University of Wisconsin-Superior: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Superior (UW-Superior or UWS) stands as a public liberal arts university in Superior, Wisconsin, United States. It is a member of the University of Wisconsin System and the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Designated as the public liberal arts college within the University of Wisconsin System, UW-Superior offers a diverse range of programs and a supportive learning environment.

History and Founding

Founded in 1893 by Wisconsin legislators as "Superior Normal School," the institution's primary mission was to train teachers. The first class graduated in 1897. In 1909, it became Wisconsin's first normal school to offer a comprehensive training program for kindergarten education, a pioneering concept at the time. The university further expanded its offerings in 1923 by introducing a four-year program for high school teachers.

Evolution and Expansion

In 1926, the institution gained authorization to grant bachelor's degrees in education and was renamed "Superior State Teachers College." The authorization to grant graduate degrees came in 1947, with the first graduate programs offered in 1950. Reflecting its expanding role, the state board of regents changed the institution's name to "Wisconsin State College-Superior" in 1951. In 1964, Wisconsin's state colleges were reclassified as universities, leading to the current name, "University of Wisconsin-Superior."

Academics and Programs

UW-Superior grants associate, bachelor's, master's, and specialist's degrees. In 2023, the university awarded 624 degrees across its undergraduate and graduate programs. A significant majority (71%) of these degrees were awarded to women, while 29% were awarded to men. The most common race/ethnicity group among degree recipients was white, accounting for 540 degrees, significantly more than the next closest group, Hispanic or Latino, with 17 degrees.

With more than 50 undergraduate majors and concentrations, and select online and graduate programs, the University of Wisconsin-Superior offers top academics in a small, supportive environment. One of the biggest strengths is the small class sizes and the easy access to professors.

Most Common Majors

In 2023, the most common bachelor's degree concentration at University of Wisconsin-Superior was Elementary Education & Teaching with 83 degrees awarded. In 2023, the most specialized majors across all degree types at University of Wisconsin-Superior, meaning they have significantly more degrees awarded in that concentration than the national average across all institutions, are Education (284 degrees awarded), Interdisciplinary Studies (64 degrees), and English (17 degrees).

Campus and Location

The university campus is located in Superior, Wisconsin, bordered by Belknap Street (also known as U.S. Highway 2) and Catlin Avenue. The north section of the campus houses all academic buildings and most residence halls.

Admissions and Enrollment

University of Wisconsin-Superior received 2,310 undergraduate applications in 2023, demonstrating a 0.388% annual growth. The university accepted 2,163 students for enrollment, resulting in a 93.6% acceptance rate. The overall enrollment yield stands at 12%, representing the proportion of admitted students who chose to enroll.

In fall 2024, the total undergraduate enrollment of 2,027. The student-faculty ratio at University of Wisconsin-Superior is 14:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Wisconsin-Superior has a test-optional admissions policy.

Enrollment Demographics

In 2023, University of Wisconsin-Superior's total enrollment was 2,726 students. Full-time enrollment accounted for 1,699 students, while part-time enrollment comprised 1,027 students, indicating that 62.3% of students were enrolled full-time. The enrolled student population is predominantly White (80.7%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (3.74%), American Indian or Alaska Native (2.79%), Black or African American (2.6%), Asian (1.5%), Two or More Races (0.66%), and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders (0.257%).

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Students enrolled in full-time Undergraduate programs are most commonly White Female (49.9%), followed by White Male (26.6%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (2.11%). Students enrolled in full-time Graduate programs are most commonly White Female (71.7%), followed by White Male (14.1%) and Black or African American Female (3.29%).

Costs and Financial Aid

The median undergraduate tuition at University of Wisconsin-Superior is $6,826, significantly lower than the national average for Baccalaureate Colleges ($29,280). In 2023, the cost of tuition at University of Wisconsin-Superior was $6,826. The cost of tuition at University of Wisconsin-Superior is $−22,454 less than than the overall (public and private) national average for Baccalaureate Colleges ($29,280).

After factoring in grants and loans, the average net price for students is $13,126. The average yearly cost of room and board at University of Wisconsin-Superior was of $7,013 in 2023. The cost of room and board increased by 1.46% between 2022 and 2023. During the same period, the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,000. The cost of books and supplies did not change during the same period.

In 2023, 54% of undergraduate students attending University of Wisconsin-Superior received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 46% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans.

Graduation and Retention

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at University of Wisconsin-Superior was 71%.

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In 2023, 26% of students graduating from University of Wisconsin-Superior completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 43% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 45% within 200%. The student demographic with the highest graduation rate in 2023 at University of Wisconsin-Superior is Female and Black or African American (100% graduation rate).

Athletics

UW-Superior's athletic teams, known as the Yellowjackets, participate in the NCAA's Division III. Most teams compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC). Men's and women's ice hockey teams continue to compete in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC).

Media and Publications

KUWS, the university's radio station, broadcasts at 91.3 FM with 83,000 watts. It is an affiliate of the Wisconsin Public Radio Music Network and originates its own jazz, alternative rock, and other music programming, as well as UW-Superior sports broadcasts. The Promethean, the student newspaper for the University of Wisconsin-Superior, began as The Peptomist in 1920. It has undergone several name changes, including The Stinger, and currently publishes in print bi-weekly.

Additional Resources

Canvas is the online learning platform at UW-Superior. The Technology Help Desk is the place to contact when you need help with using technology at the university.

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