University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) vs UW Oshkosh

Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh stand as two distinct academic havens, each offering a unique educational experience. While both institutions share the UW System's commitment to excellence, they differ in several key aspects. UW-Eau Claire boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while UW-Oshkosh maintains a slightly higher graduation rate. Dive into our comprehensive comparison table to explore further distinctions, including popular majors, student demographics, and more, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Overview
Location	Eau Claire, Wisconsin	Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	78.0%	69.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	77.5%	89.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $56	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $56
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	21 - 26	18 - 23
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score	63.0%	59.0%
Total number of applicants	9,420	8,524
Total number of admissions given out	7,297	7,662
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,253	1,786
Yield rate	30.9%	23.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $21,212 Out of state: $29,487	In state: $21,191 Out of state: $28,764
Average net price	$15,713	$12,975
Tuition	In state: $7,361 Out of state: $15,636	In state: $6,422 Out of state: $13,995
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,170 Meal plan: $3,180	Room/dormitory: $4,662 Meal plan: $3,330
Available payment plans		Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	68.0% Average amount $3,571	60.0% Average amount $4,031
Students receiving federal student loan	50.0% Average amount $4,893	43.0% Average amount $4,878
Students taking out private loans	14.0% Average amount $10,302	6.0% Average amount $9,406

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	9,869 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%	12,946 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%
Graduate students	700 Men 44.4% Women 55.6%	1,196 Men 29.3% Women 70.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	37.8%	9.3%
International students	2.0%	1.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	3,997	2,473
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Wisconsin Minnesota Illinois Iowa Florida	Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Michigan California

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Business Foreign Languages and Literatures Public Administration and Social Service	Liberal Arts Health Professions Education Public Administration and Social Service Business
Students to faculty ratio	20:1	21:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	68.0%	55.2%
Dropout rate	31.0%	42.5%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $112,967 Year 2: $113,187 Year 3: $117,029 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,679 Year 2: $85,206 Year 3: $85,974 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,957 Year 2: $69,867 Year 3: $79,199 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,259 Year 2: $61,350 Year 3: $67,416 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,481 Year 2: $58,796 Year 3: $66,353 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,517 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $63,910 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,270 Year 2: $54,359 Year 3: $60,286 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,707 Year 2: $53,045 Year 3: $57,099 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,583 Year 2: $45,435 Year 3: $53,917 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,825 Year 2: $41,565 Year 3: $53,128	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,794 Year 2: $80,292 Year 3: $96,140 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,284 Year 2: $59,556 Year 3: $62,330 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,689 Year 2: $53,984 Year 3: $57,623 Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,271 Year 2: $50,231 Year 3: $56,966 Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,969 Year 2: $54,531 Year 3: $56,450 Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,757 Year 2: $47,595 Year 3: $56,169 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,949 Year 2: $49,158 Year 3: $54,566 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,122 Year 2: $41,342 Year 3: $52,184 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $50,105 Year 3: $51,437 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,921 Year 2: $37,568 Year 3: $48,623

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh?

UW-Eau Claire is known for its strong liberal arts focus, beautiful riverside campus, and nationally recognized music program. UW-Oshkosh, on the other hand, is recognized for its strong business, nursing, and education programs, and its commitment to sustainability. UW-Eau Claire tends to have a slightly smaller, more residential feel, while UW-Oshkosh has a larger student body and a more urban setting.
Which university is better for students interested in music?

UW-Eau Claire is generally considered to have a stronger and more nationally recognized music program than UW-Oshkosh. It offers a wider range of ensembles and performance opportunities, and its music faculty are highly regarded.
Which university is better for students interested in business?

UW-Oshkosh has a well-regarded College of Business, known for its AACSB accreditation and strong connections to local businesses. While UW-Eau Claire also offers business programs, UW-Oshkosh is often seen as the stronger choice for students specifically focused on business careers.
How do the campuses compare?

UW-Eau Claire's campus is situated along the Chippewa River, offering scenic views and a more traditional college town atmosphere. UW-Oshkosh's campus is located in a more urban setting, providing easy access to city amenities and a different kind of campus experience. Both campuses are walkable and offer a variety of student resources.
What is the average class size at each university?

Both UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh strive to maintain reasonable class sizes. Generally, you can expect average class sizes to be around 20-30 students, especially in upper-level courses. Introductory courses may be larger, but both universities prioritize providing opportunities for student-faculty interaction.
How do the costs of attending UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh compare?

Tuition costs at UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh are generally comparable, as they are both part of the University of Wisconsin System. However, total cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.
What types of student activities and organizations are available at each university?

Both UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh offer a wide range of student activities and organizations, including clubs, sports, Greek life, and volunteer opportunities. UW-Eau Claire is known for its strong student government and active student organizations, while UW-Oshkosh has a diverse range of clubs catering to various interests and academic fields. You'll find plenty of ways to get involved and connect with other students at either university.
What are the admission requirements for UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh?

Admission requirements for both UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh are similar, focusing on high school GPA, ACT/SAT scores (though test-optional policies may be in place), and coursework. Both universities look for students who have a strong academic record and demonstrate potential for success in college. Check each university's admissions website for the most current and specific requirements.
Which university is better for students interested in environmental studies or sustainability?

UW-Oshkosh has a strong commitment to sustainability and offers a variety of programs and initiatives related to environmental studies. While UW-Eau Claire also has environmental science programs, UW-Oshkosh's focus on sustainability is particularly noteworthy.
What are the career services like at each university?

Both UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Both universities also have strong relationships with employers in the region, providing students with internship and job opportunities.
How does the surrounding community impact the student experience at each university?

UW-Eau Claire is located in a smaller city with a strong sense of community, offering a more traditional college town experience. UW-Oshkosh is located in a larger city, providing students with access to a wider range of cultural and entertainment options. Both cities offer a welcoming environment for students and contribute to a vibrant campus life.
Do both universities offer on-campus housing?

Yes, both UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, suites, and apartments. Living on campus provides students with a convenient and engaging college experience.

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