University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire logo

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Accept Rate
76.08%
Grad Rate
66.4%
Enrollment
8,995
Avg SAT
1190
Tuition
$9,277
Median Salary
$58,561
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

UW-Eau Claire feels like a vibrant, supportive community where students can genuinely know their professors and still enjoy a classic Midwestern college town atmosphere. It's a place of Blugold pride where school spirit and hands-on learning intersect, creating a welcoming and unpretentious environment.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

76.08%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1190

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2475th Pctl
2127
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in extracurriculars and leadership roles in your application, as UW-Eau Claire looks for well-rounded students who will contribute to campus life. If your test scores are below the average range of 1190 SAT, strengthen your application with a compelling personal essay and letters of recommendation that speak to your work ethic and character.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1190
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UW-Eau Claire excels in undergraduate research, offering students early and frequent opportunities to work alongside faculty, particularly in STEM fields. The university is recognized for strong programs in business, health professions, and education, with a teaching-focused faculty that prioritizes student mentorship and classroom engagement.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
22.5%
Health Professions
12.9%
Education
8.9%
Psychology
6%
Social Sciences
5.7%
Biology & Biomedical
5.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.1%
Public Administration
4.2%
Foreign Languages
3.9%
Communications
3.7%
Computer Science
2.9%
English & Literature
2.8%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

66.4%
Graduation Rate
81.9%
Retention Rate
8,995
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$9,277
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$16,948
After financial aid
Total Cost
$21,014
Cost of attendance/year
18.7%
Receive Pell Grants
43.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Eau Claire

Students enjoy the lively downtown area, which boasts a thriving arts and music scene, numerous local breweries, and unique restaurants and cafes. Outdoor activities are a major draw, with extensive bike trails, parks, and the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers providing a beautiful backdrop for recreation.

Local Rent Check

$833 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Eau Claire
Explore Eau Claire

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$37,108
$0Est. 4 Years: $37,108

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($58,561):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus and surrounding city of Eau Claire are generally considered safe and welcoming, with the university providing resources like a 24/7 safe walk service and campus security. While standard precautions are always advised, students often feel comfortable exploring the local area.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong emphasis on undergraduate research and hands-on learning
  • โœ“ Affordable tuition, especially for in-state students
  • โœ“ Vibrant city life with outdoor recreation and arts scene
  • โœ“ High retention rate indicates strong student satisfaction

Cons

  • โœ— Winters can be long and very cold
  • โœ— Out-of-state tuition is less competitive compared to other public universities
  • โœ— Some students may find the campus size and location less diverse than larger metropolitan universities

Notable Alumni

Jonathon Prather
Former CEO of CUNA Mutual Group, a leading financial services organization.
Tara Stemm
Award-winning journalist and news anchor for WEAU 13 News in Eau Claire.
Carla Birdsall
Founder of the non-profit organization 'Feed My People Food Bank'.

Frequently Asked Questions

UW-Eau Claire is known for its strong undergraduate research programs, particularly in the sciences, and its highly-regarded business, health professions, and education departments. The university also has a national reputation for its award-winning vocal and instrumental music ensembles.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 76.08%, making it moderately selective. While the average SAT score for admitted students is 1190, the university uses a holistic review process, considering essays, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation in addition to grades and test scores.

Campus life at UW-Eau Claire is active and engaging, with over 200 student organizations and a strong sense of Blugold pride. Students can participate in numerous club sports, musical groups, and academic organizations, while enjoying a walkable campus and easy access to the amenities of downtown Eau Claire.

For both in-state and out-of-state students, UW-Eau Claire represents a solid investment. The average net price of $16,948 is manageable, and the 10-year median earnings of $58,561 suggest that graduates are well-positioned for career success and financial stability, providing a strong return on investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Mayo Clinic Health System Menards Hormel Foods Royal Credit Union Eau Claire Area School District
Smart Start Score
65

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 10,266
  • In-State Tuition $9,277
  • Out-of-State $18,516
  • Zip Code 54701

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 39.4% โ™€ 60.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $16,948 and strong in-state tuition value, UW-Eau Claire offers a compelling return on investment, especially for Wisconsin residents. The 10-year median earnings of $58,561 for graduates indicate that the cost of the degree is competitive and can lead to solid financial outcomes.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $9,277
Housing (12 mo) $9,996
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $26,473
With avg financial aid:
$16,948/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.