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University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Platteville, WI

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

A Smart Investment

1866
Founded
Public university
Type
5,928
Total Students
6,028
Undergrad
458
Graduate
$8K
Tuition (In-State)
$17K
Tuition (Out-State)
$15K
Avg Net Price
87%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

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

About University of Wisconsin-Platteville

UW-Platteville: Where innovation meets tradition for a smart investment.

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville stands as a beacon of practical education and innovation in Wisconsin, proudly living up to its motto: "A Smart Investment." With a rich history deeply rooted in preparing the next generation of leaders, UW-Platteville offers a vibrant learning environment where students gain hands-on experience and develop skills for a competitive world. It's a place where academic excellence meets real-world application, attracting students eager to make a tangible impact.

Tracing its origins back to 1866 as Platteville Normal School, Wisconsin's very first institution for teacher preparation, the university has a proud legacy in education. Its journey evolved through a significant 1959 merger with the Wisconsin Institute of Technology, originally the Wisconsin Mining Trade School founded in 1907. This unique fusion of pedagogical and technical expertise laid the foundation for a comprehensive university, officially becoming the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1971, expanding its reach across diverse academic fields.

Today, UW-Platteville is renowned for its robust academic programs, particularly in engineering, business, and agriculture, supported by state-of-the-art facilities. Students benefit from cutting-edge learning environments, including a student-operated hydroponics laboratory that supplies campus dining, and renovated science hubs like Boebel Hall with specialized cadaver and molecular labs. The university is also home to expansive "maker spaces" within its new engineering buildings, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Committed to a sustainable future, UW-Platteville has implemented a substantial solar array and pledged to become a zero-waste campus by 2035.

With a focus on practical learning and a spirit of continuous advancement, UW-Platteville cultivates an engaging student experience. From its historic roots to its modern, forward-thinking approach, the university provides a transformative educational journey, equipping its 6,486 students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in their chosen careers and contribute meaningfully to society.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1866 as Platteville Normal School, the first teacher preparation school in Wisconsin.
  • Evolved from a unique merger of a state college and the Wisconsin Institute of Technology, originally the state's pioneering mining trade school.
  • Home to modern engineering facilities, including one of the Upper Midwest's largest "maker spaces" designed to support entrepreneurs and innovation.
  • Operates a 1,500 square-foot student-run hydroponics laboratory producing around 100 pounds of lettuce weekly for campus dining services.
  • Committed to sustainability, with a 2.4-megawatt solar array offsetting 17% of energy use and a pledge to become a zero-waste campus by 2035.
  • Boasts diverse academic programs across engineering, business, and agriculture, supported by state-of-the-art labs, including specialized cadaver and molecular facilities.
  • Known for its motto, "A Smart Investment," reflecting its practical, career-focused education for its 6,486 students.

Timeline

1866
Founded as Platteville Normal School, the first teacher preparation school in Wisconsin.
1907
Wisconsin Mining Trade School (later Wisconsin Institute of Technology) established.
1959
Platteville Normal School and Wisconsin Institute of Technology merge, forming Wisconsin State College and Institute of Technology.
1966
Granted university status as Wisconsin State University–Platteville.
1971
Renamed University of Wisconsin-Platteville following the Wisconsin State University system merger with the University of Wisconsin.
1984
Began hosting the Chicago Bears of the NFL for pre-season training camp (until 2000).
2018
University of Wisconsin-Richland and University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County joined as branch campuses.
2019
Opened a 1,500 square-foot student-operated hydroponics laboratory.
2021
Installed a 2.4-megawatt solar array; Chancellor pledged zero-waste campus by 2035; Boebel Hall underwent a $23.7 million renovation; new engineering building opened with large 'maker space'.
2022
Sesquicentennial Hall, a $55 million, 200,000 square-foot engineering building, opened.
2025
Two students were killed in a shooting at a residence hall on campus.
🏛️
160 Years
of Excellence

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