
River Falls, WIpublicuwrf.edu
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is a public university in western Wisconsin's St. Croix Valley, known for its strong agricultural and education programs, tight-knit campus community, and affordability. With an acceptance rate hovering around 80%, UWRF attracts a predominantly regional student body (96% from Wisconsin or Minnesota) and offers a hands-on, practical education with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. Its rural campus fosters a collaborative, down-to-earth vibe where animal science majors rub shoulders with future teachers and business leaders.
UW-River Falls maintains an accessible admissions process with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. between 77.8% and 84.68%, depending on the reporting source. The university is Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight., allowing applicants to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores (reported middle 50% ACT range: 19-25). About 55% of students come from Wisconsin, 41% from neighboring Minnesota, and just 1% are international. The average admitted student has a 3.41 GPA, with recent data showing 4,510 admissions from 5,519 applications (81.7% acceptance rate).
UWRF offers 70+ undergraduate programs across three colleges: Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; Arts and Sciences; and Education, Business and Allied Health. The most popular majors are Animal Sciences, Business Administration, and Elementary Education. The university maintains a 17:1 to 19:1 student-faculty ratio (sources vary) and a 73% freshman retention rate. Unique offerings include a doctoral program in Montessori Education and strong hands-on learning components across disciplines. About 20 graduate programs and certificates are available.
Life at UWRF revolves around its tight-knit, residential campus in the St. Croix Valley. The university emphasizes inclusivity and involvement, with students describing professors as "approachable and genuinely invested." Campus housing is the norm, and dining options include multiple meal plan choices. Student testimonials highlight a balance between academics and extracurriculars, with the Facebook page for UWRF Student Involvement showcasing active programming. The rural setting fosters outdoor activities while maintaining proximity to the Twin Cities metro area.
UWRF reports a 61% overall graduation rate, with significant gender disparities (52% for men vs. 63% for women). The four-year graduation rate is just 43%. Alumni earn median salaries of $46,524 six years post-graduation, though some sources report higher averages around $54,000-$55,000. Certain programs boast strong outcomes, including a 98% program completion rate and 100% three-year passing rate in unspecified fields. About 31% of graduates pursue further education.
UWRF emphasizes affordability, with a Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $13,427 after aid (45.61% of students receive assistance). The university automatically awards $3,000 renewable scholarships to non-resident students. While official tuition figures aren't provided in the sources, the net price calculator helps families estimate costs. UWRF adheres to the Principles and Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative, suggesting a commitment to clear financial communication.
UW-River Falls carves its niche through: