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 runs an open-access admission policy. With a 86.7% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
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
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
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. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.94–3.24 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently. For an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.44–3.64.University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- 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.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review 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
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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
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Without SAT or ACT?
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Average SAT Score: 1090
The average SAT score of admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is 1090 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1090 — Accessible
This average is on the lower end nationally, making a strong score here a genuine advantage.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1120 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1050, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Retaking multiple times is completely normal. Most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's 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 |
Below 1050, you're behind most admitted students; at 1120 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a 1100 SAT?
A 1100 SAT puts you ahead of most of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's admitted class, but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
This average is slightly below the national ACT mean.
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 puts you ahead of 75% of University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's admitted students. That's a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several that admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections: English, Math, Reading, and Science, each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section, especially Science at STEM-focused schools, stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
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?
At $19,063/year against a $55,548 median graduate salary, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
The average household income among admitted students is $64,700, with a graduate unemployment rate of 2.68%.
How much does a degree from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Cost?
The sticker price is $19,063/year, but the average net price students actually pay, after Pell and federal grants, is closer to $14,761.
15.8% of students receive a Pell Grant and 27.2% take federal loans at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. File your FAFSA early and list University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $55,548. That's about 37% above the U.S. median graduate income.
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
Median graduate earnings at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh run about $55,548 a year.
At about $19,063 a year, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is on the more affordable end.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Pell Grant rate of 15.8% sits below the national average. Merit-based aid is worth checking regardless of income.
At 86.7%, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh average a 3.24 GPA.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh doesn't publish a hard GPA floor, but landing at or above 2.94 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 2.84, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh becomes a harder reach, though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — aim above 1090, ideally within the 1050–1120 range admitted students typically fall in.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
The application fee is 50. Fee waivers may be available. Check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is February 1, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes, transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most, along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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