University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is Wisconsin's top-ranked comprehensive university with strengths in health professions. The campus includes the new Prairie Springs Science Center. UW-L's 'Eagle Advantage' guarantees experiential learning.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Acceptance Rate
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is 73.25%. This means that 73 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Admission Requirements
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is 3.6. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.3 and 3.6, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.6, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.60 – 4.00 | Target/Match | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.40 – 3.59 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.20 – 3.39 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.19 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Average SAT Score: 1190
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is 1190 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1190 on the SAT.
Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1220 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1150, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 0 | ||
| SAT Reading | 0 | ||
| SAT Composite | 1190 | 1150 | 1220 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1150 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1220 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students. View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse are good but the admission staff at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of Wisconsin-La Crosse slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to well to score 24 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 27 |
| ACT English | 23 | 20 | 26 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 21 | 27 |
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a 27 ACT?
With a 27 ACT Score, your chances of admission at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission.
View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 24.University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Profile
Name: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Can I Get Into University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Without SAT Or ACT?: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. Hence you are required to plan early and appear in upcoming SAT / ACT tests. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below.
Does a degree from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Worth It?
Getting into University of Wisconsin-La Crosse can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is USD: 64374 and unemployment rate is 2.75%.
How much does a degree from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is USD: 18115. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is USD: 15374
How can I get a scholarship?
14.23% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 43.98 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as your choice in the form.
How much a University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 60378. An average University of Wisconsin-La Crosse graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Huntingdon College, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | University of Arkansas, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa Pacific University, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | University of Colorado Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Florida International University | Florida International University, FL | 1154 | 23 |
| Georgia College & State University | Georgia College & State University, GA | 1150 | 24 |
| Georgia State University | Georgia State University, GA | 1149 | 23 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah College of Art and Design, GA | 1178 | 25 |
| Toccoa Falls College | Toccoa Falls College, GA | 1155 | 23 |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | Chaminade University of Honolulu, HI | 1155 | NA |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham-Southern College, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Harding University | Harding University, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | Dominican University of California, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Eastern Connecticut State University, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of New Haven | University of New Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| University of Mobile | University of Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| University of Arizona | University of Arizona, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| John Brown University | John Brown University, AR | 1222 | 26 |
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Archeology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Chemistry
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $60378 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $18115 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is 73.25 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.6. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.3, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.3, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.3 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.2 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse if my GPA is below 3.2
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.6, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement
Answer: Admission to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1190 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1150-1220
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.