Fast Facts
Mission
As a freshman-sophomore university, the University of Wisconsin-Rock County provides students with a solid educational foundation on which to build. Students can prepare for more than 250 majors or begin their studies without a major and complete the general education requirements, which are transferable to any of the University of Wisconsin bachelor’s degree-granting institutions. Furthermore, UW-Rock County has collaborative programs with UW-Milwaukee, UW-Whitewater, UW-Platteville and UW-Oshkosh for students to earn bachelor’s degrees while attending classes on the UW-Rock County campus or online.
The UW Colleges
The UW Colleges is an institution of the University of Wisconsin System consisting of 13 two-year liberal arts transfer campuses located throughout Wisconsin and an online program collectively enrolling more than 14,000 students.
- Established more than 40 years ago as “Centers” to provide accessible education in primarily rural areas
- Renamed UW Colleges in 1997 to emphasize the fundamental role played as part of the UW System
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission (formerly North Central Association of Colleges and Schools)
- Local county government owns and maintains campus buildings and grounds
- State of Wisconsin provides administration, faculty, and operating budget
UW-Rock County
Set on almost 50 rolling acres on Janesville’s southwest side, the campus is located at 2909 Kellogg Avenue and consists of:
- Hyatt Smith Hall (1965, remodeled in 2009) administrative offices, classrooms, student government, bookstore, commons area and café
- Allen Hall (2008) A new library, distance education classrooms, a lecture hall, student common areas, computer laboratories, offices, and more are features of this newest addition to the campus.
- Andrews Hall (1965) classrooms, federally funded TRIO Student Support Services, Learning Support Center, faculty offices
- Williams Hall (1965, remodeled in 1999) chemistry, biology, physics, geography, anthropology, nursing, computer lab, lecture hall, student study space
- Wells Cultural Center (1982) theater, gymnasium, art studio, music practice rooms, and maintenance shop
- Engineering Center (2007) state-of-the-art engineering laboratory, classroom and offices. The UW-Rock County Foundation surpassed $700,000 in fundraising to support the construction of the new building.
Student Profile (Fall 2011)
- Students commute from less than 1 mile to more than 50 miles
- 1,285 students enrolled – an all-time record
- The full-time equivalent is 879 students
- UW-Rock County enrollment had the largest freshman class this year in the history of the college (419)
- UW-Rock County has one of the highest levels of degree attainment in the UW Colleges
Why Enroll At UW-Rock County?
- Learn from top-notch faculty who are committed to teaching freshman and sophomore students.
- Benefit from small class sizes with individual attention when needed.
- Enjoy close-to-home convenience.
- Take advantage of the many opportunities available on a smaller campus to get involved.
- Pay less than at four-year institutions and save money by living at home and keeping a job.
- Enroll in the Guaranteed Transfer Program and gain admittance to any UW campus upon successful completion of the program.
Tuition (for two semesters, full-time enrollment, Wisconsin residency at UW-Rock County)
- $4,503 (increase of 5.5%) in 2011-2012
- $4,268 (no increase) in 2010-2011
- $4,268 (no increase) in 2009-2010
- $4,268 (no increase) in 2008-2009
- $4,268 (no increase) in 2007-2008
- $3,910 (increase of 7.3%) in 2006-2007
- $3,700 (increase of 7.5%) in 2005-2006
- $3,200 (increase of 16%) in 2004-2005
UW-Madison: $7,933 for 2010-11 academic year
UW-Milwaukee: $7,269 for 2010-11 academic year
Other UW comprehensive campuses: about $6,000 for the academic year
Average private college in Wisconsin $23,215 in 2008-09
Benefit to the Local Community
- UW-Rock County Budget: $5 million
- Higher tax base; educating place-bound workforce to produce higher income levels
- Diversifies the industry base in Rock County for future employment
- A more highly educated community reduces dependence on traditional county services and dollars for health care, social services, correctional facilities
Educational Statistics
Percent of population with a four-year degree (age 25 and older)
State Workforce %
IA 24.3%
IL 29.9%
MN 31.5%
US Average 27.7%
WI 25.7%
(U.S. Census Bureau 2008)
The typical bachelor’s degree recipient can expect to earn about 66 percent more during a 40-year working life than the typical high school graduate earns over the same period. (College Board Report, 2010)
Individuals with higher levels of education are less likely to experience unemployment, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. The unemployment rate for college graduates was just 4.7 percent, which is less than half the rate for high school graduates (10.3 percent) and less than one-third the rate for high school dropouts (14.6 percent). (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010)
Higher levels of education are associated with better health across all ages and incomes. (College Board Report, 2007)
