Grandad Bluff rises right behind UW-La Crosse, and the Mississippi River is a few blocks the other way. The university has a strong name in the health sciences, with competitive physical therapy and physician assistant programmes, and in biology and exercise science. It also runs master's degrees in data science and software engineering. Two large hospital systems in the city give students clinical placements close to campus.
La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States
Official website: uwlax.edu
Public university, Universities of Wisconsin
1909
Health sciences, biology and exercise science
$17,000 – $21,000
Nonresident tuition, undergraduate and graduate
$10,000 – $13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on uwlax.edu before you apply.
BS Biology
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BS Exercise and Sport Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 70
MS Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MSE Software Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
Health science programmes with hospital placements in the city.
A campus between the bluffs and the Mississippi.
Strong biology and microbiology departments.
Health science graduates join hospitals and clinics in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.
Software and data graduates find roles with regional employers and remote teams.
STEM graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Limited programmes
The campus is compact, with residence halls, a large recreation centre and a stadium on its east side. Downtown and the riverfront are a short bike ride away.
La Crosse sits where three rivers meet. Students hike the bluffs, paddle the backwaters and pack the streets for Oktoberfest each autumn.
Form I-20 issued by University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Undergraduate admission is rolling, but apply by about May for fall. Graduate programmes set their own deadlines, and some health programmes close in the autumn a year ahead.
Most students start in fall (September). Spring (January) entry is available for many undergraduate majors and software engineering.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Biology, exercise science, computer science, data science and software engineering are popular. Undergraduates need strong grades and IELTS 6.0. Graduate programmes need a relevant bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5.
UW-La Crosse offers some international scholarships that reduce nonresident tuition. Graduate students can apply for assistantships in their department.
