Affordable liberal arts education on 110 acres in Rice Lake, Wisconsin—your foundation for an associate degree or bachelor's transfer.
UW-Eau Claire – Barron County provides the first two years of liberal arts general education, awarding the Associate of Arts and Sciences degree. Students can complete general education courses for their major on campus before transferring to a four-year institution or entering the workforce. The campus offers pre-professional programs, agriculture and natural resources, biological sciences, business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, foreign languages, health studies, mathematics and computer science, physical sciences, public affairs, and social sciences. Most students benefit from small class sizes (average 18) and direct faculty mentorship.
The campus spans 110 acres of partially wooded land along the Red Cedar River, featuring six main buildings including Meggers Hall/Ritzinger Hall (administration and classrooms), a Fine Arts Building, library, gymnasium, and student center. Recreational facilities include an observatory, Japanese Garden, three-hole golf course, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a prairie restoration area. The Cedar Side Walking Trail connects the campus to the river. Students enjoy on-campus housing, dining at Commons Cafe, student organizations, fine and performing arts events, and athletics through the Blugolds (formerly Chargers), competing in golf, volleyball, basketball, and baseball.
UW-Eau Claire – Barron County welcomes first-year, transfer, and international students. The campus offers campus visits in small group or one-on-one settings, as well as group visits for high school organizations. Prospective students can schedule tours, meet with admissions experts, and request information. The application process is straightforward, with support for students transitioning to UWEC's main campus or other four-year institutions after completing their associate degree.
The campus boasts the lowest tuition in the UW System, making it an accessible entry point for higher education. Numerous on-campus employment opportunities help students offset costs. Academic advisors guide students through sound educational decisions and smooth transfers to baccalaureate institutions. First-generation students (27% of enrollment) receive dedicated support, and the campus emphasizes individual attention and mentorship to ensure student success.