exceeds the national average for public universities, and 51% finish in four years—a testament to UWL’s academic support systems. Debt loads are manageable: the median borrower owes $22,500, below the national average.
Graduation Rates: 51% 4-year / 73% 6-year
Post-Grad Success: 94% employed or in grad school within 6 months
UWL is a bargain for in-state students, with annual tuition/fees at $9,022 for Wisconsin residents (2025-26). Out-of-state students pay $18,614, still below many peers. Over 32% of students receive financial aid, with average packages covering significant costs—the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid is $13,130 annually. The university guarantees four-year tuition freezes for continuous enrollees, and its ‘Satisfactory Academic Progress’ policy requires a 2.0 GPA and 67% course completion rate to maintain eligibility.
In-State Tuition: $9,022
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,614
Average Aid Package: Covers ~50% of costs
Tuition Freeze: Guaranteed for 4 years if enrolled continuously
UW-La Crosse combines the affordability and practicality of a regional public university with the community spirit of a liberal arts college. Its health sciences programs—particularly physical therapy and clinical lab science—rival those of larger universities, while education graduates are heavily recruited by Wisconsin school districts. The 87% freshman retention rate signals strong student satisfaction, bolstered by the university’s focus on undergraduate research and its idyllic riverside location. For Midwestern students seeking high ROI without cutthroat competition, UWL is a hidden gem.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse logo · sourceUniversity of Wisconsin-La Crosse · sourceUniversity of Wisconsin-La Crosse · sourceUW-La Crosse campus tour · source
