University of Wisconsin-Green Bay maintains open access admission with an 87.8% acceptance rate, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UW-Green Bay among the most accessible public universities in Wisconsin and reflects the institution's commitment to broad educational opportunity. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows UW-Green Bay is slightly more accessible than typical institutions of similar size and mission. This high acceptance rate means that most academically qualified students who meet basic requirements can expect admission. However, meeting admission standards and succeeding academically are different challenges, and prospective students should carefully evaluate their preparation for college-level work. Students applying to UW-Green Bay should treat it as a likely acceptance while building college lists that include institutions with similar accessibility. The university's open access model means that admission decisions focus more on meeting baseline requirements rather than competitive comparison among applicants, making it an excellent option for students seeking accessible public education in Wisconsin.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UW-Green Bay enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its public mission and Wisconsin location. The university serves 22.6% Pell-eligible students and 36.3% first-generation students, indicating enrollment of students from varied economic backgrounds alongside those from more privileged circumstances. Transfer students represent 31.9% of enrolled students, reflecting the university's role in providing pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests UW-Green Bay prioritizes accessibility and serves as an important educational pathway for students from diverse backgrounds. The substantial first-generation population indicates the university successfully attracts students whose families lack college experience, while the Pell share demonstrates commitment to serving lower-income families. Students from varied economic and educational backgrounds should find peers with similar experiences at UW-Green Bay. The significant transfer population creates an environment welcoming to students who begin their college careers elsewhere, making it an excellent option for students seeking to complete their degrees after starting at community colleges.
Given UW-Green Bay's 87.8% acceptance rate, most academically qualified applicants should expect admission. However, students seeking alternatives may want different program offerings, locations, or cost structures.
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Students who enroll at UW-Green Bay face typical completion challenges common at accessible public institutions. The retention rate of 70.4% compares to a peer median of 73.2%, indicating that roughly 7 in 10 freshmen return for sophomore year. The six-year graduation rate reaches 53.1%, compared to a peer median of 49.3%, showing UW-Green Bay performs slightly better than similar institutions in degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 55.3%, creating a positive 2.2 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This positive Pell gap indicates unusually strong support systems for lower-income students, suggesting the university effectively assists students who face financial challenges during college. Students who gain admission should expect academic support systems designed to help them succeed, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. The retention and completion rates indicate that while not all students complete degrees, those who persist through the first year typically find pathways to graduation. Prospective students should consider these outcomes as indicators of the institutional support they can expect while recognizing that personal commitment and preparation significantly influence individual success.
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