More than 150 years ago, German immigrants cut trees, cleared the land and built the first buildings on Lakeland's campus. There was no electricity, no running water and no football team - just total dedication to higher-level education. The commitment and spirit of these persistent people lives on at Lakeland in a vital and growing campus of academic excellence and in an electric spirit that drives programs to higher levels.

Today, Lakeland University is a bachelor's and master's degree-granting liberal arts institution related to the United Church of Christ with nearly 3,500 students from 24 countries, 10 on-campus residence halls and more than 30 majors, including our newest academic programs, such as: bachelor’s degrees in food safety and quality, graphic design and management information systems and a master of science in leadership and organizational development. 

We offer evening and online courses through our centers in Milwaukee, Madison, Wisconsin Rapids, Chippewa Valley, Fox Cities, Green Bay, Sheboygan and Lakeland offers an associates degree program at a two-year international campus in Tokyo, Japan.

Lakeland is a Cooperative Education institution. We believe the best way to learn is by pairing knowledge with practice. At our residential campus, students can earn their degree while gaining 12-18 months of professional work experience. Students have a pathway to graduate in four years with little or no tuition debt, making a bachelor degree accessible to anyone with the desire to learn. Our adult learners earn their degree often while juggling careers and families. Our flexible delivery allows for these students to earn credit in the classroom and in their workplace. Whether enhancing their resume or looking to completely change their career pathways, we offer innovative pathways for degree completion.

Our commitment to education goes far beyond the classroom, as we offer our students the opportunity to make a difference and help others.  Lakeland students lead the call for a cleaner environment, smarter recycling, providing shelter and food for the poor and the fight against cancer and other diseases. Community service is part of the DNA of Lakeland students.

Our student-athletes are a force to be reckoned with, as our men's and women's teams and individuals compete in NCAA Division III baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling.