UW-River Falls students share a laugh as they walk across campus. The university has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes for providing students with a high-quality education. UWRF file photo.
 

UW-River Falls receives national recognition for providing high-quality education

High rankings received by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes

Sept. 24, 2024 - The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has once again been recognized by multiple publications as one of the top public regional universities in the Midwest, a sign of the university’s ongoing commitment to providing students a high-quality education. 

U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes have each selected UWRF for its excellence in educating students. The rankings also reflect college affordability and students being prepared for successful careers.

“Our faculty and staff create transformational experiences for students that extend beyond classes, including internships, study abroad, athletics, research and creative activities, and in so many other ways,” Chapin said. “These experiences position our graduates for success both in life and in their professional careers at a price point that is an excellent value.”

The U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings released on Sept. 24 is the most recent evidence of UWRF providing students with a quality education. The acclaimed publication lists UWRF as the No. 13-ranked regional university among public schools in the Midwest and 48th among regional universities in the Midwest. 

Those rankings are both improvements compared to last year, when UWRF was deemed the 14th-best public school in the Midwest and placed 60th among regional Midwestern universities. In 2023 rankings, UWRF was 18th and 75th, respectively, in those categories. 

The U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings are calculated using up to 19 measures of academic quality, with the intent of helping students and their families identify colleges that best fit their needs. The report evaluates 1,500 colleges and universities nationally. 

UWRF also received recognition from The Princeton Review and has been named to the publication’s Best Regional Colleges list for 2025. UWRF is among 150 colleges to be listed in the Midwest region and is one of three public schools in Wisconsin. 

The Princeton Review, a leading education services company in the U.S., states that colleges making its list are “academically outstanding and worth consideration in your college search.” The ranking is based on feedback from current students.

Students praised UWRF for its quality education at an affordable price. Faculty are dedicated to helping them succeed academically and to preparing them for the workplace, students said. They also praised the many opportunities, such as internships and study abroad opportunities, available to them.
 
The campus offers many opportunities, from outdoors activities to involvement in many organizations, students said. Many spoke in support of the warm, friendly environment. 

"This is easily one of the most welcoming campuses I've ever been on,” one student said. “You can sit with or talk to absolutely anybody.”

UWRF also is ranked among Forbes 2024 list of America’s Top Colleges which ranks the top 500 colleges nationally. UWRF is ranked at No. 446 and is among six public schools and eight overall in Wisconsin to receive the designation. 

Forbes uses the rankings to determine which 500 American colleges offer the best educational, financial, and career outcomes for students.