Campus Connection

UW-La Crosse remains the top-ranked comprehensive university in the UW System — for the 14th year in a row. U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 America’s Best Colleges list of Best Regional Universities in the Midwest lists UW-L as the state’s best and the No. 4 public university in the Midwest. The category includes institutions providing a full range of undergraduate majors and master’s programs. “We’re delighted to once again be the top-ranked campus of our kind in the UW System,” says Chancellor Joe Gow. “It’s beneficial to have this external validation of the great work our faculty and staff do to ensure our students receive a high quality education.” The No. 4 ranking continues UW-L’s trend of being ranked among the Midwest’s top four public universities for the past 14 years. Truman State University in Missouri earned the top spot. The University of Northern Iowa was No. 2, followed by Grand Valley State University in Michigan as No. 3.  Eastern Illinois University shared the No. 4 spot with UW-L. A year ago, UW-L ranked No. 3. The slippage can be partially attributed to faculty compensation becoming less competitive, which is an important factor in the rankings. “We need to address salary issues to keep moving the university forward,” says Gow. Among all private and public Midwestern universities, UW-L ranked No. 31, tying with Eastern Illinois University. U.S. News also listed UW-L among “A-Plus Schools for B Students.” The list identifies “where non-superstars have a decent shot at being accepted and thriving — where spirit and hard work could make all the difference in admissions offices.” Other UW schools on that list were UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stevens Point. Among other UW four-year campuses in the top 15 in Top Public Regional Universities rankings, UW-Eau Claire was No.6 (33rd overall), UW-Whitewater was No. 12 (48th overall) and UW-Stevens Point was No. 13 (54th overall). UW-Madison is No. 13 in the Top 30 Public National Universities category. The rankings are a thorough examination of how more than 1,400 accredited, four-year schools compare on a set of up to 16 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving. Complete listings are available at www.usnews.com/colleges.