Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has been recognized as the top regional comprehensive university in the Midwest by Forbes in its annual America’s Top Colleges listing. The ranking, which evaluates institutions based on academic success, retention and graduation rates, alumni salary, student debt, and return on investment, places UW-Eau Claire at 283rd nationally.

Within Wisconsin and Minnesota, only UW-Madison, Marquette University, and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked higher than UW-Eau Claire. In the overall Midwest region—covering Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota—UW-Eau Claire placed 38th. This marks an improvement of ten spots from last year’s position. Among all public universities nationwide, it is ranked 128th.

Interim Chancellor Mike Carney attributed the achievement to the institution’s commitment to student success: “The success of our students drives this ranking,” Carney said. “Because of the dedication of our faculty and staff, and through the collaborations and partnerships we’ve developed over the years, UW-Eau Claire students have opportunities for experiences they can’t get anywhere else. Our students use these opportunities to learn, grow and distinguish themselves from the crowd. We are so proud of their accomplishments and the special recognition they bring to their university.”

A notable factor in this year’s ranking was a record year for student research at UW-Eau Claire. Three students—Thomas Benning, Rachel Horejsi, and Jada Wahl—received Goldwater Scholarships for pursuing careers in science, engineering or mathematics. According to the university release, no other regional comprehensive university in the Midwest has previously achieved three Goldwater Scholars in a single year.

Forbes also highlighted that graduates’ median 10-year salary increased from $108,900 last year to $111,800 in this ranking cycle. Student debt among graduates remained steady over the past year and is reported to be $7,395 lower than all but two comparable public institutions in the Midwest.

Billy Felz, vice chancellor for enrollment management at UW-Eau Claire commented: “As this and our other strong rankings consistently point out to students and families, UW-Eau Claire offers unparalleled student opportunities, especially in undergraduate research while delivering excellence in education that cannot be beat in this part of the country.”

“And we do this while keeping the costs of a Blugold degree affordable — a factor we understand is paramount to students and families. Our Blugolds leave with minimal debt and an amazing earning potential thanks to their experiences and powerful degrees from UW-Eau Claire,” Felz added.

The university’s reputation was further enhanced by alumnus John Menard—the founder of home improvement retailer Menards—who appears on Forbes’ list as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Nationally among colleges overall Massachusetts Institute of Technology led this year's Forbes list followed by Columbia University and Princeton University.

UW-Eau Claire has received multiple recognitions recently including consistent placement on lists by U.S. News & World Report (for 30 consecutive years), The Wall Street Journal and The Princeton Review.