Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
86.7% Acceptance Rate
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
86.7%Acceptance Rate
3.24Avg GPA
1090Avg SAT
21Avg ACT
$19,063Annual Cost
$55,548Grad Salary
15.8%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
86.7%
Avg GPA
3.24
Avg SAT
1090
Avg ACT
21
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1050–1120
ACT Middle 50%
18–24
Avg Net Price
$14,761
Need-Based Aid
15.8% receive Pell
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is a public regional powerhouse known for its commitment to student success and career preparation. Admissions prioritize academic achievement, particularly performance in core college-preparatory coursework. The university seeks students who are ready to engage in research and practical learning opportunities early in their academic careers, making a clear expression of interest and academic focus a strong component of a successful application.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Acceptance Rate
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 86.7%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 86.7% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.24 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.04 – 3.23
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.79
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
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-Oshkosh Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is 3.24. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.44-3.64 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.94 and 3.24, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.24, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.24 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.04 – 3.23
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.84 – 3.03
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.83
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Public university in Oshkosh, WI, part of the University of Wisconsin System; founded 1849 as Oshkosh Normal School; $0 general application fee; broadly test-optional.
- UWO's baccalaureate nursing, master's nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) - a single accrediting body covering the full nursing-degree ladder at this institution.
- Students in the nursing pathway can join the Student Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International (Eta Pi chapter), with access to activities and resources spanning both the UWO and FVTC campuses given the program's cross-institutional structure.
- Some UWO colleges (e.g., Business) allow direct application alongside general university admission for academically strong students, bypassing a separate later application stage entirely - worth confirming whether a non-nursing intended major qualifies for this faster direct-entry track.
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 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.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's verified institutional data
--%
Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 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 2026 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.
Can I Get Into University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Without SAT or ACT?
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 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.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Average SAT Score: 1090
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is 1090 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1090 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1090 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1120 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1050, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1090 | 1050 | 1120 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1050 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1120 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 1100
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a 1100 SAT?
With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh are good but the admission staff at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 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-Oshkosh ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
This score makes University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 21 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 24 |
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a 24 ACT?
A 24 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 24 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Understand the 1+2+1 Collaborative Nursing Pathway as a genuinely cross-institutional, multi-credential structure - not a standard 4-year BSN track
UW Oshkosh's nursing pathway with Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) spans FOUR distinct years across TWO institutions, yielding THREE separate credentials along the way: general education at UWO/FVTC (Year 1), an ADN technical diploma in Practical Nursing eligible for NCLEX-PN (end of Year 2), then continued ADN coursework and clinical (Year 3) leading to RN eligibility via NCLEX-RN, before baccalaureate nursing coursework begins. A family expecting a traditional single-campus, 4-year BSN sequence should understand this program's actual structure involves licensure-eligible exit points at MULTIPLE stages (LPN after year 2, RN-eligible after year 3) before the BSN is even reached - a genuinely different model from most peer university nursing programs.
Apply to UWO's College of Nursing as a SEPARATE, later step - not simultaneously with general UWO admission or FVTC's ADN program
The pathway requires THREE distinct application/admission events in sequence: apply to FVTC's Pre-Associate Degree Nursing program, separately apply to and be admitted to UWO as a "Collaborative Nursing Student" (CNP), and THEN apply to UWO's College of Nursing specifically ONE SEMESTER BEFORE beginning baccalaureate nursing coursework (i.e., partway through Year 3). A family should map out these three sequential gates explicitly, since assuming general UWO admission or FVTC nursing admission alone secures a spot in the eventual BSN-completion phase would be a significant misunderstanding of the pathway's actual structure.
Budget for a blended, three-source tuition structure - technical college, UW online, and a named "BSN@Home" program combine across the pathway
UWO explicitly states the cost to complete the BSN portion is "a combination of technical college, UW online, and BSN@Home tuition" - meaning a single, predictable per-semester tuition figure doesn't exist for this pathway the way it might for a standard 4-year residential program. A family should request a detailed, stage-by-stage cost breakdown directly from UWO's College of Nursing advising office rather than estimating based on either FVTC's or UWO's standalone published tuition rates alone, since the blended-source billing structure makes simple extrapolation unreliable.
Confirm specific GPA maintenance requirements at EACH stage of the 1+2+1 pathway - UWO states GPA standards apply for "admission and continuation," implying ongoing, not just entry-point, requirements
UWO's own materials state students "must maintain GPA requirements for admission and continuation in the 1+2+1 nursing program" specifically during Year One - phrasing that signals GPA is monitored continuously through the pathway, not just checked once at initial entry. A student should ask their advisor directly what the specific maintenance GPA is at each transition point (entering FVTC's ADN coursework, entering the CNP status at UWO, and the final College of Nursing application) rather than assuming a single GPA threshold governs the entire multi-year pathway.
Expert Insight:
UWO's general admission profile (commonly cited average GPA around 3.2-3.32, acceptance rate in the mid-80% range) describes the UNIVERSITY broadly, but Niche reviews from actual UWO Nursing and Business/Education students describe markedly DIFFERENT processes - some colleges (like Business) allow direct application alongside general admission for strong students, while Nursing and the College of Education and Human Services require separate, more demanding application stages described by students as "one of the most stressful things." A family should not extrapolate UWO's accessible general-admission reputation onto college-specific application difficulty, since student experiences explicitly describe wide variance by intended major/college within the same university.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Profile
Full Name
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
City
Oshkosh
State
Wisconsin
ZIP Code
54901
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 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-Oshkosh 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-Oshkosh is $64,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.68%.
How much does a degree from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is $19,063. 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-Oshkosh is $14,761.
15.8% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 27.2 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 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-Oshkosh as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $55,548. An average University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh 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 $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
Degree Programs at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $55,548 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $19,063 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
15.8% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is 86.7% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.24. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
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 2.94, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.94, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.84 or less, it may make 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.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.24, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1090 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1050–1120.
The application fee for University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is 50. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is February 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
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.
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.
Explore Other Options
Acceptance Rate of all Wisconsin Colleges
Average SAT Score of Wisconsin Colleges
Average ACT Score
Admissions deadlines of Colleges in Wisconsin
Bachelor Programs in Wisconsin
Test Optional Colleges in Wisconsin
SAT Score Wise Best Colleges
ACT Score Wise Best Colleges
Rolling Admissions Colleges in Wisconsin