University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re looking at UW–La Crosse, you’re probably wondering: how much does it really cost, and what kind of scholarships are out there? This guide breaks it all down in plain English—from tuition and reciprocity deals to hidden gem programs you might not know about. And since UWL is a Wisconsin public university, don’t forget to check our Wisconsin state aid guide for even more options families often stack.
💰 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: MN residents approved for reciprocity pay $11,187 in tuition/fees instead of $20,575. That’s about $9,388 in yearly savings. Application required each year through Minnesota’s higher ed office.
- Midwest Tuition Rate: For high-achieving students from selected Midwest states, tuition is set at $15,031 (about $5,500 less than standard nonresident). Automatic consideration, renewable with a 3.0 GPA.
- Return to Wisconsin: For children or grandchildren of UWL alumni, tuition is reduced to $15,909 (about $4,700 in savings). Must maintain 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 by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education each year.
How much can families save?
Minnesota reciprocity cuts about $9,400 off the nonresident price. The Midwest Tuition Rate saves around $5,500, and Return to Wisconsin saves about $4,700 annually.
Do we have to apply?
Yes for Minnesota reciprocity (separate application). Midwest Tuition Rate and Return to Wisconsin are awarded automatically at admission, but Return to Wisconsin requires alumni verification.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
At UW–La Crosse, there aren’t clear GPA/test “cutoff charts” like some other public universities. Instead, admitted students are automatically considered for a pool of merit-based scholarships, as well as special tuition programs that function like automatic awards. Here’s what families should know:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Merit Consideration | Typically $1,000–$3,000/yr* | All admitted freshmen; based on GPA, rigor, and (if submitted) test scores | No | Yes, conditions vary by award | Typically students with ~3.7+ GPA and ACT 27–30 / SAT 1240–1360* |
| Midwest Tuition Rate | $15,031 tuition & fees (saves ~$5,500 vs. full nonresident) | New freshmen from designated Midwest states; merit-based selection | No | Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA | Out-of-state students with strong GPA/rigor; seats limited |
| Return to Wisconsin | $15,909 tuition & fees (saves ~$4,700 vs. full nonresident) | Children or grandchildren of UWL alumni | No (alumni status verified) | Yes — maintain 3.0 GPA | Nonresident legacy students; cannot combine with Midwest Rate |
*Estimates based on UWL Foundation award ranges and peer UW campuses. UWL does not publish fixed amounts or cutoffs; actual awards vary by year, applicant pool, and funding.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply separately?
No — all admitted students are automatically considered. Priority date: February 1.
Does UWL superscore the ACT or SAT?
No official superscore policy is published. Test scores are optional, but strong results can help for merit consideration.
Can automatic merit stack with other awards?
Merit awards can usually stack with need-based aid, but tuition programs (Midwest Rate and Return to Wisconsin) cannot be combined with each other.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Unlike 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 families should know they aren’t guaranteed and often go to students with standout profiles.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Apprenticeship | $1,000 in year 1 + $1,000 in year 2 | New freshmen; ~25 students selected to work with a faculty mentor | No — students are nominated/selected | Yes — $1,000 per year for first two years | High-achieving students (historically ~ACT 31/top 5%) with strong interest in research |
| UWL First! Scholars | $2,000 per year for first two years | First-generation freshmen; limited to ~25 students | No — students are identified and invited by Admissions | Yes — contingent on program participation | First-gen students with strong academics and engagement potential |
| Foundation Scholarships (AcademicWorks) | $500–$2,500 typical (varies by donor fund) | All admitted or continuing students; donor criteria apply (major, service, leadership, need) | Yes — apply through Foundation portal | Varies — most one year; some renewable | Students who submit strong, tailored applications matching donor criteria |
Competitive Scholarships FAQ
Why are these scholarships considered competitive?
They’re limited in number, have extra application steps or nomination processes, and are awarded to top applicants.
Are there deadlines?
Yes — the Foundation portal usually opens October 1 and closes January 15 for the following year. Program-based awards (like Eagle Apprenticeship) align with admissions cycles.
Can these stack with automatic merit?
Yes, in most cases. They’re applied on top of other aid unless restricted by donor rules or cost-of-attendance caps.
What kind of student wins?
Profiles often include high GPA, strong course rigor, leadership or service, and in some cases research or first-generation status.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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. In addition, many majors also offer their own departmental honors tracks, so ambitious students can combine both pathways. Honors students at UWL stand out for their leadership, research, and ability to make the most of faculty connections.
GPA of 3.5+*, strong upper-level coursework, leadership or service, and interest in independent research or study abroad.
*Estimates based on admissions signals; official cutoffs vary.
- Priority registration and small seminars
- Faculty-mentored research and thesis projects
- Special housing and close-knit community events
- Access to exclusive Honors College scholarships
- Transcript and diploma recognition
Honors College Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provost’s Honors College Merit Scholarship | Varies | Admitted Honors College students | Yes — Honors College application | Varies | Top incoming or continuing Honors students |
| Lawrence Baldassaro Scholarship | Varies | Honors College students with strong academics | Yes | Varies | Students showing promise in leadership or research |
| Florian J. & M. KleinOsowski Honors Scholarship | Varies | Admitted Honors College students | Yes | Varies | High-achieving students with community/service focus |
| Robert W. Baird Scholarship | Varies | Honors College students | Yes | Varies | Students with academic excellence and financial need |
| Judith G. Scott ’81 Honors Scholarship | Varies | Honors College students | Yes | Varies | Students demonstrating leadership and campus involvement |
| Fred Miller-Milwaukee Braves Scholarship | Varies | Honors College students | Yes | Varies | High-achieving students with interest in leadership or service |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic?
No — students must apply to the Honors College (as freshmen or later) or to departmental honors tracks.
Does Honors add time to the degree?
No — if planned with an advisor, the thesis and honors coursework fit within the normal four-year degree plan.
Are there exclusive scholarships?
Yes — the Honors College awards over $100,000 annually in donor-supported scholarships.
When should students apply?
Ideally before the February 1 priority deadline, though applications may be reviewed later depending on space.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
UW–La Crosse is a place where strong academics meet an affordable public price tag, especially if you tap into the regional tuition deals and hidden scholarships. While it doesn’t publish the kind of automatic merit charts some parents hope for, families will find plenty of support through tuition programs, research stipends, identity-based awards, and an active Honors College. For first-gen students, leaders, and those ready to dive into labs or the marching band, UWL can be an especially smart and welcoming choice.
✅ Last updated: September 3, 2025