Acceptance Rate
87%
Avg. SAT
1160
75th percentile
“A vibrant public university in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, blending affordability with a tight-knit community and hands-on learning focus.”
Oshkosh, WI
Location
Small City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has been a cornerstone of accessible higher education since its founding in 1871 as a teacher training school. Over the decades, it has evolved into a comprehensive public university, yet it retains a deep commitment to community engagement and practical education. With nearly 15,000 undergraduates, the campus strikes a balance between feeling personal and offering the resources of a larger institution. You’ll find a student body that’s down-to-earth, often drawn from Wisconsin and surrounding states, with a shared appreciation for hard work and collaboration.
The city of Oshkosh itself, with a population of about 66,000, sits along the scenic Fox River and Lake Winnebago, offering a small-town vibe with enough local charm to keep things interesting. It’s not a bustling urban hub, so if you’re craving constant city excitement, you might feel a bit isolated here. On the flip side, the quieter setting fosters a strong sense of campus community, and the cost of living remains reasonable compared to bigger college towns. Students who thrive at UW-Oshkosh are typically self-motivated, enjoy building close connections, and appreciate a slower-paced environment over a high-energy metropolis.
One tradeoff is the location’s relative distance from major cities—Milwaukee is about an hour and a half away, so weekend getaways require some planning. Winters can also be a challenge, with harsh cold and snow common in Wisconsin, which might test your resilience if you’re not used to it. Still, the university’s warm, supportive atmosphere often helps balance out these hurdles for those willing to embrace the Midwest lifestyle.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
At the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, academics center on practical, career-focused learning with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education. You can expect programs that prepare you for real-world roles, particularly in fields like education, nursing, and business, which are among the university’s most recognized areas. The College of Education and Human Services, for instance, carries forward the school’s historic legacy as a teacher training institution, while the nursing program benefits from partnerships with local healthcare facilities for hands-on clinical experience. Research opportunities exist, especially in environmental studies through initiatives tied to nearby Lake Winnebago, but they’re often more accessible to upperclassmen or those who actively seek them out.
Classroom experiences vary—many introductory courses are held in larger lecture halls, which can feel impersonal at first, but smaller class sizes in upper-level courses allow for more interaction with professors. Some popular majors can be competitive to enter or have limited spots for internships, so you’ll need to stay proactive about planning your academic path. Overall, the intellectual culture here rewards students who take initiative and aren’t afraid to ask for guidance, making it a solid fit for those who want a balance of structure and independence.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
11,994 undergrad • 959 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
80%
Black / African American
2%
Hispanic / Latino
6%
Asian
4%
Other / Multi-racial
7%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Oshkosh, WI
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UW-Oshkosh hums with a friendly, community-driven spirit, where you’ll likely form tight bonds with classmates through shared experiences. A typical week might include studying at the Reeve Memorial Union, catching a Titans athletic event, or joining friends for events like the annual Springfest, a celebration packed with live music and student activities. Housing plays a big role in shaping social connections—most freshmen live on campus in residence halls, which host regular programming to help you settle in. The social scene isn’t dominated by a heavy party culture, though there are gatherings if you seek them out; instead, much of the energy comes from student organizations and casual hangouts.
One challenge is the weather—Wisconsin winters are long and brutal, often keeping students indoors or bundled up for months, which can dampen spontaneity. The campus itself feels self-contained, and while Oshkosh offers local spots like coffee shops and lakeside trails, it lacks the vibrant nightlife some might crave. Still, the slower pace and genuine camaraderie make it easy to find your place if you’re open to getting involved and embracing the seasonal rhythms of the Midwest.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
69%
4 Years Graduation Rate
40%
6 Years Graduation Rate
60%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$55,548
69% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and return in the fall. 40% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 60% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
40%
4-5 years
20%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
39%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$6,422
Acceptance
87%
Undergrads
11,994
4-Year Grad Rate
40%
Endowment
$40M
Oshkosh, WI 54901
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