Campus Connection

An obviously incomplete list of what makes UWL so special

What is it that makes a university special?

It starts with strong academics, but the college experience is so much more. From co-curricular opportunities, to career readiness, to the vibrancy of the campus and the community, there are so many factors that contribute to a memorable, high-quality college experience.

Here are just some of the reasons why UWL stands out from the rest. Why do you love UWL?

We nurture the mind and body

UWL’s motto is Mens Corpusque, Latin for “mind and body.” This is more than a mantra — it reflects the values and identity of our university. When students enroll at UWL, they embark on a challenging and rewarding academic journey led by top-notch faculty. But they also join a highly active campus where 86% of students use our Recreational Eagle Center each year. In this way, UWL nurtures the development of the whole person.

We support the state of Wisconsin

Nearly 80% of UWL’s student body is composed of Wisconsin residents, and about the same percentage of UWL graduates continue to live and work in the Badger State. Service to the state of Wisconsin is at the core of UWL’s mission. UWL supports Wisconsin’s workforce by producing outstanding graduates in high-demand fields. And UWL’s commitment to partnering with the community and providing cultural enrichment opportunities makes western Wisconsin a better place to live.

We’re affordable

UWL has long been recognized as a top university for return on investment. This includes a recent study by Business Insider, which ranked UWL 20th in the nation for student ROI. UWL offers transformational learning opportunities at a competitive cost, and with a career/ graduate school placement rate of 99%, students quickly advance to successful, lucrative careers. Students also find employment opportunities and paid internships through campus resources, further offsetting the cost of college.

We’re a gateway to the world

UWL can take you anywhere. Many of our graduates continue to live and work in Wisconsin, but others use their skills and experiences to pursue careers around the globe. But you don’t have to wait for graduation to see the world. Through study abroad, students immerse themselves in a new country and culture while pursuing their academic goals. UWL also brings many world-renowned speakers and cultural enrichment opportunities to campus, connecting La Crosse to the world.

We’re part of a vibrant community

Tucked between towering bluffs and the Mississippi River, UWL sits within a beautiful, vibrant community with something for everyone. From outdoor recreation opportunities to a robust downtown business district to arts and entertainment offerings, La Crosse is a hub of culture and activity in western Wisconsin. UWL takes its role in the community seriously, partnering with local businesses and organizations on impactful initiatives that help La Crosse grow and thrive.

We have incredible alumni

UWL has 85,000 alumni living in all 50 states and 76 countries — and we feel that love from all over the world! Our alumni stay connected to the university through the Alumni & Friends Foundation, and often share their time, talents and treasure with us. Alumni frequently remark that returning to campus feels like coming home. For those who cannot make it to campus, the Foundation offers online programming and connection opportunities throughout the year — not to mention alumni events around the world.

We empower students to lead

UWL doesn’t just prepare students for successful careers — we inspire students to become leaders in their community. In the classroom, students cultivate the Eagle Advantage, a set of skills — including critical thinking, leadership and communication — designed to prepare them for successful lives and impactful careers. UWL students also lead by example in serving the community. Each year, they log more than 16,000 combined hours of volunteer service, illustrating the important role they play in the community.

We offer the best of both worlds

UWL attracts students from large metropolitan areas as well as small rural communities — a credit to the range of experiences available here. UWL and the city of La Crosse offer big-city amenities within a small-town environment, affording students the best of both worlds. A thriving downtown business district is a short distance away, as are breathtaking recreational offerings such as parks, hiking trails and the Mississippi River. And for those who wish to venture out, both Madison and the Twin Cities are just over two hours away.

We help students find and pursue their calling

Some students come to UWL with a clear sense of their career path. Others do not. Whatever their starting point, UWL’s dedicated staff and faculty support students along their educational journeys. With more than 130 undergraduate programs, UWL offers a wide range of experiences and degree options, and exposes students to pathways they may not have previously considered. UWL equips students, regardless of their career path, with skills and experiences that help them excel in all walks of life.

Last, but not least … we rank among the best

It comes as no surprise that UWL consistently ranks among the best schools in Wisconsin, and often the best schools in the country, for academic quality, return on investment and overall student experience. In the past few years alone, UWL has been ranked as the top Wisconsin university with fewer than 25,000 students on multiple lists, and La Crosse has been identified as a top small college town. These rankings underscore what our alumni already know: The La Crosse Experience is hard to beat.