University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, United States
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Platteville, United States
Founded
1866
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
~6,500
Acceptance Rate
85%
Discover the University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Discover the University of Wisconsin-Platteville
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW-Platteville) is a public university located in Platteville, Wisconsin, and is part of the University of Wisconsin System. Founded in 1866 as the Platteville Normal School, it holds the distinction of being the first state teacher preparation institution in Wisconsin. Today, the university serves approximately 6,500 students across undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on hands-on, applied learning.
UW-Platteville offers over 60 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs organized across three colleges. The university is particularly well-regarded for its engineering, agriculture, criminal justice, and education programs. With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, UW-Platteville provides a personalized educational experience where students benefit from small class sizes and accessible professors.
Situated on an 820-acre campus in Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Area, UW-Platteville combines affordability with strong career outcomes. The university has been recognized as a College of Distinction for 2025-2026 and is known for producing graduates with high earnings relative to student debt, making it one of the strongest values in public higher education in the Midwest.
Key Milestones
- 1866: Founded as Platteville Normal School, the first state teacher preparation institution in Wisconsin.
- 1959: Merger of Wisconsin State College, Platteville and the Wisconsin Institute of Technology to form a combined institution.
- 1971: Joined the newly formed University of Wisconsin System and adopted the name University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
- 2022: Opened Sesquicentennial Hall, a USD 55 million, 200,000-square-foot engineering building with one of the Upper Midwest's largest maker spaces.
Academic Colleges and Programs
Academic Colleges and Programs
UW-Platteville organizes its academic offerings across three colleges and a School of Graduate Studies, providing more than 60 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate programs. The curriculum emphasizes practical, applied learning with strong ties to industry and community partners throughout the Midwest.
College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science
Home to UW-Platteville's nationally recognized engineering programs, this college offers degrees in multiple engineering disciplines as well as mathematics, computer science, and the natural sciences. State-of-the-art facilities including Sesquicentennial Hall support hands-on learning.
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
College of Business, Industry, Life Science, and Agriculture
This college integrates business education with programs in agriculture, industry, and life sciences. Students benefit from facilities including a 430-acre university farm, greenhouses, and a hydroponics laboratory that grows produce for campus dining.
- Business Administration
- Animal Science
- Construction Management
College of Liberal Arts and Education
Offering programs in the humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and education, this college continues UW-Platteville's founding mission of teacher preparation while expanding into fields like criminal justice and communication.
- Criminal Justice
- Elementary Education
- English
School of Graduate Studies
The School of Graduate Studies offers 11 graduate-level programs both on campus and online. UW-Platteville was a pioneer in online graduate education, first offering online master's degrees in 1999 and awarding the first online master's degree in 2001.
- MS in Engineering
- MS in Criminal Justice
- MS in Education
School of Agriculture
Within the College of BILSA, the School of Agriculture provides specialized programs leveraging the university's extensive agricultural facilities. Majors span from agribusiness to soil and crop science, preparing students for careers in Wisconsin's vital agricultural sector.
- Agribusiness
- Dairy Science
- Soil and Crop Science
Online and Distance Education
UW-Platteville has offered distance learning since 1978 and currently provides 10 fully online programs. These flexible options are designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers while maintaining their current employment.
- MS in Project Management
- MS in Organizational Change Leadership
- BS in Business Administration (Online)
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- ApplicationUW System Online Application (apply.wisconsin.edu)
- TranscriptsOfficial high school transcripts and any college-level coursework
- SAT/ACTTest-optional through 2026-2027 academic year
- English Proficiency (Intl.)TOEFL iBT 64, IELTS 5.5, or equivalent
- Financial DocumentationBank statement and Financial Verification Form (international students)
Graduate Admission
- ApplicationUW System Online Application
- Bachelor's DegreeCompleted bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all institutions attended
- English Proficiency (Intl.)TOEFL iBT or IELTS 6.5 (min 6.0 per sub-score)
- Additional MaterialsVaries by program; may include statement of purpose or letters of recommendation
Deadline for international students seeking fall semester entry (September-December).
Deadline for international students seeking spring semester entry (January-May).
Apply for admission by this date to receive scholarship application materials.
Completed scholarship applications must be submitted by this date for incoming students.
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
Tuition, Fees, and Scholarships
UW-Platteville is recognized as one of the most affordable public universities in Wisconsin and the Midwest. The university offers competitive tuition rates with additional discounts available for residents of neighboring states through the Tuition Advantage and Minnesota-Wisconsin Reciprocity programs.
| Cost Category | Wisconsin Resident | Out-of-State / International |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | USD 8,644 | USD 17,603 |
| Housing and Meals | USD 12,912 | USD 12,912 |
| Books and Supplies | USD 220 | USD 220 |
| Personal / Other Expenses | Varies | Varies |
| Total | ~USD 21,776 | ~USD 30,735 |
UW-Platteville Foundation Scholarships
Over USD 6 million in scholarships are awarded annually to first-year, transfer, and continuing students through the UW-Platteville Foundation and Alumni Association. More than 600 individual scholarship opportunities are available.
- Eligibility: Admitted and enrolled full-time degree-seeking students
- Criteria: Academic achievement, community involvement, leadership, and financial need
- Application Deadline: February 1 for incoming students; March 1 for continuing and transfer students
Platteville Promise
The Platteville Promise guarantees free tuition for eligible students enrolled at the Platteville campus, making a UW-Platteville education accessible to students from Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota.
- Coverage: Full tuition for eligible students
- Eligible States: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota residents
- Requirements: Contact the university for current eligibility criteria and income thresholds
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
UW-Platteville's 820-acre campus is one of the largest in the University of Wisconsin System. Located in the scenic Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin, the campus features a mix of historic and modern facilities designed to support hands-on learning across all disciplines.
A USD 55 million, 200,000-square-foot engineering building opened in 2022, featuring one of the Upper Midwest's largest maker spaces for innovation and entrepreneurship.
A 430-acre working farm provides hands-on agricultural education with greenhouses, laboratories, and a student-operated hydroponics facility.
The main campus library offers extensive research resources, study spaces, technology labs, and academic support services for all students.
Housing and Dining
Residence Halls
UW-Platteville offers on-campus housing with a dormitory capacity of approximately 2,978 beds. Most first-year students are required to live on campus, fostering a strong sense of community.
- Multiple residence hall options including renovated facilities
- First-year on-campus living requirement with exemptions available
- Affordable off-campus housing options in the Platteville community
Dining Services
Campus dining features multiple meal plan options and dining locations. The university's student-operated hydroponics lab grows approximately 100 pounds of lettuce per week, served fresh in campus dining facilities.
- Multiple dining locations across campus
- Farm-to-table produce from on-campus hydroponics lab
- Flexible meal plan options for residential students
Student Life at UW-Platteville
Student Life at UW-Platteville
Student life at UW-Platteville is vibrant and community-oriented, with over 150 student organizations, clubs, and activities that cater to diverse interests. The university fosters an inclusive environment where students build lifelong connections through collaboration, creativity, and leadership opportunities.
Platteville, Wisconsin: Location and City Life
Platteville, Wisconsin: Location and City Life
Life in Platteville
Platteville is a welcoming small city in southwest Wisconsin's Driftless Area, known for its gently rolling hills, historic Main Street, and strong community spirit. The city offers a safe, affordable environment with excellent medical facilities, retail options, and over 200 acres of parks and open space for residents to enjoy.
Driftless Area Natural Beauty
Platteville is surrounded by the unglaciated Driftless Area, featuring scenic rolling hills, hiking and biking trails, and beautiful farm country perfect for outdoor recreation.
Historic Downtown
The city's historic Main Street features local shops, restaurants, an art gallery, and museums, providing a vibrant small-town atmosphere for students and residents.
Parks and Recreation
Platteville boasts 16 city parks with over 200 acres of open space, including playgrounds, sports fields, a skate park, an arboretum, and an outdoor aquatics center.
Regional Accessibility
Located near the borders of Illinois and Iowa, Platteville provides easy access to larger cities like Madison (approximately 80 miles east) and Dubuque, Iowa (approximately 20 miles south).
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Pioneers Work
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
The ISSS office provides immigration advising, cultural adjustment support, visa documentation assistance, and orientation programs for international students. Contact isss@uwplatt.edu for assistance.
International students can access English language support services including conversational English courses and academic writing assistance to ensure success in their studies.
All international students are required to carry health insurance. UW-Platteville offers a university-sponsored health insurance plan that meets visa requirements and provides comprehensive coverage.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University Rankings and Recognition
University Rankings and Recognition
UW-Platteville is recognized as a strong regional public university with particular strengths in engineering, agriculture, and education. The university consistently earns accolades for affordability, value, and career outcomes for graduates.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | College Factual | #26 Best Engineering Technologies Bachelor's Programs |
| Criminal Justice | College Factual | #63 Best Homeland Security & Law Enforcement Programs |
| Construction Management | College Factual | Highest ranked major at UW-Platteville |
| Best Value | College Consensus | #20 in 100 Best Value Colleges nationally |
Features
Since 1866, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has been a regional leader among 4-year colleges in Wisconsin with challenging academics; renowned faculty; and notable alumni. And our faculty, staff, and students are applying their research and skills to impact our communities in a positive way. Campus life includes diverse student organizations, clubs, and an NCAA Division III athletics program. As one of the leading accredited colleges in Wisconsin, we foster an inclusive environment, encouraging lifelong connections, collaboration, creativity, and leadership.\n\n\n\n
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
August - April
Location
1 University Plaza, Platteville, WI 53818, United States
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