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University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

"Excellence"

1916
Founded
Public university
Type
8,995
Total Students
8,329
Undergrad
691
Graduate
$80M
Endowment
(2025)
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$19K
Tuition (Out-State)
$17K
Avg Net Price
76%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
6-year
82%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

UW-Eau Claire: Cultivating excellence and community on Wisconsin's 'Most Beautiful Campus'.

Discover the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a dynamic public institution nestled on the picturesque Chippewa River, renowned for its commitment to "Excellence." Since its founding in 1916 as a normal school focused on teacher education, UW-Eau Claire has evolved into a comprehensive university celebrated for its rigorous undergraduate liberal education alongside distinctive professional and graduate programs. It's a proud member of the University of Wisconsin System, shaping future leaders and engaged citizens.

The university's history is marked by significant growth and adaptation. From its early days training educators, UW-Eau Claire expanded its academic scope to include Bachelor of Arts and science degrees in liberal arts by the 1950s. The 1960s were a period of vibrant expansion, earning the campus the affectionate moniker "Wisconsin's Most Beautiful Campus" for its aesthetic appeal. This era also saw profound social engagement, including a historic visit from Martin Luther King Jr. and peaceful student protests against the Vietnam War.

Today, UW-Eau Claire continues to build on its rich legacy, offering a student experience designed to foster both intellectual and personal growth. With modern facilities like the W.R. Davies Center and Centennial Hall, the university provides a stimulating environment for its over 9,000 students. Beyond academics, students can cheer on the Blugolds in NCAA Division III athletics and engage with a campus community that values dialogue, diversity, and continuous improvement, preparing them for impactful careers and lives.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1916, celebrating over a century of "Excellence."
  • Home to 9,020 students (fall 2025), fostering a vibrant learning community.
  • Manages an endowment of $79.5 million (2025), supporting academic and student initiatives.
  • Known as "Wisconsin's Most Beautiful Campus," spanning 333 acres with an additional 168 acres for environmental research.
  • Offers a strong foundation in rigorous undergraduate liberal education, alongside diverse bachelor's and master's degree programs.
  • Active in NCAA Division III athletics, competing as the Blugolds.
  • Hosted civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in 1962, emphasizing a history of social engagement.

Timeline

1916
Founded as Eau Claire State Normal School.
1927
Name changed to Eau Claire State Teachers College; began offering a bachelor's degree program.
1951
Renamed Wisconsin State College at Eau Claire; authorized to offer Bachelor of Arts and science degrees in liberal arts.
1962
Martin Luther King Jr. visited the campus.
1964
Achieved university standing and was renamed Wisconsin State University – Eau Claire.
1971
Merged into the University of Wisconsin System; officially became the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.
2012
The new W.R. Davies Center, funded by student fees, was completed.
2013
Centennial Hall, the first state-funded building in 30 years, was completed (opened 2014).
2018
Adopted UW-Barron College as a branch campus as part of a UW-System restructuring plan.
🏛️
110 Years
of Excellence

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