Part of the University of Wisconsin System, it offers bachelor's and master's degrees across three colleges and enrolls approximately 6,500 students as of 2022.

They were considered a member of the "Cheese League" that in 1999 consisted of the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs, with each team practicing at a different university in Wisconsin.

[8] In the 1980s, UW–Platteville made an effort to bring businesses to the Platteville area to take advantage of university resources.

[9][10] The Agriculture and Manual Arts Building/Platteville State Normal School, now known as Ullrich Hall, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

During the 1960s, all city streets and parking lots within the campus were replaced with wide sidewalks and manicured lawns.

[14][15] Ullsvik Hall, renovated and expanded between 2006 and 2008, houses administrative offices, academic facilities, visitor center, and other support departments.

It also has banquet and catering facilities, including the Robert I. Velzy Commons, and the Nohr Art Gallery.

The university consists of three colleges that offer bachelor's and master's degrees: In 2004, UWP received approval from the UW system to increase its enrollment from 5,500 to 7,500 students.

UWP started a program called the Tri-State Initiative, which aims to attract prospective students from Illinois and Iowa.

In 1996, the residency requirement was amended and the distance program was extended to working adults living throughout the United States.

In 1999, online graduate programs in criminal justice, engineering, and project management were introduced, allowing students throughout the world to earn an accredited degree at a distance from UWP.

[24] UW–Platteville is a member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 14 sports, including football and basketball.

Men's sports include basketball, football, indoor and outdoor track and field, cross country, wrestling, soccer, and baseball.

Women's sports include basketball, soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field, volleyball, cross country, golf, softball, and cheerleading.

Bo Ryan, who later became head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, guided the Pioneers to a 353-76 record and the best winning percentage in NCAA Division III basketball.