UW-Whitewater admits approximately 82.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places UW-Whitewater in the Open Access tier, providing broad educational opportunity for Wisconsin residents and beyond. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates UW-Whitewater's selectivity aligns closely with similar public comprehensive universities, being just 1.8 percentage points more selective than typical peers. This level of accessibility means that most students with solid high school preparation can expect admission, though academic performance still matters for scholarship consideration and program placement. Students should view UW-Whitewater as a realistic option while building college lists, particularly if they seek a quality public education with reasonable admission requirements. The university's open access philosophy supports its mission of serving diverse student populations, including 25.0% Pell-eligible students and 30.0% first-generation students. For prospective students, this admission rate indicates UW-Whitewater prioritizes broad access while maintaining academic standards that prepare graduates for career success, as evidenced by above-average earnings outcomes relative to peer institutions.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
UW-Whitewater enrolls a moderately diverse student body that reflects both traditional college-goers and students from underrepresented backgrounds. The institution serves 25.0% Pell-eligible students, indicating that one in four students comes from lower-income families with demonstrated financial need. Additionally, 30.0% of enrolled students are first-generation, meaning they are the first in their families to attend college. These shares are moderate compared to community colleges but represent meaningful access for students who might otherwise lack higher education opportunities. The university also enrolls 23.8% transfer students, providing pathways for students beginning their education at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests UW-Whitewater balances traditional direct-from-high-school enrollment with opportunities for non-traditional students seeking to complete bachelor's degrees. First-generation students should know that 30% of enrolled students share their background, creating a supportive community of peers navigating college as family pioneers. Students from lower-income families should consider the 25% Pell share when assessing fit, as this indicates substantial representation without being the majority population. Transfer applicants should note the significant 23.8% transfer enrollment, suggesting established pathways and support systems for students continuing their education at UW-Whitewater.
While UW-Whitewater admits most qualified applicants, students seeking additional options or different characteristics should consider these alternatives with comparable outcomes.
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UW-Whitewater demonstrates solid student success metrics that indicate effective institutional support for degree completion. The retention rate of 77.5% means that approximately 3 in 4 freshmen return for their sophomore year, compared to the peer median of 73.2%. This 4.3 percentage point advantage suggests UW-Whitewater provides stronger first-year support and student engagement than typical peer institutions. The overall graduation rate of 64.3% significantly exceeds the peer median of 49.3%, indicating the institution effectively guides students to degree completion once enrolled. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 63.9%, representing only a 0.4 percentage point gap compared to the overall student body. This minimal Pell gap is exceptionally small and indicates strong institutional support for lower-income students throughout their academic journey. The near-identical completion rates between Pell and overall student populations suggest that once admitted, students from all economic backgrounds receive effective academic and financial support to reach graduation. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, with retention and graduation rates well above national averages for similar institutions. Lower-income students should view the minimal Pell gap as evidence that UW-Whitewater successfully supports students from all economic backgrounds through graduation.
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