University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) vs Wayne State College

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin and Nebraska, University of Wisconsin-River Falls and Wayne State College stand as two distinct academic havens, each offering a unique educational experience. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects. UW-River Falls boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Wayne State College maintains a slightly smaller student population. In terms of academic offerings, UW-River Falls excels in the fields of Business, Education, and Social Sciences, whereas Wayne State College shines in the areas of Health Professions, Education, and Business. As you explore the comprehensive comparison table below, you'll uncover further insights into these institutions' acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
University of Wisconsin-River Falls logo

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Wayne State College logo

Wayne State College

Overview

Location River Falls, Wisconsin Wayne, Nebraska
Campus setting Town: Distant Town: Distant
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 72.0% 72.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 86.2% Open Admission
Application fees $56
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range 19 - 25 N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score 58.0%
Total number of applicants 3,933
Total number of admissions given out 3,392
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,016
Yield rate 30.0%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A Not required
High school GPA Required N/A
Recommendation letters Not required N/A
High school transcript Required N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $19,888

Out of state: $27,461
$20,822
Average net price $14,318 $14,428
Tuition
In state: $6,428

Out of state: $14,001
$5,700
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $4,450

Meal plan: $2,572
Room/dormitory: $4,130

Meal plan: $4,370
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

79.0%
Average amount $3,231
94.0%
Average amount $6,265
Students receiving federal student loan 53.0%
Average amount $4,902
53.0%
Average amount $4,910
Students taking out private loans 13.0%
Average amount $9,070
4.0%
Average amount $9,336

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 4,988
Men 34.2% Women 65.8%
3,766
Men 41.0% Women 59.0%
Graduate students 406
Men 25.6% Women 74.4%
814
Men 35.0% Women 65.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 52.1% 15.0%
International students 0.7% 2.3%
Campus local/setting Town: Distant Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity 2,134 1,556
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Minnesota Wisconsin Illinois Arizona Oklahoma Nebraska Iowa South Dakota Minnesota Colorado

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Agriculture
  • Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
Students to faculty ratio 19:1 20:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 56.6% 50.0%
Dropout rate 42.6% 14.1%
Transferred out N/A 34.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,546
  • Year 2: $73,949
  • Year 3: $77,313
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,342
  • Year 2: $55,964
  • Year 3: $62,689
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,223
  • Year 2: $49,019
  • Year 3: $61,513
Computer Systems Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,118
  • Year 2: $53,358
  • Year 3: $61,142
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,100
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $54,774
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,526
  • Year 2: $48,265
  • Year 3: $54,189
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,143
  • Year 2: $48,965
  • Year 3: $53,686
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,910
  • Year 2: $46,321
  • Year 3: $52,959
Agricultural Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,144
  • Year 2: $49,269
  • Year 3: $52,148
Agricultural Business and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,312
  • Year 2: $43,798
  • Year 3: $46,018
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,390
  • Year 2: $55,286
  • Year 3: $55,282
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,874
  • Year 2: $48,522
  • Year 3: $50,394
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,092
  • Year 2: $44,091
  • Year 3: $48,568
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,750
  • Year 2: $37,503
  • Year 3: $42,014
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,503
  • Year 2: $38,108
  • Year 3: $39,915
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,290
  • Year 2: $32,658
  • Year 3: $38,614
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,683
  • Year 2: $34,187
  • Year 3: $38,170
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,547
  • Year 2: $28,236
  • Year 3: $34,925
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,829
  • Year 2: $32,284
  • Year 3: $31,951
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,657
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences between the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) and Wayne State College (WSC)?

    The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) is a public university located in River Falls, Wisconsin, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on agriculture, education, and business. Wayne State College (WSC), located in Wayne, Nebraska, is also a public institution, but it's generally smaller and known for its affordability and focus on teacher education, business, and liberal arts. UWRF tends to have a slightly larger student body and a broader selection of academic programs compared to WSC.

  • How do the locations of UWRF and WSC differ, and how might that impact my college experience?

    UWRF is situated in River Falls, Wisconsin, a city near the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. This proximity offers students access to a wider range of cultural, entertainment, and internship opportunities. Wayne State College is located in Wayne, Nebraska, a smaller, more rural community. This setting provides a more close-knit campus environment and a quieter atmosphere, which can be ideal for students seeking a focused academic experience away from the distractions of a large city.

  • Which college, UWRF or WSC, is more affordable?

    Wayne State College is generally more affordable than the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, especially for out-of-state students. WSC often has lower tuition rates and fees, making it a financially attractive option. However, it's crucial to compare the total cost of attendance, including living expenses, books, and other fees, as well as explore available financial aid and scholarship opportunities at both institutions to determine the most cost-effective choice for your individual circumstances.

  • What academic programs are UWRF and WSC particularly known for?

    UWRF is well-regarded for its programs in agriculture, particularly its animal science and agricultural engineering technology programs. It also has strong programs in education, business administration, and communication. WSC is known for its excellent teacher education programs, as well as its business administration, criminal justice, and human services programs. Both institutions offer a solid foundation in the liberal arts.

  • How do the campus cultures compare between UWRF and WSC?

    UWRF offers a vibrant campus culture with a mix of academic rigor and social activities. Its proximity to the Twin Cities provides students with access to a broader range of experiences. WSC has a more close-knit, community-oriented campus culture. Students often describe it as friendly and supportive, with a strong emphasis on student involvement and campus traditions. The smaller size of WSC allows for more personalized attention and closer relationships with faculty and staff.

  • What are the student-faculty ratios at UWRF and WSC, and how might this affect my learning experience?

    Both UWRF and WSC boast relatively low student-faculty ratios, which means you'll likely have more opportunities for personalized attention from your professors. While the exact ratios may fluctuate slightly year to year, both institutions are committed to providing a supportive learning environment where students can easily connect with faculty for guidance and mentorship. This can lead to a more engaging and enriching academic experience.

  • What types of extracurricular activities and student organizations are available at UWRF and WSC?

    Both UWRF and WSC offer a wide array of extracurricular activities and student organizations to cater to diverse interests. UWRF has a larger selection of clubs and organizations due to its larger student body, including options related to academics, arts, culture, recreation, and service. WSC also provides numerous opportunities for student involvement, with a focus on creating a strong sense of community through clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and campus events. You'll find opportunities to participate in student government, Greek life, performing arts, and various special interest groups at both schools.

  • What athletic opportunities are available at UWRF and WSC?

    Both UWRF and WSC offer a variety of athletic opportunities. UWRF competes in NCAA Division III athletics, offering a range of varsity sports for both men and women. WSC also competes in NCAA Division II athletics, providing a competitive athletic environment. Both institutions also offer intramural sports and recreational activities for students who want to stay active and involved without the commitment of varsity athletics. Consider your athletic aspirations and the level of competition you're seeking when making your decision.

  • How do UWRF and WSC support career development and job placement for their graduates?

    Both UWRF and WSC are committed to helping students prepare for their careers. They offer career services such as resume and cover letter writing assistance, mock interviews, career counseling, and job fairs. UWRF's proximity to the Twin Cities provides access to a wider range of internship and job opportunities. WSC leverages its strong relationships with local and regional employers to connect students with relevant career opportunities. Research the specific career services and alumni networks available in your field of interest at both institutions.

  • What are the admission requirements for UWRF and WSC?

    While specific admission requirements may vary slightly from year to year, both UWRF and WSC generally require applicants to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and an application form. UWRF may place a greater emphasis on academic performance and test scores due to its slightly more competitive admissions process. WSC may have a more holistic review process, considering factors such as extracurricular activities and personal essays. It's best to check the official websites of both institutions for the most up-to-date admission requirements and deadlines.

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