A Visit to University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire logo

By Sue Luse

Overview

Consistently rated as one of the top ten public universities in the Midwest, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire offers much more than just a stunning campus. Student life is very involved with enriching activities both on and off campus. On top of offering living and learning communities, the small class sizes really allow professors to get to know individual students – and there are zero TA taught courses! With the beautiful Chippewa River running through campus, you’ll be sure to enjoy your days on and off the infamous “hill,” exploring everything the city of Eau Claire has to offer.

Campus Life

Campus is separated in two parts, with 11 dorm buildings on the “hill” and academics located below. The climb up to your dorm can be intimidating at first, but BluGolds say they adjust quickly to the ten-minute walk and the view is beautiful. Also a bonus: it helps prevent the dreaded “freshman fifteen” despite twenty dining options and a cafeteria on the upper campus. The music involvement attracts a lot of students to this place. With over 270 student organizations, around 50 of them are music groups. You’ll be sure to hear students play anywhere – concerts, outside on-campus, or possibly in one of the 12 coffee shops in Eau Claire. There is a convenient shuttle that runs to the MSP airport; however, this is is not a “suitcase” college – around 70% of students stick around during the weekends despite the majority having homes in Wisconsin and Minnesota (About 40% from MN, 60% from WI). Reciprocity makes this college a great financial choice.

Downtown Eau Claire

  • The restaurants and bars off of Water Street near lower campus are a popular destination for students at night.
  • Lots of nature opportunities with 70 miles of bike trails
  • Students often go floating down the Chippewa River
  • Nearby Oak Wood Mall has over 100 stores

Academics

  • There are 80+ majors and minors offered in a wide variety of fields, as well as the opportunity to design your own major with faculty approval
  • BluGolds are immersed in academic, cultural, and social experiences that give them skills advantageous in today’s job market, boasting a 94% job placement rate
  • 30% of students start as undeclared and the excellent advising staff can help guide you to a path of study you will enjoy and be successful at
  • Besides various living & learning communities, there is an honors program
  • Average class size is 27 students
  • Known as a green campus, there is also faculty-student research team gaining international attention on new methods of recycling
  • 25% of students study abroad and 58% land paid internships, some within the city itself

Admissions and Cost

  • Use the UW System application with a deadline of February 1st
  • Average ACT score is 25, class rank 76%, and GPA of 3.5
  • Around two thirds of students come in with AP courses
  • MN and WI student tuition/fees total $15,700 and non-resident is $23,300
  • Merit-based scholarships are available through a separate application, and you will need at least a 25 on ACT and 3.5 GPA