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University of Wisconsin-River Falls

River Falls, WI

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Quick Facts

“Global. Innovative. Excellent.”

Wikipedia
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

UW-River Falls: Evolving since 1874 to offer global, innovative, and excellent education.

Discover the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, a dynamic public university with a legacy stretching back to 1874. Living by its motto, "Global. Innovative. Excellent.", UW-River Falls is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience for its 5,275 students.

Initially established as the River Falls State Normal School, it played a crucial role in preparing educators and expanding access to quality schooling in Wisconsin's frontier regions. This foundational commitment to public service continued as the institution evolved, adapting to meet the changing needs of the state, including offering new opportunities for thousands of returning World War II veterans seeking higher education.

Through several pivotal transformations—becoming a State Teachers College, then a State College offering a full liberal arts curriculum, and later a State University—UW-River Falls solidified its identity as a comprehensive institution. Today, as a proud member of the prestigious University of Wisconsin System since 1971, it continues to honor its deep roots while fostering an environment of innovation and academic excellence for future generations.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Established in 1874 as "River Falls State Normal School."
  • ✦Member of the esteemed University of Wisconsin System since 1971.
  • ✦Serves 5,275 students as a thriving public university.
  • ✦Upholds the inspiring motto: "Global. Innovative. Excellent."
  • ✦Evolved from a dedicated teacher-training institution to a comprehensive liberal arts university.
  • ✦Pioneered expanded educational access, notably for post-World War II veterans.

Timeline

1874
Founded as "River Falls State Normal School".
1927
Renamed "River Falls State Teachers College".
1951
Renamed "Wisconsin State College–River Falls" and began offering a full liberal-arts curriculum.
1964
Renamed "Wisconsin State University-River Falls" when state colleges were granted university status.
1971
Became the "University of Wisconsin–River Falls" as part of the University of Wisconsin System merger.
🏛️
152 Years
of Excellence

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