College in UWEC a good fit? (Eau Claire, St. Cloud: schools, colleges, live in)

[newbie2306]

I am a young black male (20) and want to finish up my Bachelor's degree. I saw UWEC Information Systems program and was impressed. Would UWEC be a good fit for me? Is the city diverse and accepting of people of different backgrounds? As far as the campus, have there been any problems regarding people of different ethnicities/race? Is it a "party" school? haha. even though all colleges are known for this. are the people generally friendly?


Also my other option is St. Cloud State. If you are familiar with both schools/cities, which would u recommend and why?

I know this is a lot of questions and broad in topic as well (kinda) but any info is helpful. I'm kinda of in a crunch to pick a school and finish up. Thanks

[dreamhunter65]

UWEC sounds like the good one no racial problems and not a monster party school. Good mix of ethnic/cultures there and not a monster town.
St Cloud no clue.

[newbie2306]

Thanks for input Dream. I visited UWEC and found that it was very "un-diverse" and naturally the city is the same. There a some Hmong/Asian people but other than that, its mostly Caucasian. I can get used to that and put the experience under my belt but I dont want to deal the "stares" and awkwardness. I'm sure everyone isnt like that but from visiting it seems like a good amount arent used to seeing black people. Just my thoughts....

[wenzel_777]

Originally Posted by newbie2306

Thanks for input Dream. I visited UWEC and found that it was very "un-diverse" and naturally the city is the same. There a some Hmong/Asian people but other than that, its mostly Caucasian. I can get used to that and put the experience under my belt but I dont want to deal the "stares" and awkwardness. I'm sure everyone isnt like that but from visiting it seems like a good amount arent used to seeing black people. Just my thoughts....

I would suggest St. Cloud State if you're looking for any ethnic diversity. Eau Claire is heavily white, as is most of Western Wisconsin. However, St. Cloud is closer to the Twin Cities, where with a larger city size, you'll naturally see more diverse cultures all across the board. My girlfriend's brother goes to St. Cloud. He loves it. Many people from the Twin Cities make the commute (just over an hr) or are from the area. Place your bet on St. Cloud. My 2 cents...

[dreamhunter65]

I went to Chippewa Valley Tech and had many black friends. You will have some backward rejects everywhere. If like the school would not worry as make great friends no matter color or culture. Where ever decide to land down Good luck in school and have fun doing it.I know Eau Claire has big hmong population and seeing more hispanics moving in also.

[radraja]

Eau Claire isn't a city...it's more of a large town than anything else. And you're right, it is mostly Caucasian people of the same background.

If you're looking for diversity and variety, being up in the Twin Cities area might be better.

[MotownLowdown]

I am a bit biased. But, I'd go to UWEC. I have heard the I.S. program is good-- at least it was when I was there 12-15 years ago.

It is not the most diverse of places. It is Western Wisconsin, after all. There are many Hmong people in town-- and on campus. But, it seemed welcoming when I was there. We had a couple of black guys on my floor freshman year-- and everybody seemed to get along fine.
It is a good school. You can have your fun there-- but it's not so overwhelming where it's easy to lose focus on your studies, or become "just a number". The campus is beautiful.

You can find plenty of parties at UWEC. Water Street is your typical college bar strip-- but it's not out of control.
St. Cloud is another story. It is well known in MN and WI that SCSU is a party school. Hockey is huge there-- Division One program. I don't know if it is any more diverse than UWEC. It is a slightly bigger school, I believe. I think UWEC has a little more prestige than St. Cloud.

Both cities are about the same distance (less than 90 minutes) to Minneapolis St. Paul. That means a large segment of the student body commutes to both schools.

Hope that helps. And go Blugolds!

[college procrastinator]

UWEC is a good school. I'm a sophomore this year (and I'm Hmong). I don't get stares or anything like that....but every now and then, I do come across teachers that aren't necessarily racist...but they're VERY open with the way they view you. I'm dating my boyfriend (who's white) and at first it felt weird when people would stare at us as we walked to class together....but after a year of that, I've learned to ignore it. Hmmm...I had someone here tell me that I couldn't apply for a position because she didn't like minorities...made me a little bit sad. I do wish I had a more diverse population to talk with though. I'd like to know more about other cultures. I've always heard that St. Cloud is a great school too....I guess it's really up to you. Sorry if this didn't help. Good luck

[mpls_ec77]

Neither Eau Claire nor St Cloud are that diverse, St Cloud is somewhat more diverse as far as having a larger African American community. Being that I grew up in Eau Claire and now live in Minneapolis which im much much happier with. I feel Eau Claire people do give the "stare" to afr-amer. I've seen it happen many times when I've come back with my partner who just happens to be young and black which is what i feel "white society"tends to stare/glare/gawk at now throw in the fact that were gay and throw people for a loop cause were not flamboyant and people wonder. I would say St Cloud is a better fit, But SCSU is known for it's racial tension, But overall city id take st cloud

[jimmyP]

Originally Posted by wenzel_777

I would suggest St. Cloud State if you're looking for any ethnic diversity. Eau Claire is heavily white, as is most of Western Wisconsin. However, St. Cloud is closer to the Twin Cities, where with a larger city size, you'll naturally see more diverse cultures all across the board. My girlfriend's brother goes to St. Cloud. He loves it. Many people from the Twin Cities make the commute (just over an hr) or are from the area. Place your bet on St. Cloud. My 2 cents...

Actually they are almost equal distance from Twin Cities. UWEC is a great place and have many diverse students. Both are great schools, nice size and not overwhelming. My cousin went to St. Cloud and loved it, my ex's family all went to EC and loved it.