University of Wisconsin–River Falls – Excellence in the Heart of the St. Croix Valley
Nestled in the scenic St. Croix River Valley of western Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin–River Falls (UW–River Falls or UWRF) stands as a distinguished public liberal arts university with a heritage spanning a century and a half. As a proud member of the esteemed University of Wisconsin System, this institution has evolved from a humble normal school into a comprehensive university renowned for its commitment to student success, hands-on learning, and academic excellence in STEM, agriculture, education, and business.
A Legacy Forged in 1874
The University of Wisconsin–River Falls was founded in 1874 as the fourth State Normal School in Wisconsin and the first in the northwestern part of the state. The first campus building was dedicated on September 2, 1875. When the original Normal School building was destroyed by fire in 1897, other communities sought to have the school relocated, but the determined citizens of River Falls refused to let it go. Remarkably, only a half day of classes was missed—the community offered churches, lodge rooms, and other buildings as meeting places. The building now known as South Hall was completed in 1898 and, along with North Hall, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The institution underwent a series of name changes over the years: from River Falls State Teachers College in 1927, to Wisconsin State College at River Falls in 1951, to Wisconsin State University–River Falls in 1964, before finally becoming the University of Wisconsin–River Falls following the merger of the state universities and the University of Wisconsin in the fall of 1971. The university has experienced a boom in growth since World War II, with hardly a year passing without an addition to the campus in the form of new lands, buildings, or remodeling. Buy fake USA diploma online.
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
Today, UWRF serves approximately **5,275 students** and offers **70+ areas of study** across three distinct colleges: the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; the College of Arts and Sciences; and the College of Education, Business and Allied Health. The university is ranked **#54 out of 161 Regional Universities Midwest** by U.S. News & World Report, a recognition of its performance across widely accepted indicators of excellence. UWRF has also been ranked **#14 in Top Public Schools** by U.S. News & World Report. The university is known for exceptional strength in STEM, agricultural sciences, teacher education, and business. It consistently ranks as one of the top undergraduate agricultural programs in the nation, featuring the only Agricultural Engineering Technology program in the state and one of the largest dairy science programs in the country. With an **18:1 student-faculty ratio**, small class sizes mean professors know your name, and opportunities for research and involvement happen as early as your first semester.
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A Thriving Campus Community
The university’s main campus spans **303 acres and includes 106 buildings**, featuring 11 residence halls, two laboratory farms, and the $63.5 million Falcon Center for Health, Education and Wellness. With over **125 student clubs and organizations**, 200+ free events for students each year, and 20 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division III, UWRF offers a vibrant campus life. Known as the Falcons, with mascot Freddy Falcon and colors red and white, the university boasts a strong athletic tradition within the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The university has also been recognized as a **Bee Campus USA** for its commitment to pollinator conservation.
Notable Alumni and Global Impact
UWRF has produced an impressive roster of graduates who have distinguished themselves across diverse fields. **Daniel Brandenstein**, a former NASA astronaut who flew four Space Shuttle missions and served as Chief of the Astronaut Office, is among its most celebrated alumni. **Michael J. Nelson**, the acclaimed comedian and writer best known as the host of *Mystery Science Theater 3000*, also calls UWRF his alma mater. In the political arena, **Tom Tiffany** serves as the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district, while **Mark Neumann** represented Wisconsin’s 1st congressional district for two terms. **Owen Schmitt** went on to play as a fullback in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks after beginning his college football career with the UWRF Falcons.
An Affordable Path to Success
With **74% of students receiving financial assistance** and **over $2.5 million in scholarship aid** awarded annually, UWRF is committed to making higher education accessible. The university boasts **one of Wisconsin’s lowest student debt rates**, giving students the freedom to grow, explore, and realize their limitless potential through an affordable education. Whether students are managing their own radio shows, serving the public through an on-site speech and hearing clinic, or gaining professional experience via the University Business Collaboration Center, hands-on learning opportunities abound.
From its modest beginnings as a frontier normal school to its current status as a nationally recognized comprehensive university, the University of Wisconsin–River Falls has remained steadfast in its mission: to help students become productive, creative, ethical, and responsible citizens with a global perspective. As the Falcons continue to soar, UWRF stands as a beacon of opportunity in the beautiful St. Croix Valley.