Where is uw river falls

Overview

The University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UWRF) is a public university located in the city of River Falls, Wisconsin. Situated at 410 S Main St, the campus lies just 30 miles west of St. Paul, Minnesota, making it accessible to the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Established in 1874, UWRF began as a teacher training institution and has evolved into a comprehensive university offering programs in agriculture, business, education, humanities, and sciences. The university is part of the 13-campus University of Wisconsin System and serves a diverse student body from across the U.S. and internationally.

• Founded in 1874, UWRF started as a normal school focused on training educators for Wisconsin’s growing population.
• The university is located on a 765-acre campus in the scenic St. Croix River Valley, featuring modern academic buildings and research facilities.
• UWRF enrolls approximately 1,800 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, promoting personalized instruction.
• It offers over 50 undergraduate majors and 40 minors across five academic colleges, including the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
• UWRF is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has been recognized for sustainability efforts, including a LEED-certified student center completed in 2011.

How It Works

UWRF operates as a public liberal arts university with a focus on experiential learning, research, and community engagement. Students benefit from small class sizes, hands-on programs, and proximity to urban centers for internships and employment.

• Admissions Process: Applicants submit high school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores (optional), and a personal statement. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.3.
• Academic Structure: The university is divided into five colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Professional Studies.
• Research Opportunities: Undergraduates can participate in faculty-led research, such as in the Renewable Energy Initiative or the Agricultural Outreach Center.
• Campus Life: Over 80 student organizations and NCAA Division III athletics (NCHA hockey, WIAC football) enhance student engagement.
• Financial Aid: Approximately 94% of students receive aid, with an average package covering over 60% of tuition costs.
• Graduation Outcomes: The six-year graduation rate is 68%, above the national average for similar institutions.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of UW–River Falls with similar regional universities in the Upper Midwest.

While UWRF has a smaller enrollment than peer institutions, its high graduation rate and strong student support services contribute to student success. The university emphasizes sustainability, with solar-powered facilities and a campus farm, distinguishing it from larger regional counterparts.

Why It Matters

UWRF plays a vital role in workforce development, particularly in agriculture, education, and renewable energy. Its location near the Twin Cities offers students access to internships, research partnerships, and job markets.

• Agribusiness Leadership: UWRF’s College of Agriculture is nationally recognized for its dairy science and meat processing programs.
• Teacher Preparation: The university produces over 100 licensed teachers annually, many of whom stay in Wisconsin schools.
• Sustainability Focus: UWRF has reduced campus emissions by 40% since 2008 through energy-efficient buildings and waste reduction.
• Economic Impact: The university contributes an estimated $120 million annually to the regional economy.
• Community Engagement: Students complete over 100,000 service hours per year in local schools, nonprofits, and environmental projects.
• Global Reach: UWRF hosts students from over 30 countries and offers study abroad programs in 15+ nations.

As a regional leader in accessible, high-quality education, UW–River Falls continues to expand its academic offerings and community partnerships, ensuring long-term relevance and impact.