University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive scholarships
- Regional tuition programs (MN reciprocity & MSEP)
- Honors opportunities and academic profile ranges
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~74%
- Middle 50% ACT: 23–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1120–1300
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.5–3.9
Source: UW–La Crosse Common Data Set 2024–25 and UW System Data Dashboard. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
University of Wisconsin–La Crosse at a Glance
Last verified: October 10, 2025
The University of Wisconsin–La Crosse consistently ranks among the top regional public universities in the Midwest for both value and academic quality. Out-of-state students benefit from Minnesota reciprocity or MSEP discounts, while strong applicants can earn automatic Eagle Excellence Awards or compete for the full-tuition Distinguished Scholarship.
With a test-optional admissions policy, a thriving Honors Program, and small class sizes for a public flagship, UW–La Crosse offers high-achieving students an affordable and well-rounded education rooted in research, wellness, and community engagement.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — UW–La Crosse and the full UW System are test-optional through 2026. Students may submit ACT/SAT scores for higher scholarship consideration.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 23–27; SAT: 1120–1300 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $13,130/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — Minnesota residents pay in-state rates, and MSEP discounts apply to several other Midwestern states.
UW–La Crosse Cost & Aid — https://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/cost/
Financial Aid & Scholarships — https://www.uwlax.edu/finaid/
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://www.uwlax.edu/ir/
MSEP Database — https://msep.mhec.org/
College Scorecard (U.S. Dept. of Education) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?239017-University-of-Wisconsin-La-Crosse
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
| Expense | In-State (WI) | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits, includes textbook rental) | $10,657 | $20,575 |
| Housing (Traditional Double) | $4,693 | $4,693 |
| Meal Plan (19 meals/week) | $3,191 | $3,191 |
| Total (before aid) | $18,541 | $28,459 |
Regional Tuition Discounts at UWL:
- Minnesota–Wisconsin Reciprocity: Minnesota residents approved for reciprocity pay about $11,187 in tuition and fees instead of $20,575 — a savings of roughly $9,400 per year. Application required annually through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
- Midwest Tuition Rate: High-achieving students from select Midwest states pay approximately $15,031 (about $5,500 less than standard nonresident). Consideration is automatic and renewable with a 3.0 GPA.
- Return to Wisconsin: Children or grandchildren of UWL alumni pay about $15,909 (around $4,700 in savings). Requires alumni verification and a 3.0 GPA; not stackable with the Midwest Tuition Rate.
Cost & Reciprocity FAQ
Who qualifies for reciprocity?
Minnesota residents who apply and are approved each year by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
How much can families save?
Minnesota reciprocity saves about $9,400 annually; the Midwest Tuition Rate saves around $5,500; Return to Wisconsin saves about $4,700 per year.
Do we have to apply?
Yes for Minnesota reciprocity (separate application). Midwest Tuition Rate and Return to Wisconsin are automatic at admission, though the latter requires alumni verification.
University COA page — https://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/cost/
Financial Aid & Scholarships — https://www.uwlax.edu/finaid/
MSEP official database — https://msep.mhec.org/
Minnesota Office of Higher Education Reciprocity — https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/
College Scorecard (U.S. Dept. of Education) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?239017-University-of-Wisconsin-La-Crosse
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
At UW–La Crosse, there aren’t set GPA/test “cutoff charts” like at some other publics. Instead, admitted students are automatically considered for a competitive pool of merit-based scholarships and special tuition programs. These include regional rate reductions and awards for academics, legacy status, and more.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Merit Consideration | Typically $1,000–$3,000/yr* | All admits; based on GPA, rigor, optional scores | No | Yes, conditions vary by award | ~3.7+ GPA, ACT 27–30 / SAT 1240–1360 typical* |
| Midwest Tuition Rate | $15,031 tuition & fees (saves ~$5,500/yr) | Select Midwest state residents; merit-based | No | Yes—maintain 3.0 GPA | OOS students with strong GPAs/rigor, limited slots |
| Return to Wisconsin | $15,909 tuition & fees (saves ~$4,700/yr) | Children/grandchildren of UWL alumni | No (alumni status verified) | Yes—3.0 GPA | Nonresident legacy students (not stackable with Midwest Rate) |
*These ranges are based on UWL Foundation and external published sources; UWL does not release fixed amounts or GPA cutoffs—awards vary by applicant pool and funding.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply separately?
No—admitted students are considered, priority date: Feb 1.
Does UWL superscore the ACT/SAT?
No published superscore policy. Test scores are optional but can help with merit selection.
Can I get more than one tuition/merit award?
Midwest Rate and Return to Wisconsin can’t be combined, but foundation and college scholarships can usually stack with need-based grants.
https://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/nonresident/
https://uwlax.academicworks.com/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike the automatic awards, competitive scholarships at UW–La Crosse are selective, limited in number, and usually require extra steps like applications, essays, or program participation. These can provide meaningful support, but they go to students with especially strong academic or leadership profiles.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Apprenticeship | $1,000 in year 1 + $1,000 in year 2 | New freshmen; ~25–50 selected for faculty-mentored research | No—students are nominated/selected by Admissions | Yes—$1,000 per year (first two years if renewed) | Top applicants (~ACT 31/top 5%); interest in academic research/collaboration | Initial offers at admission; must accept research match |
| UWL First! Scholars | $2,000/year for first 2 years | First-generation freshmen; selected by Admissions/program | No—students are identified and invited | Yes—contingent on program participation & GPA | First-gen students with financial need and campus engagement | Fall entry (program selection) |
| Foundation Scholarships (AcademicWorks Portal) | $500–$2,500 typical (varies by donor) | All admits & continuing students; must meet donor/major/service criteria | Yes—apply via Foundation portal | Varies—most are one-year, some renewable | Students who submit strong, tailored applications matching donor intent | Jan 15 (annual for most awards) |
Competitive Scholarships FAQ
Why are these competitive?
Limited spots, extra steps or nomination, and a holistic review. The top academic and engagement records rise to the top.
Key deadlines?
The Foundation scholarship portal opens Oct 1 and closes Jan 15. Eagle Apprenticeship and First! Scholars selection align with admissions.
Can they stack?
Yes—award stacking is allowed up to cost of attendance, but tuition programs like Midwest Rate/Return to Wisconsin cannot be combined with each other.
What profiles win?
Historically, winners have very strong high school records (top 5–15%), leadership, service, and for Apprenticeship, a clear research interest.
https://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://uwlax.academicworks.com/
https://www.uwlax.edu/urc/eagle-apprentices/
https://www.uwlax.edu/student-support-services/first-scholars/
https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-wisconsin-la-crosse-scholarships/
🎖️ Honors College
UW–La Crosse runs a dedicated Honors College that offers small classes, faculty mentorship, and a strong sense of community for high-achieving students. Alongside the Honors College, many departments also offer their own honors tracks, so students can pursue both college-wide and major-specific recognition. Honors students regularly lead research projects, participate in service, and build close connections with mentors and other ambitious peers.
GPA of 3.5+*, rigorous upper-level coursework, leadership in or out of class, and a strong interest in research or global learning.
*Estimates are based on admission signals; official cutoffs may vary year to year.
- Priority class registration and seminar-style classes
- Honors housing & supportive living-learning community
- Faculty-mentored undergraduate research and thesis options
- Dedicated Honors advising and co-curricular programs
- Transcript and diploma notations
- Exclusive access to $100,000+ annually in Honors donor scholarships
Honors College Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provost’s Honors College Merit Scholarship | Varies | Admitted Honors College students | Yes—Honors College app | Varies | Top incoming or continuing Honors students | Jan 15 (priority) |
| Lawrence Baldassaro Scholarship | Varies | Honors College, strong academic performance | Yes | Varies | Honors students with leadership/research promise | Jan 15 |
| Florian J. & M. KleinOsowski Honors Scholarship | Varies | Admitted Honors students | Yes | Varies | High-achieving with community/service focus | Jan 15 |
| Robert W. Baird Scholarship | Varies | Honors College | Yes | Varies | Academic excellence, demonstrated need | Jan 15 |
| Judith G. Scott ’81 Honors Scholarship | Varies | Honors College | Yes | Varies | Leadership, campus involvement | Jan 15 |
| Fred Miller-Milwaukee Braves Scholarship | Varies | Honors College | Yes | Varies | Leadership or service distinction | Jan 15 |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic? No—apply to the Honors College separately (as a freshman or while enrolled) or to major-based honors as available.
Does Honors extend the degree? No—if scheduled with an advisor, Honors can be completed in four years alongside the standard degree.
Is there funding reserved just for Honors? Yes—the Honors College disburses over $100,000 annually from donor-funded, competitive scholarships for active Honors members.
Key deadlines? For most scholarships, apply to the Honors College and submit materials by January 15 for fall entry.
https://www.uwlax.edu/honors/
https://uwlax.academicworks.com/
https://www.uwlax.edu/admissions/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
UW–La Crosse doesn’t always make national headlines like Madison, but it has carved out a reputation in some surprising and powerful ways. Families often know UWL for its hands-on labs, health sciences pipeline, and a tight blend of liberal arts and professional programs that deliver strong placement results. Here’s what stands out:
Microbiology — UWL is home to one of the few standalone undergraduate microbiology departments in the country and is recognized as a UW System “Center of Excellence.” Graduates boast near-perfect job and graduate school placement rates thanks to extensive lab and research opportunities.
- Exercise & Sport Science (ESS): UWL is consistently ranked among the top schools in the Midwest for kinesiology and exercise science. Its Human Performance Lab and ACSM-recognized curriculum make it a leader in preparing students for health and fitness careers.
- Therapeutic Recreation: Nationally accredited and honored by the American Therapeutic Recreation Association for “Excellence in Education.” High job placement rates and a required 600-hour internship give graduates a direct pipeline to the profession.
- Physical Therapy (DPT): UWL’s graduate program is CAPTE-accredited and ranked among the top 50 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Its partnerships with Gundersen Health and Mayo Clinic strengthen both clinical training and research opportunities.