A University Built on Doing
Founded in 1866, UW-Platteville has grown into a top public university in Wisconsin, serving over 6,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. UW-Platteville combines high-quality teaching with hands-on learning, ensuring students are challenged, supported, and prepared to apply what they learn.
What makes UW-Platteville different than other Wisconsin colleges
A strong return on investment
UW-Platteville delivers outcomes that matter at an affordable cost. With a strong focus on STEM and career-aligned programs, graduates see high placement rates shortly after graduation and competitive starting salaries in in-demand fields. Recognized for high graduate earnings, low student debt, and one of the lowest student loan default rates in the country, a degree from UW-Platteville pays off faster and sets students up for long-term success, whether they enter the workforce or pursue advanced study.
Hands-on learning that leads somewhere
Across 60+ undergraduate and 11 graduate programs, learning at UW-Platteville is practical and applied. Students gain real experience through labs, fieldwork, internships, undergraduate research, and industry partnerships that build skills employers value. Our campus serves as a living laboratory, from the 430-acre Pioneer Farm to the Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House and the 20,000-square-foot Huff Family Innovation Center, ensuring students graduate ready to do, not just know.
Life in Platteville, Wisconsin
Platteville is a safe, welcoming small town that offers students the perfect balance of small-town charm and big opportunities. Just minutes from campus, students can explore local restaurants, shops, outdoor activities, and events. The campus itself sits in the scenic Driftless Region, with rolling hills and river valleys, while still being within driving distance of larger Midwest cities. Students enjoy a walkable campus with modern facilities and numerous ways to get involved both on campus and in the surrounding community.
Overlooking the city is the Platteville Mound, home to the world’s largest “M”—a 241-foot-high symbol of our mining and engineering heritage. Local highlights include:
- Historic Main Street: With local restaurants, coffee shops, and unique boutiques.
- Outdoor Adventure: Students can explore trails for hiking and biking.
- Safety & Connection: Platteville provides a secure, "home away from home" atmosphere where students are truly part of the local community.
Feeling at Home in Platteville as a Student
"Platteville is a lovely, quiet town that helps you feel right at home as soon as you arrive. There are numerous ways to get involved, either through the campus or the outside community. Platteville truly is a home away from home."
Kelli Pugliese
Criminal Justice and Psychology with a Law Certificate
Who thrives at UW-Platteville
UW-Platteville is a strong fit for students who want a clear path from college to career in an environment that feels manageable and supportive. Students who thrive here often value:
- Clear connections between coursework and careers
- Faculty who care about teaching and student success
- Opportunities to gain experience early and often
- A campus community that feels welcoming and easy to navigate
Outcomes that matter
UW-Platteville measures success by what students are able to do after graduation. Alumni go on to successful careers, advanced degrees, and leadership roles across industries. UW-Platteville consistently leads the way in career readiness.
- Placement Rate: 95%+ of graduates are successfully placed within six months of graduation
- Average Starting Salary: Over $67,000
- Regional Impact: Thousands of alumni stay to lead Wisconsin’s workforce
UW-Platteville Alumni
“Platteville is not just about going to class and earning a degree; it’s about learning to navigate both failure and success, finding strength in being involved in the community, and embracing the partnership between students and faculty.”
Nick Wagner, '06
CEO of MSA Professional Services Inc.
UW-Platteville’s Impact in Wisconsin and Beyond
UW-Platteville is more than a university; it’s a hub of economic and community activity in southwest Wisconsin. The university supports thousands of jobs and partners with local businesses, helping the region thrive through research, events, and innovation. Graduates often stay in Wisconsin, applying their skills in education, engineering, agriculture, business, and other fields that strengthen the local economy. By combining hands-on learning with real-world experience, UW-Platteville equips students to make a meaningful impact wherever their careers take them.
Explore UW-Platteville
Whether you are considering college for the first time, transferring, returning to finish a degree, or exploring graduate or online options, UW-Platteville offers pathways designed to meet students where they are. UW-Platteville is a place where learning is practical, teaching is personal, and outcomes matter.
College of Distinction
UW-Platteville has been recognized as a 2025-2026 College of Distinction, a national honor that highlights our dedication to an exceptional, affordable education.
