University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) vs UMD Duluth

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to compare institutions to find the best fit. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and University of Minnesota-Duluth, both located in scenic regions, offer distinct experiences. UW-Eau Claire boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it more accessible to a broader range of students. UMD, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate and a more diverse student body. While UW-Eau Claire excels in business and education programs, UMD shines in engineering and health sciences. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including cost, campus life, and more, to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Minnesota-Duluth	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Overview
Location	Duluth, Minnesota	Eau Claire, 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	77.0%	78.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	79.5%	77.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $56
SAT range	1160 - 1270	N/A
ACT range	22 - 28	21 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	1.0%
Students submitting ACT score	47.0%	63.0%
Total number of applicants	9,610	9,420
Total number of admissions given out	7,644	7,297
Admitted students who chose to enroll	2,029	2,253
Yield rate	26.5%	30.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,194 Out of state: $31,492	In state: $21,212 Out of state: $29,487
Average net price	$16,960	$15,713
Tuition	In state: $12,420 Out of state: $17,718	In state: $7,361 Out of state: $15,636
Room & board	$8,796	Room/dormitory: $5,170 Meal plan: $3,180
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	72.0% Average amount $7,817	68.0% Average amount $3,571
Students receiving federal student loan	52.0% Average amount $5,124	50.0% Average amount $4,893
Students taking out private loans	19.0% Average amount $12,751	14.0% Average amount $10,302

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	9,024 Men 50.4% Women 49.6%	9,869 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Graduate students	860 Men 40.5% Women 59.5%	700 Men 44.4% Women 55.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	12.9%	37.8%
International students	1.6%	2.0%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,962	3,997
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Minnesota Wisconsin North Dakota Illinois Colorado	Wisconsin Minnesota Illinois Iowa Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Business Education Public Administration and Social Service Visual & Performing Arts	Health Professions Education Business Foreign Languages and Literatures Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	16:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	64.7%	68.0%
Dropout rate	8.9%	31.0%
Transferred out	25.6%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,504 Year 2: $64,940 Year 3: $72,817 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,019 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $72,678 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,483 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $70,314 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,217 Year 2: $61,218 Year 3: $70,085 Statistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,767 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $65,743 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,804 Year 2: $56,979 Year 3: $65,374 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,744 Year 2: $53,244 Year 3: $62,864 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,990 Year 2: $52,651 Year 3: $61,141 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,377 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $60,088 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,318 Year 2: $46,478 Year 3: $57,955	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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between UW-Eau Claire and UMD?

UW-Eau Claire is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a mid-sized city with a strong sense of community and a vibrant arts scene. The campus is known for its beautiful setting along the Chippewa River. UMD, on the other hand, is situated in Duluth, Minnesota, a city known for its stunning views of Lake Superior and its outdoor recreation opportunities. UMD's campus has a more expansive feel, reflecting its larger size and the surrounding natural environment.
How do the academic programs compare at UW-Eau Claire and UMD?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UW-Eau Claire is particularly strong in business, nursing, and education, with a reputation for providing excellent undergraduate research opportunities. UMD excels in programs related to natural resources, engineering, and healthcare, leveraging its location and research strengths. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision.
What is the student life like at UW-Eau Claire versus UMD?

Student life at UW-Eau Claire is characterized by a close-knit community, with numerous student organizations, a thriving Greek life, and a focus on campus events. UMD offers a more diverse student body and a wider array of activities, including outdoor recreation clubs, due to its proximity to Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness. Both universities provide a supportive environment for students to get involved and make friends.
How do the tuition and costs compare between UW-Eau Claire and UMD?

Tuition and fees are generally comparable between the two universities, as they are both public institutions. However, specific costs can vary depending on the program of study, residency status, and living arrangements. It's recommended to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses to create a budget.
What are the opportunities for undergraduate research at UW-Eau Claire and UMD?

Both universities emphasize undergraduate research, but the opportunities may differ slightly. UW-Eau Claire is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate research across various disciplines, with faculty actively involving students in their projects. UMD also provides research opportunities, particularly in fields related to its strengths, such as natural sciences and engineering. Contact the specific departments of interest to learn more about research opportunities.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare at UW-Eau Claire and UMD?

Both universities offer comprehensive career services to assist students with career exploration, resume writing, and job searching. UW-Eau Claire has a strong track record of placing graduates in various fields, particularly in the Midwest. UMD also boasts a good job placement rate, with graduates finding employment in the region and beyond, especially in fields related to its academic strengths. Review the career services websites for specific placement statistics and employer partnerships.
What are the athletic programs like at UW-Eau Claire and UMD?

UW-Eau Claire competes in NCAA Division III athletics, offering a wide range of sports and a strong emphasis on student-athlete development. UMD competes in NCAA Division I (hockey) and Division II (other sports), providing a higher level of competition and attracting a larger audience. Consider your interest in athletics when making your decision, as the level of competition and the overall athletic experience differ.
How does the size of the student body impact the campus experience at UW-Eau Claire and UMD?

UW-Eau Claire has a smaller student body, which often translates to a more intimate campus environment, with smaller class sizes and greater opportunities for interaction with faculty. UMD, being a larger university, offers a broader range of academic programs and student organizations, but class sizes may be larger, and the campus experience may feel less personal. Consider your preference for a smaller or larger campus community.
What are the housing options like at UW-Eau Claire and UMD?

Both universities offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. UW-Eau Claire's housing is generally well-regarded and provides a strong sense of community. UMD also offers a range of housing options, with some residence halls offering views of Lake Superior. Explore the housing websites for details on room types, amenities, and costs.
Which university is a better fit for me, UW-Eau Claire or UMD?

The best fit depends on your individual preferences and academic goals. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate campus environment with a strong focus on undergraduate research and a vibrant arts scene, UW-Eau Claire might be a good choice. If you are drawn to a larger university with a wider range of programs, particularly in natural resources, engineering, and healthcare, and enjoy outdoor recreation, UMD could be a better fit. Visit both campuses, talk to current students, and consider your priorities to make an informed decision.

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