University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Eau Claire, United States
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Eau Claire, United States
Founded
1916
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
~10,000
Acceptance Rate
~77%
Discover the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Discover the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) is a public university located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and is part of the University of Wisconsin System. Founded in 1916 as the Eau Claire State Normal School, the university has grown from a small teachers' college into a comprehensive institution offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees across more than 100 academic programs.
Situated on the scenic banks of the Chippewa River, the campus spans 333 acres with 28 major buildings and an additional 168 acres of forested land dedicated to environmental research. UWEC is nationally recognized as a Center of Excellence for Faculty and Undergraduate Student Research Collaboration, giving students rare opportunities to work alongside professors on meaningful scholarly projects.
The university is consistently ranked among the top regional public universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report, a distinction it has held every year since 1995. UWEC is also known for its vibrant study abroad programs, ranking among the highest master's-level colleges in the nation for student participation in international education.
Key Milestones
- 1916: Founded as the Eau Claire State Normal School with 159 students and 20 faculty members in a single building, Schofield Hall.
- 1951: Authorized to grant bachelor of arts and science degrees in liberal arts, becoming Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire.
- 1971: Renamed to the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire following the merger of the Wisconsin State University System and the University of Wisconsin System.
- 2016: Celebrated the university's centennial anniversary, marking 100 years of academic excellence and community engagement.
Academic Colleges and Programs
Academic Colleges and Programs
UW–Eau Claire is organized into four degree-granting colleges, offering approximately 109 undergraduate majors, 66 minors, 48 undergraduate certificates, and 11 graduate programs. The university emphasizes a transformative liberal education with strong professional and experiential learning opportunities.
College of Arts and Sciences
The largest college at UWEC, offering a broad range of programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship and extensive undergraduate research opportunities.
- Biology
- Psychology
- Chemistry
College of Business
Provides career-focused business education with programs that blend theory and practice. Students gain real-world experience through internships, consulting projects, and faculty-guided research in business disciplines.
- Accounting
- Management
- Information Systems
College of Education and Human Sciences
Prepares students for careers in education, communication sciences, kinesiology, and social work. The college emphasizes collaborative, innovative, and interdisciplinary leadership with a commitment to equity and inclusiveness.
- Elementary Education
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Social Work
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Offers programs in nursing, environmental health, and public health with an emphasis on promoting community well-being. Students receive extensive clinical experiences at local hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Environmental Public Health
University Honors Program
A selective program designed to create opportunities for students to develop intellectually, personally, and professionally. Honors students engage in enhanced coursework, research, and creative projects alongside dedicated faculty mentors.
- Honors Thesis Research
- Interdisciplinary Seminars
- Honors Study Abroad
Graduate Studies
UWEC offers several master's degree programs and one doctoral degree, building on the university's strong tradition of liberal education. Graduate programs emphasize scholarly inquiry, professional development, and applied research.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- ApplicationUW System Application or Common App accepted
- GPAStrong secondary school record required; contact university for specific GPA expectations
- Test ScoresTest-optional; average ACT 21–27 for admitted students
- Application FeeUSD 25 (fee waivers available)
- English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for international applicants
Graduate Admission
- ApplicationUW System graduate application
- Bachelor's DegreeCompleted bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- GPAMinimum GPA varies by program; contact department for details
- Test ScoresGMAT required for MBA (minimum 475 recommended); varies by program
- Application FeeUSD 56
Applicants who wish to be considered for merit-based scholarships should apply by this date.
Regular application deadline for fall semester undergraduate admission.
Final deadline for fall admission applications; late applications reviewed on a space-available basis.
Deadline for students seeking admission for the spring semester.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
UW–Eau Claire offers affordable tuition rates, especially for Wisconsin residents. The university also provides Minnesota tuition reciprocity and a Return to Wisconsin discount for children and grandchildren of UWEC alumni.
| Cost Category | WI Resident (Annual) | Non-Resident (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | USD 9,782 | USD 19,368 |
| Graduate Tuition & Fees | USD 10,665 | USD 22,054 |
| Room & Board | USD 8,968 | USD 8,968 |
| Books & Supplies | USD 400 | USD 400 |
| Total | USD 19,815 | USD 28,736 |
Blugold Fellowship
A prestigious scholarship for incoming freshmen that combines financial support with the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a research project from the very start of their college experience.
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year students with strong academic records
- Includes: Scholarship funding plus faculty research mentorship
- Application: Apply by December 1 priority deadline
Return to Wisconsin Tuition Discount
Children and grandchildren of UW–Eau Claire alumni who live outside Wisconsin and Minnesota receive a 25% discount on nonresident tuition, making UWEC a more affordable option for out-of-state students with Blugold family ties.
- Discount: 25% off nonresident tuition
- Eligibility: Children or grandchildren of UWEC degree-holding alumni
- Residency: Must reside outside Wisconsin and Minnesota
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Known as Wisconsin's Most Beautiful Campus, UW–Eau Claire sits on 333 acres along the scenic banks of the Chippewa River. The campus features 28 major buildings, modern academic facilities, and an additional 168 acres of forested land used for environmental research.
The original campus building, named after the university's first president Harvey Schofield, now housing administrative offices.
Completed in 2012, the Davies Center is the hub of social and cultural interaction on campus, offering dining, meeting spaces, and student services.
The Chippewa River runs through the heart of campus, connected by scenic footbridges that link the upper and lower campus areas.
Housing and Dining
Residence Halls
UWEC offers a variety of on-campus housing options including traditional residence halls, suite-style living, and tower accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets.
- Governors, Horan, and Murray halls on upper campus
- Karlgaard Towers and The Suites for upperclassmen
- Off-campus options including Haymarket Landing and The Priory
Dining Options
Students can choose from multiple meal plans including the popular Gold Flex Meal Plan. Dining facilities are centered at the Davies Student Center with additional options across campus.
- Davies Student Center main dining hall
- Multiple cafes and grab-and-go locations
- Flexible meal plans with declining balance options
Student Life at UW–Eau Claire
Student Life at UW–Eau Claire
Student life at UWEC is vibrant and community-oriented, with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and events that foster personal growth and lasting friendships. From intramural sports and music festivals to student government and cultural celebrations, there is something for everyone.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin – A Vibrant College City
Eau Claire, Wisconsin – A Vibrant College City
Life in Eau Claire
Located in west-central Wisconsin, approximately 90 miles east of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Eau Claire is a regional center for healthcare, education, retail, and technology. With a population of about 70,000, the city offers the amenities of a larger metro area while maintaining a welcoming, small-city feel. Eau Claire has been recognized as one of the most livable small cities in the United States.
Music and Arts Scene
Eau Claire is home to Grammy-nominated artist Bon Iver and hosts major music festivals. The city's thriving arts scene includes public sculptures, galleries, and a vibrant downtown creative community.
Outdoor Recreation
With over 70 miles of connected bike trails, two major rivers, and abundant parks, Eau Claire offers year-round outdoor activities including kayaking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and more.
Affordable Cost of Living
Eau Claire consistently ranks among the most affordable cities in Wisconsin and the United States, with reasonable housing costs and a high quality of life for students and residents alike.
Proximity to Minneapolis
Just 90 minutes from the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, students have easy access to major professional sports, concerts, international airports, and Fortune 500 employer headquarters.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of UWEC Graduates
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
UWEC provides dedicated support for international students, including assistance with visa processing, Form I-20 issuance, orientation programs, and cultural adjustment resources to help you thrive on campus.
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores. Documents not in English must be professionally translated before submission.
UWEC ranks among the top master's-level institutions in the nation for study abroad participation. Through the National Student Exchange program, students can also study at 170 universities across 48 U.S. states and territories.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University Rankings
University Rankings
UW–Eau Claire is consistently recognized as one of the top regional public universities in the Midwest. The university has been ranked among the top public institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report every year since 1995.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Nationally recognized nursing program with extensive clinical partnerships and strong graduate outcomes in the healthcare sector. | Top Regional Program |
| Education | One of UWEC's founding strengths, the education programs continue to produce highly sought-after teachers throughout the Midwest. | Top Midwest Program |
| Music (Jazz Studies) | UWEC's Jazz Ensemble I is a six-time Down Beat Best College Big Band winner and two-time Grammy nominee, making it one of the most acclaimed programs in the nation. | Nationally Acclaimed |
| Business | The College of Business offers strong undergraduate and MBA programs with emphasis on experiential learning and regional employer connections. | Top Regional Program |
Features
UW‑Eau Claire emphasizes hands‑on learning experiences: internships, faculty-student research, study abroad and cultural immersion; strong alignment between first job and career goals; high employment / continuation rates soon after graduation.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire\n105 Garfield Avenue\nEau Claire, WI 54701\nUSA
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