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University of Wisconsin La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin

10,492 Students on Campus
La Crosse Location
170,000 Metro Population
10,492 Students on Campus
La Crosse Location
170,000 Metro Population

About This Campus

Discover UWL: Where Excellence Meets Opportunity

The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse (UWL) is consistently ranked among the Midwest’s top institutions by U.S. News & World Report. With a vibrant community of 10,000+ students, UWL offers more than 100 undergraduate programs across liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields. Standout options include our accredited College of Business Administration, one of only 12 Archaeological Studies programs in the nation (ranked #2), and one of the top four Therapeutic Recreation programs in the U.S..

With a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and strong connections with faculty. Beyond academics, UWL offers immersive residence hall programs, 200+ student organizations, a thriving arts scene, and nationally recognized NCAA Division III athletics. As a global campus welcoming students from 30+ countries, UWL fosters diversity and prepares graduates to thrive in an interconnected world.

Prairie Springs Science Center: A state-of-the-art facility supporting research and hands-on learning in the sciences

Free at UWL: textbook rentals, city buses, fitness center, campus movies, athletic events, and student health services.

#1 Comprehensive of the Universities of Wisconsin according to U.S. News & World Report.

Helpful Information

Join Our Campus Through NSE!

We’re excited to welcome you to the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse through the National Student Exchange (NSE). UWL proudly supports NSE applications and maintains a strong placement rate, helping students make the most of this unique opportunity.

As an NSE student, you’ll register during the priority period with the guidance of dedicated advisors who ensure your course selections align with your academic goals. You’ll live on campus in one of our ten residence halls, where you’ll enjoy engaging programs, community-building activities, and the full UWL experience.

Discover more about life at UWL and all the opportunities waiting for you: Campus Life at UWL

UWL’s motto Mens Corpusque (“mind & body”) reflects a holistic education—rigorous academics plus wellness & active campus life.

 

Location Information

Experience La Crosse – A Campus Surrounded by Natural Beauty

Nestled along the majestic Mississippi River, La Crosse is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, abundant woodlands, and rolling terrain. The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse campus feels like a park in the heart of a vibrant, welcoming community.

From campus, students can easily explore local attractions, most within walking distance, and enjoy convenient access to the city through a reliable bus system, free for students. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or a lively downtown, La Crosse offers it all just steps away.

And when you’re ready to venture further, UWL’s location makes travel simple. With air and ground transportation options nearby, students are connected to major metropolitan hubs: Madison (2.5 hours), Milwaukee (3 hours), Minneapolis (3 hours), and Chicago (5 hours).

 

Academics

REGISTRATION:
TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 09/08/2026 - Fall End Date: 12/23/2026

Spring Start Date: 01/25/2027 - Spring End Date: 05/14/2027

CLOSED PROGRAMS:

Clinical Laboratory Science, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, graduate level coursework

RESTRICTED/LIMITED PROGRAMS:

College of Business Administration: Upper division business courses are in high demand, and enrollment may be limited. College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Humanities (CASSH): Some music and theatre arts courses require an audition. College of Science & Health: Must be a declared major in Recreation Management or Therapeutic Recreation to take most of the 200, 300, and 400 level RMTR courses; Therapeutic Recreation may consider additional admission requirements; Community Health Education may consider additional admission requirements/course enrollment restrictions.

NOTABLE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Biology
  • Business Analytics
  • Exercise and Sport Science
  • Food and Nutrition Sciences
  • Physics — Number one in the nation for degrees awarded in physics.
UNIQUE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Archaeological Studies — The Archaeological Studies Major at UWL is one of the few comprehensive undergraduate degree programs in archaeology in the United States and the only one in the Midwest. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary major that integrates the sub-disciplines of Anthropology with an emphasis on the most advanced archaeological methodologies and a wide array of area studies (e.g., North America, Mexico and Central America, Caribbean, South America, Egypt, Sub-Saharan Africa, etc.), and exposure to the rich cultural diversity of contemporary societies around the world.
  • Data Science
  • Exercise and Sport Science: Coaching Competitive Athletics
  • River Studies Center — Bordering the greatest river system in North America, the UWL River Studies Center prepares experts in freshwater science and river futures. The precious freshwater resources on the planet and the challenges surrounding them have created an intense need for careers in water. The River Studies Center brings together students and faculty from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to work on freshwater challenges in partnership with state and federal organizations.
  • Statistics - Actuarial Science
OPTIONS:

Honors Access: No

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:
Limited Closed

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)? Will accept on Home
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Receive from Canada: Will Accept Home Pay
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - Yes

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/10/2025
TUITION:
  • Campus Budget
  • Fees are subject to change without notice
  • Home Tuition Payment: Available
  • Away Tuition Payment: Not Available
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
  • Home Payment: 18
  • Host Payment: 18
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
Purpose
Amount
Period
Plan
Status
Parking Fee
$0
Year
Away & Home
Optional
Orientation Fee
$175
Year
Away & Home
Mandatory
Textbook Rental
$87
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
Technology Fee
$36
Year
Away & Home
Mandatory
Housing Fee
$100
Year
Away & Home
Mandatory
Career Services
$7
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
Admission Fee
$25
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
Special Course Fees/Materials
$0
Term
Away & Home
Optional
IMPORTANT NOTES:

Actual costs may vary. Initial Student ID Card is free for all UWL students. Replacement charge is $20 per card. Students will need their student ID to access their residence halls and services on-campus as well as the MUT bus system. Students ride the local MTU bus for free with their UWL Student ID card. Transportation costs within the city should be very minimal as MTU bus services runs to many relevant locations within the city. Parking Permit fee will vary based on availability. Students are encouraged to purchase a parking permit in advance if they will be bringing a car to campus for their exchange term. The $175/term price is for students living on-campus or wishing to park in the resident parking ramp. As parking is limited around campus, we do not encourage students to bring a car to campus unless necessary since students are able to ride the local MTU bus system for free with their UWL Student ID. Meal Plans total will vary based on the meal plans that students choose. Housing costs vary based on hall placement All students are assessed a $25 registration fee, $6.50 Career Services Fee, and $2/per credit Canvas/Technology fee in addition to regular tuition costs. Students coming in on Plan B will not incur any tuition fees from UWL, but may be assessed these additional fees. Canvas is the online course management system used by UWL faculty and students and allows access to course-related files, electronic drop-boxes for assignments, online quizzes and tests, e-mail, and grades. As the maximum credit load is 18 credits for undergraduate students, students can expect to see a cost between $24-36 for full-time study. Textbooks: UWL students rent their textbooks from campus for $87 a semester. Additional special course fees/costs may apply and is based on course enrollment (lab manuals and etc.).

Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/16/2025
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? No
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 5
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $2350
  • On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

UWL offers a variety of housing styles to fit student needs. Many NSE participants choose Reuter Hall, with single rooms and shared kitchens, or Eagle Hall, which accommodates three students per room. The most affordable option is the standard halls other than Reuter or Eagle. When applying, be sure to indicate that you are an incoming National Student Exchange student.

NOTES ABOUT OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING:

Must receive permission to live off-campus from host coordinator prior to securing off campus housing.

MEAL PLANS:
  • Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
  • Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
  • Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $1600
  • Campus Meal Plans
Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Direct Placement for Spring 2027

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

Direct placement is available for Spring 2027! Apply now and receive an immediate decision.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

Direct placement is not available for this payment plan during Spring 2027.

Priority Placements for Academic Year 27/28

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Away Tuition Payment Plan

N/A

This campus is not accepting students on this tuition payment plan.

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: