About University of Wisconsin-River Falls
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls was founded in 1874 as the fourth State Normal School in Wisconsin and the first in the northwestern part of the state. In 1951, with the addition of liberal arts courses, the school was designated Wisconsin State College at River Falls. When graduate courses were added in 1964 the name became Wisconsin State University-River Falls. The present name came with the merger of the state universities and the University of Wisconsin in the fall of 1971. Today UW River Falls is a community of inclusion and caring. Its goal is to “…provide unique and meaningful academic experiences.
UW River Falls offers undergraduate and master’s degrees from the following colleges:
- College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Education, Business and Allied Health
UW River Falls offers online degrees at the associate’s and master’s degree levels. UW River Falls online degrees are convenient and prepare students to be productive, creative, ethical, and engaged citizens and leaders.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Wisconsin-River Falls is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 5,146 ; Graduate: 536Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 7% ; Graduate: 40%Graduation Rate:
57%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$54,458Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$20,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
53%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$5,527Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by University of Wisconsin-River Falls
All Programs
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
UW–River Falls gives students a clear, practical path to finish a degree at a public university. Many classes are smaller, so it is easier to know your instructors and stay on track. Some early general education classes are larger and can feel less personal.
Cost is a big plus at UW–River Falls. The school keeps things simple, and that helps keep tuition lower. Tuition is often described as about half of UW–Madison or UMN Twin Cities, which can make it easier to plan your time and finish your degree on budget.
At UW–River Falls, students often get the best support in class. Professors are easy to reach and reply to questions quickly. Classes feel personal, and many instructors know their students well. They pay attention to progress and help students stay on track.
Support can feel less steady outside the classroom. Advising is not always as strong as faculty help. Career planning support may also vary. Even so, day-to-day guidance from instructors is a clear strength at UW–River Falls.
Online classes here are shaped by instructor access. Instructors answer questions in a timely manner. That gives online students steady academic contact during the term.
Class pace can vary by course type. Many classes feel small and personal. Some gen-ed classes are larger lectures. The online experience may feel different across your schedule.
At UW–River Falls, many classes feel personal and close-knit. Smaller class sizes are common, so professors know students well and keep them involved. Learning often works best in discussion-based classes tied to real work.
Hands-on learning is a key part of the school’s style, including work on the campus farm. This practical focus is easy to see in agriculture and education programs. Some general education classes are larger lectures, so class pace and interaction can vary by course level.
UW–River Falls is a good value pick. Cost is a major plus. The school has a low-frills model. Tuition can run far below big regional publics.
Professor access is another clear strength. Classes often feel personal and engaged. Many courses are small. Faculty are friendly and responsive.
Some general-ed classes are larger lectures. So class feel can vary by course type. Agriculture and education stand out for practical learning, including campus farm opportunities. The weak spot is support outside class.
Advising is less consistent. Career services also feel less reliable. Overall, this school fits cost-focused students who want close professor contact.
UW–River Falls is a good value pick. Cost is a major plus. The school has a low-frills model. Tuition can run far below big regional publics.
Professor access is another clear strength. Classes often feel personal and engaged. Many courses are small. Faculty are friendly and responsive.
Some general-ed classes are larger lectures. So class feel can vary by course type. Agriculture and education stand out for practical learning, including campus farm opportunities. The weak spot is support outside class.
Advising is less consistent. Career services also feel less reliable. Overall, this school fits cost-focused students who want close professor contact.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Is University of Wisconsin-River Falls accredited?
Yes. University of Wisconsin-River Falls is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does University of Wisconsin-River Falls offer?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls offers 4 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Wisconsin-River Falls offer?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at University of Wisconsin-River Falls?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Wisconsin-River Falls expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Wisconsin-River Falls falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Wisconsin-River Falls?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Wisconsin-River Falls first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Wisconsin-River Falls programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.0 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.0 to 3.0.
Is University of Wisconsin-River Falls military friendly?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from University of Wisconsin-River Falls through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Wisconsin-River Falls applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), Resume/CV, and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Wisconsin-River Falls accept life experience credit?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are University of Wisconsin-River Falls programs fully online or mixed?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of Wisconsin-River Falls offer?
University of Wisconsin-River Falls has online program options in areas such as Math & Science, Computer Science & IT, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for University of Wisconsin-River Falls programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Wisconsin-River Falls?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any University of Wisconsin-River Falls programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Wisconsin-River Falls?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Wisconsin-River Falls, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Wisconsin-River Falls programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a University of Wisconsin-River Falls program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Wisconsin-River Falls is located in Wisconsin
Wisconsin at a Glance:

Top Majors in Wisconsin:
Top Incentives in Wisconsin:
- Wisconsin Grant: Up to $3,150 annually
Top Career Pathways in Wisconsin:
- Entry Level: Process Engineer ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Manufacturing Manager ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Plant Director ($140,000+)
- Required Education: BS Engineering
- Certifications: Six Sigma, PE


