University of Wisconsin Acceptance Rate & Tuition (2026)
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public research university in La Crosse, Wisconsin, serving roughly 9,277 students. Admission is moderately selective for first-time degree-seeking undergraduates reporting admissions data to the Education Department. The acceptance rate is about 75.50% in the latest College Scorecard admissions data. Median earnings about ten years after entry reach about $60,378 among students who received federal aid.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $10,070
- 2024 Average Net Price: $16,210 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 75.50% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 9,277 96.8% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 70.96%
- Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
- First-Generation Students: 21.4%
- Tuition trend: In-state tuition increase of 4.5% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Net price trend: Average net price increase of 1.0% from 2022 to 2023 (College Scorecard).
- Full-Time Faculty: 81.1%
- Average SAT Score: 1220
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,036
- Applicants (IPEDS): 7,312
- Room & Board: $8,702 annual estimate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: what the data shows
Common questions about University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, answered from College Scorecard and IPEDS in this repository.
Where is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is located in La Crosse, WI (ZIP 54601-9959).
NCES locale classification: Town.
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse public or private?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a Public institution.
How much does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse cost?
Published tuition: $10,070 in-state, $19,517 out-of-state.
Average net price after aid: $16,210.
| Family income band | Avg. net price |
|---|---|
| Family income $0–$30,000 | $8,224 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $8,766 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $10,608 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $17,394 |
| $110,001+ | $18,991 |
Sticker tuition × four years (estimate, no room/board): $40,280.
How hard is it to get into University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
Admission rate: 75.50%.
Among enrollees who submitted scores: average SAT 1220 and midpoint ACT 24.
Scorecard does not publish admitted-student GPA for most institutions.
How big is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
Total enrollment: 9,277 students.
Undergraduate enrollment: 10,036 students.
Graduate enrollment: 945 students.
About 97% enroll full-time in our extract.
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
150%-time completion rate: 70.96%.
First-year retention: 86.5%.
What do graduates of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse earn?
Median earnings: $49,626 six years after entry; $60,378 ten years after entry (College Scorecard).
How much debt do students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers: $22,500.
14.41% of students receive Pell grants.
What is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse known for?
Largest IPEDS program completions at this institution:
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General (254 completions)
- Exercise Science and Kinesiology (229 completions)
- Psychology, General (204 completions)
- Finance, General (181 completions)
- Marketing/Marketing Management, General (152 completions)
- Business Administration and Management, General (136 completions)
- Elementary Education and Teaching (129 completions)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other (117 completions)
- Accounting (80 completions)
- Speech Communication and Rhetoric (72 completions)
See ROI & Programs for more.
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse a good school?
We do not score schools on opinion. Federal data in our extract show admission rate 75.50%; completion rate 70.96%; median earnings $60,378 at 10 years; net price $16,210. Compare these figures to your cost, aid, and career goals.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition Costs
$10,070
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was $10,070.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$16,210
2024 Value
In 2024 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $16,210.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$64,840 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$16,210 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$40,280 4-Year In-State Tuition
$78,068 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
$8,702 Room & Board (annual, on-campus estimate)
$120 Books & Supplies (annual estimate)
$18,892 Estimated Annual Sticker (tuition + room/board + books)
$75,568 Estimated 4-Year Sticker (before aid)
4-year total cost breakdown for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Financial Aid by Income Level
14.41% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
42.29% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
0.00%
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse was 0.00%.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Tuition tracker
Published tuition and average net price by reporting year come from the College Scorecard institution file. Values are not adjusted for inflation; missing cells mean the field was not reported or was suppressed for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in that year.
Reporting years in the table below: 2013–2023 (Scorecard labels refer to the institutional submission cycle).
| Year | In-state tuition & fees | Out-of-state tuition & fees | Average net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $8,769 | $16,342 | $15,653 |
| 2014 | $8,795 | $16,368 | $15,169 |
| 2015 | $8,832 | $16,783 | $15,292 |
| 2016 | $9,091 | $17,612 | $15,093 |
| 2017 | $9,096 | $17,765 | $14,424 |
| 2018 | $9,107 | $17,776 | $14,478 |
| 2019 | $9,127 | $17,946 | $14,580 |
| 2020 | $9,160 | $17,979 | $14,654 |
| 2021 | $9,195 | $18,014 | $14,839 |
| 2022 | $9,232 | $18,051 | $15,217 |
| 2023 | $9,651 | $18,691 | $15,374 |
Sticker tuition and net price over time
Where the institution reported separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, both appear. Gaps mean the value was not reported for that year.
College Scorecard reporting-year fields (not inflation-adjusted).
Net price by family income
Brackets follow Scorecard definitions for the series shown (public vs private institution).
Latest income-band net prices available in the processed extract.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Acceptance Rate
75.50% Acceptance Rate
7,312 Total Applicants
5,356 Students Admitted
2,301 First-Time Students Enrolled
42.96% Yield (enrolled ÷ admitted)
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 1220
ACT Average: 24
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.3 - 3.5
Estimated Median GPA: 3.40
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment & Student Demographics
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse reported total enrollment of about 9,277 students in the latest College Scorecard extract. The student body is about 43% male and 57% female. Enrollment by race and ethnicity includes White (88.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.9%), and Two or More Races (3.1%). About 14.41% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants. Roughly 21.4% of students are first-generation college students.
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
96.8% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2024 is 9,277 students.
Undergraduate enrollment is about 10,036 students. Graduate enrollment is about 945 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
86.5%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Enrollment by Race & Ethnicity
The largest enrollment share in our College Scorecard extract is White at 88.6%.
Shares are for total enrollment (undergraduate and graduate combined when reported).
College Scorecard student demographics.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
51.38% 100% Completion Time
70.96% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 51.38% of students graduating from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
Completions by Sex (Top Programs)
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 31% male / 69% female
- Exercise Science and Kinesiology: 42% male / 58% female
- Psychology, General: 14% male / 86% female
IPEDS completions by sex for the five largest programs (aggregate CIPs excluded).
Completions by Race & Ethnicity
Combined IPEDS award counts across reported programs; largest group: White.
Summed across program completion records in our extract.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Return on Investment
$22,500 Median Student Debt
$60,378 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
37.27% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
831.18% Return on Investment
3.7 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Top Programs by Completions
10 largest programs by IPEDS completions (of 64 reported codes; aggregate/unknown CIP buckets excluded).
1. Biology/Biological Sciences, General: 254 completions
2. Exercise Science and Kinesiology: 229 completions
3. Psychology, General: 204 completions
4. Finance, General: 181 completions
5. Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 152 completions
6. Business Administration and Management, General: 136 completions
7. Elementary Education and Teaching: 129 completions
8. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other: 117 completions
9. Accounting: 80 completions
Most popular programs at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcome data is not available for this institution.
Earnings outcomes for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduates.
Operations
Instructional staffing and expenditure indicators for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from College Scorecard (not a full IPEDS finance statement).
Instructional Resources
- Full-time faculty share: 81.1%
- Average faculty salary (Scorecard): $8,349
- Instructional expenditure per FTE: $8,467
Endowment and detailed non-instructional staff counts require IPEDS Finance/HR surveys and are not in this extract.
Scorecard instructional metrics where reported.
About
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public institution located in La Crosse, WI, classified as Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs. In the latest IPEDS completions in our extract, the largest programs by awards were Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Exercise Science and Kinesiology, Psychology, General. Enrollment is approximately 9,277 students. Student body composition includes White (88.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.9%), Two or More Races (3.1%). The admission rate is 75.50%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 1220. The 150%-time completion rate is 70.96%. Approximately 14.41% of students receive Pell Grants. About 21.4% of students are first-generation college students.
Institution Type
Public
Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges and Universities: Medium Programs
Location
La Crosse, WI 54601-9959
Region: Great Lakes
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 64 distinct degree programs, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse located?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is located in La Crosse, WI.
What is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's acceptance rate?
The acceptance rate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is 75.5% among first-time degree-seeking students reporting admissions data. IPEDS reports 7,312 applicants and 5,356 admits in the latest admissions cycle in our extract.
How much does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse cost?
Reported tuition is $10,070 and average net price is $16,210 in the latest College Scorecard data. On-campus room and board is estimated at $8,702 annually.
What is the student body demographics at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse reports undergraduate enrollment of about 10,036 students, White (88.6%), Hispanic or Latino (3.9%) in federal College Scorecard data.
How many first-generation students attend University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
About 21.4% of students at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse are first-generation college students.
What test scores do students need for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
Among enrolled students who submitted scores, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse reports midpoint SAT about 1220 and midpoint ACT about 24.
What do graduates of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse earn?
Median earnings are $49,626 six years after entry and $60,378 ten years after entry.
What is the graduation rate at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
The 150%-time completion rate is 71.0% for the cohort reported to the College Scorecard.
How much debt do University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students have?
Median federal loan debt among completers is $22,500.
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse public or private?
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public institution located in La Crosse, WI.
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse an HBCU?
No. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is not flagged as an HBCU in the IPEDS institutional directory.
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse a tribal college?
No. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is not flagged as a tribal college in IPEDS.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
- Related geography & profiles
- Wisconsin college profile
- Wisconsin college costs
- Wisconsin colleges by ROI
- University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- La Crosse, Wisconsin city profile
- Great Lakes regional profile
- Town college profile
- Campus-setting profiles
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin college costs
- Wisconsin colleges by ROI
- University of Wisconsin-Madison vs University of Wisconsin-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- La Crosse, Wisconsin city profile
- Great Lakes regional profile
- All state profiles
- Regional profiles
- National benchmarks
- School directory
- All schools in Wisconsin
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.