UW-La Crosse vs University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between UW-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater?

  UW-La Crosse (UWL) is known for its strong science programs, particularly in health sciences, and its beautiful location nestled between bluffs and the Mississippi River. UW-Whitewater (UWW) is recognized for its exceptional business programs, especially accounting, and its comprehensive offerings in education and programs for students with disabilities. UWL tends to have a slightly more selective admissions process, while UWW offers a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

• Which university is stronger in business programs?

  UW-Whitewater is generally considered to have a stronger business program, particularly its accounting program, which is nationally recognized. They offer a wide array of business specializations and have a strong connection to the business community. While UWL also has business programs, UWW's reputation and resources in this area are more extensive.

• Which university is better for health sciences?

  UW-La Crosse is highly regarded for its health sciences programs. It offers a wide range of programs, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physician assistant studies. The university has strong clinical affiliations and research opportunities in the health field. While UWW offers some health-related programs, UWL's focus and resources in this area are more pronounced.

• How do the campus environments compare?

  UW-La Crosse offers a more scenic campus environment, situated between bluffs and the Mississippi River, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city of La Crosse is a vibrant regional hub. UW-Whitewater has a more traditional campus setting in a smaller city. Both campuses offer a welcoming and supportive environment, but the surrounding landscapes and city sizes differ significantly.

• What are the tuition costs like at UW-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater?

  Tuition costs are generally comparable between UW-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater for in-state students. However, it's always best to check the most current tuition rates on each university's official website, as they can fluctuate. Out-of-state tuition will be significantly higher at both institutions.

• Which university has a larger student body?

  UW-Whitewater generally has a slightly larger student body than UW-La Crosse. This can influence class sizes and the overall feel of the campus, with UWW potentially offering a wider range of student organizations and activities due to its larger size.

• How do the athletic programs compare?

  Both UW-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater have strong athletic programs and compete in the NCAA Division III Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). UW-Whitewater has a particularly strong football program with multiple national championships. UWL also has a history of success in various sports, including track and field. Both universities offer a wide range of athletic opportunities for students.

• What kind of support services are available for students with disabilities?

  UW-Whitewater is known for its exceptional support services for students with disabilities. They have a long-standing commitment to providing comprehensive resources and accommodations to ensure student success. UW-La Crosse also offers disability services, but UWW's program is often cited as a national model.

• What are the career services like at each university?

  Both UW-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater offer comprehensive career services to help students with internships, job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. Each university has career fairs and connects students with potential employers. The specific industries and companies that recruit at each campus may vary depending on the university's strengths (e.g., more health-related employers at UWL, more business-related employers at UWW).

• Which university is more selective in its admissions process?

  UW-La Crosse tends to be slightly more selective in its admissions process than UW-Whitewater. This means that, on average, admitted students at UWL have slightly higher GPAs and standardized test scores. However, both universities consider a holistic review of applications, taking into account factors beyond academic performance.