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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-9959

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

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Known for business — excellent value

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public institution in La Crosse with particular strength in business and biology. With an average SAT of 1190, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 9.2K undergraduates with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

71% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $60,378 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,374.

Established
1909
Motto
Mens corpusque
Mascot
Stryker the Eagle
Type
Public research university
Division
Division III

Campus Visits

46 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Tour

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73%Acceptance
1190SAT Avg
9,194Students
19:1Student:Faculty
71%Grad Rate
$60,378Earnings 10yr
$15,374Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate73.3%

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 24
2127

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$9,651
Tuition (out-of-state)$18,691
Room & Board$7,960
Books & Supplies$120
Total Cost of Attendance$18,115
Average Net Price$15,374
Median Debt at Graduation$22,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$239

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$6,798
$30–48K$8,794
$48–75K$13,175
$75–110K$16,528
$110K+$17,538

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

56.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$18,000

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

69

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

18

Burglary

4

Aggravated Assault

2

Robbery

6

Motor Vehicle Theft

7

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

18

Drug Arrests

14

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (72)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

86%

Positive

Student Body

Undergrads
9,194
Gender Split
57% / 43%
Women / Men
First Generation
21%
Pell Grant Recipients
14%

Race & Ethnicity

White 89%
Black 1%
Hispanic 4%
Asian 2%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate71.2%
Freshman Retention85.7%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$49,626
10 Years$60,378

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#28
vs 2024
Forbes
#444
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#297
vs 2024

More About This School

History & Fun Facts

  • Graff Main Hall), the original building on campus, was constructed the year the school was founded.
  • The La Crosse State Normal School opened its doors later that same year with Fassett A.
  • In 1910, students published the first campus newspaper, The Racquet, which is still published today.
  • The Physical Education Club was formed in 1912, making it the longest-continuous organization in the school's history.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

100Average

Estimated from WI state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Minneapolispop. 430K
129 mi(224 min)
Milwaukeepop. 570K
175 mi(303 min)
Chicagopop. 2.7M
226 mi(392 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MSP Minneapolis-St Paul123 mi
MKE Milwaukee178 mi
ORD Chicago O'Hare211 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1020 mi · ~29h 28m drive
New York, NY905 mi · ~26h 9m drive
Hartford, CT950 mi · ~27h 27m drive
Providence, RI1011 mi · ~29h 12m drive
Albany, NY882 mi · ~25h 29m drive
Syracuse, NY758 mi · ~21h 54m drive
Rochester, NY684 mi · ~19h 46m drive
Buffalo, NY623 mi · ~18h drive
Philadelphia, PA867 mi · ~25h 3m drive
Pittsburgh, PA621 mi · ~17h 56m drive
Harrisburg, PA774 mi · ~22h 22m drive
Newark, NJ896 mi · ~25h 53m drive
Washington, DC809 mi · ~23h 22m drive
Baltimore, MD817 mi · ~23h 36m drive
Atlanta, GA786 mi · ~22h 42m drive
Charlotte, NC810 mi · ~23h 24m drive
Raleigh, NC867 mi · ~25h 3m drive
Miami, FL1393 mi · ~40h 15m drive
Orlando, FL1188 mi · ~34h 19m drive
Tampa, FL1199 mi · ~34h 38m drive
Nashville, TN579 mi · ~16h 44m drive
New Orleans, LA960 mi · ~27h 44m drive
Richmond, VA841 mi · ~24h 18m drive
Chicago, IL226 mi · ~6h 32m drive
Detroit, MI426 mi · ~12h 18m drive
Minneapolis, MN129 mi · ~3h 44m drive
St. Louis, MO362 mi · ~10h 27m drive
Kansas City, MO369 mi · ~10h 40m drive
Indianapolis, IN383 mi · ~11h 4m drive
Columbus, OH500 mi · ~14h 27m drive
Cleveland, OH510 mi · ~14h 44m drive
Milwaukee, WI175 mi · ~5h 3m drive
Dallas, TX820 mi · ~23h 41m drive
Houston, TX997 mi · ~28h 48m drive
Austin, TX1002 mi · ~28h 57m drive
San Antonio, TX1072 mi · ~30h 58m drive
Los Angeles, CA1591 mi · ~45h 58m drive
San Francisco, CA1673 mi · ~48h 20m drive
San Diego, CA1592 mi · ~45h 59m drive
Seattle, WA1513 mi · ~43h 43m drive
Portland, OR1540 mi · ~44h 29m drive
Denver, CO762 mi · ~22h 1m drive
Phoenix, AZ1328 mi · ~38h 22m drive
Salt Lake City, UT1074 mi · ~31h 2m drive
Honolulu, HI4062 mi · ~117h 21m drive
Upper Midwest / Northeast (cold winters, warm summers)

Deadline Calendar

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Application Checklist

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