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University of Wisconsin-River Falls

River Falls, WI

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Global. Innovative. Excellent.

1874
Founded
Public university
Type
4,152
Total Students
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$17K
Tuition (Out-State)
$15K
Avg Net Price
82%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
6-year
73%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

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

About University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Transforming lives since 1874, UW-River Falls offers global, innovative, and excellent education.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) stands as a beacon of public higher education in Wisconsin, embodying a spirit of "Global. Innovative. Excellent." Since its founding in 1874, UWRF has consistently evolved to meet the changing educational demands of the state, growing into a comprehensive university celebrated for its rich history and forward-thinking approach. Serving a vibrant community of 5,275 students, UWRF offers a dynamic learning environment that prepares graduates to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

The institution's journey began as the River Falls State Normal School, established with the crucial mission of preparing skilled teachers for Wisconsin's frontier regions. This foundational commitment to education laid the groundwork for a legacy of adaptability and academic growth. Over the decades, the school transformed, becoming River Falls State Teachers College, then Wisconsin State College–River Falls, and eventually Wisconsin State University-River Falls, each name change reflecting an expansion of its curriculum to include robust liberal arts and fine arts offerings, far beyond its initial teaching focus.

Today, as a proud member of the distinguished University of Wisconsin System, UWRF provides a comprehensive university experience. This evolution from a specialized normal school to a broad public university highlights its enduring dedication to providing a diverse array of academic opportunities. Prospective students and their families can expect a supportive and engaging campus atmosphere, rooted in a history of educational innovation and a commitment to fostering a well-rounded educational journey that champions global perspectives and excellence in all endeavors.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1874, boasting a rich history of over 145 years.
  • Proud member of the prestigious University of Wisconsin System since 1971.
  • Serves a vibrant community of 5,275 students.
  • Guided by the inspiring motto: "Global. Innovative. Excellent."
  • Evolved from a "Normal School" for teachers to a comprehensive public university.
  • Expanded its curriculum significantly post-WWII to offer bachelor's degrees in liberal arts and fine arts.

Timeline

1874
Founded as "River Falls State Normal School" to train teachers.
1897
Original South Hall destroyed by fire.
1927
Renamed "River Falls State Teachers College."
1951
Renamed "Wisconsin State College–River Falls," offering a full liberal-arts curriculum.
1964
Renamed "Wisconsin State University-River Falls," gaining university status.
1971
Merged into the University of Wisconsin System, becoming "University of Wisconsin–River Falls."
🏛️
152 Years
of Excellence

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