What Is the Tuition Advantage?

At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, we understand how important cost is when choosing a college, especially for students across the Midwest. That’s why we offer the Tuition Advantage, a program that makes earning a respected degree in Wisconsin more affordable for out-of-state students from Illinois and Iowa.

This initiative, formerly known as the Tri-State Initiative, provides a reduced out-of-state tuition rate for eligible freshmen and transfer students from these neighboring states. The goal is to make a high-quality education in Wisconsin financially accessible, whether you're comparing Midwest tuition costs or looking for a better return on your investment.

Best of all, there’s no extra application. When Illinois or Iowa students apply for admission to the Platteville campus, they’re automatically considered for the Tuition Advantage. If eligible, the reduced tuition rate is included right in the admission decision.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the Tuition Advantage program, students must:

  • Be legal residents of Illinois or Iowa
  • Meet UW-Platteville’s admissions requirements
  • Enroll as full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students
  • Attend the Platteville campus (not Baraboo Sauk County or online-only programs) 

While local Wisconsin students already benefit from resident tuition, the Tuition Advantage extends similar savings to qualified out-of-state students nearby. It’s a great option for those who want the value of a Wisconsin degree without paying full out-of-state tuition.

Real Value and Cost Savings

One of the most appealing aspects of the Tuition Advantage is its ability to match or even undercut in-state rates at public universities in Illinois and Iowa. For many Illinois students, UW-Platteville becomes a more affordable option than staying in-state.

Families are often surprised to find that UW-Platteville tuition can be lower than in-state options in Illinois and Iowa. For many students, it’s actually more affordable to attend UW-Platteville than to stay closer to home. The savings don’t stop with tuition. Students also benefit from our textbook rental program, generous scholarships for both freshmen and transfers, a low cost of living in Platteville, and strong internship and job placement rates.

Close to Home

UW-Platteville offers the convenience of a regional university with the resources of a full-size campus. Located in scenic Southwest Wisconsin, the Platteville campus is:

  • Just over three hours from both Chicago and Des Moines
  • As close as 30 minutes from parts of western Illinois and eastern Iowa
  • Surrounded by internship, co-op, and career opportunities across rural and urban areas

This strategic location offers Wisconsin students and out-of-state students alike a chance to study, work, and grow in a region that blends personal support with professional opportunity.

How to Get Started

Applying is easy. There’s no separate application for the Tuition Advantage—Illinois and Iowa students are automatically reviewed when they apply to UW-Platteville. Once admitted, you’ll receive confirmation of your eligibility right in your admission offer.

If you’re ready to take the next step, visit our How to Apply page, complete your application, and start your journey. Our Office of Admissions is here to answer questions about the Tuition Advantage, applying as an out-of-state student, or anything else you need.

Frequently Asked Questions