Launch Program

The Launch Program is a one-year, invite-only program where you live and learn on the Eau Claire campus in courses taught by our UW-Eau Claire – Barron County faculty. Build your academic foundation and seamlessly transition to a UW-Eau Caire student at the start of your sophomore year.

Faculty and Curriculum

Your courses will be taught by faculty from our UW-Eau Claire – Barron County campus who will travel to the Eau Claire campus location to teach your courses. These faculty are prepared to support students at all academic levels to get the college journey started off strong.  

You will work with an academic advisor in our Advising, Retention & Career Center (ARCC) each semester to build your schedule from a predetermined list of 8-10 available Launch courses that will contribute to your degree plan and may include:

• English (based on placement test)
• Math (based on placement test)
• Science  
• Social science
• Additional coursework from other areas

Costs

During your first year, you will pay the UW-Eau Claire – Barron County tuition rate for your courses and the fees and living costs of UW-Eau Claire. After you complete the program, you will pay UW-Eau Claire tuition and fees for the remainder of your degree.

Estimated Launch Program Costs

Two semesters, based on 2024-2025 rates. Textbook rental is included in the cost of tuition.

*Based on double, renovated, standard room
**Based on most popular meal plan

Support

In addition to the support you will receive from your faculty, you will be assigned an academic advisor in our Advising, Retention & Career Center. You will also have access to a full variety of support systems for no additional cost including:

• Tutoring - Academic Skills Center  
• Center for Writing Excellence and Math Lab
• Counseling Services
• Gender & Sexuality Resource Center
• Services for Students with Disabilities

Campus Life

While living in the residence halls your first year on campus, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other Blugolds and receive additional support from Residence Assistants and other Housing staff.  After acceptance, you will have the opportunity to list your living preferences on the housing application.

As a Launch student, you have full access to participate in campus life activities such as student organizations, intramural and club sports, campus activities, and attending sporting events (for free with your ID!). Launch students cannot participate in NCAA intercollegiate athletics or serve on student government while completing the program.

Completing the Launch Program

You are expected to earn a 2.0 or higher GPA during your first year to complete the Launch Program successfully. You will complete a short form during the spring semester of your first year to seamlessly transition out of the Launch Program and onto your sophomore year at UW-Eau Claire. Completion of Launch with a 2.0 does not guarantee the ability to progress within a specific academic program that may have higher GPA requirements. Please continue to discuss your majors of interest with your academic advisor to identify any specific GPA expectations.