WC Wisconsin News

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) has received national recognition for its educational quality, according to recent rankings from U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, released on September 23, place UWRF tied at No. 15 among public regional universities in the Midwest and tied at No. 54 among all regional universities in the Midwest. The publication evaluates up to 19 measures of academic quality and reviews more than 1,500 colleges and universities across the country to help students and families identify suitable institutions.

The Princeton Review also included UWRF in its Best Regional Colleges list for 2026. UWRF is one of only four public schools in Wisconsin to be listed among the 151 colleges recognized in the Midwest region. According to The Princeton Review, these colleges are “academically outstanding and worth consideration in your college search.” Their selection process considers both academic excellence and student feedback.

Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth commented on the university’s approach: “Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to creating transformational experiences that go far beyond the classroom,” he said. “From internships and study abroad to athletics, research and creative endeavors, these opportunities empower our students to thrive—personally and professionally—while delivering an exceptional value.”

Student testimonials cited by The Princeton Review highlight affordable tuition, supportive faculty, numerous internship opportunities, student teaching placements, study abroad programs, and real-world work experience as reasons why graduates are competitive when entering the job market. One student wrote: “They are available often and answer questions in a timely manner, which helps ease a lot of stress,” adding: “I have had nothing but a great experience so far.”

In addition to its academic honors, UWRF currently holds a STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). This rating was awarded in April 2024 through AASHE’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), which recognizes achievements across various aspects of sustainability within higher education institutions. The Gold rating remains valid for three years.