Public Institution

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — La Crosse, Wisconsin

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Annual Tuition $9,651

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 73.3%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 9,194

Active Students

Avg. Salary $60,378

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location La Crosse, Wisconsin

Institution type Public

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 12/19/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"University of Wisconsin-La Crosse stands as a pillar of higher education in La Crosse, providing a robust academic foundation for 9,194 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

24.9%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

12.6%

Enrollment Share

Psychology

10.9%

Enrollment Share

Parks & Recreation

10.1%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

Enrollment Share

Education

7.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 73.3%

Difficulty Low

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse maintains an acceptance rate of 73.3%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 43.1%

Women Enrollment 56.9%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

ACT English 20 - 26

ACT Mathematics 20 - 27

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,651

Out-of-State Tuition $18,691

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 14.2%

Median Student Debt $22,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,651, graduates see a median starting salary of $60,378, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Wisconsin.

What salary can University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $60,378

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 71.2%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $15,374

Median Salary (6yr) $49,626

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in La Crosse?

9,194 Students

Gender Comparison

43.1% Men

56.9% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

85.7%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

Black

0.7%

White

88.9%

Unknown

0.6%

Hispanic

Two or More Races

3.1%

International

0.6%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 21.4%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 36.8%

💍

Married Students 1.2%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 83.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$64,374
Average Family Income	$89,257
Median Family Income	$83,835

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

50.8%

49.3%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the La Crosse Campus Environment

Located at 1725 State St, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Wisconsin. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse compare?

Direct Comparison University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs Western Technical College →

Direct Comparison University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs Viterbo University →

Common Questions about University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse a good college in La Crosse, Wisconsin?

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a recognized institution in La Crosse with an enrollment of 9,194 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Wisconsin based on Department of Education data.

Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse worth attending in 2026?

Yes, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $60,378. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse cost for Wisconsin residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is approximately $9,651. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $18,691. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 36.8% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse good for Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs?

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?

Graduates of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $60,378, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse earn a median salary of $60,378 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse a good investment compared to other WI colleges?

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse stands out as a high-value investment in Wisconsin. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse located and what is the campus like?

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is located at 1725 State St in La Crosse, WI. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 9,194 learners.

Who typically attends University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in La Crosse, WI?

The student body at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 21.4% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Wisconsin

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with other leading institutions in Wisconsin across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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