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The 2007 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s “Ameri-ca’s Best Colleges” rankings named UW-L third among “Best Universities” in the Midwest, behind Truman State University in Missouri and the University of Northern Iowa.
This is at least the sixth consecutive year UW-L has been in the top 10 in its category, which encompasses public universities offering bachelor’s and master’s degree in the Midwest.
When put into a category of all colleges in the Midwest, public and private, UW-L ranked 20th; Viterbo University ranked 68th.
“It is well deserved,” Interim Chancellor Elizabeth Hitch said. “We are a quality institution, we continue to do good work with students, and this helps others to know about that work.”
High retention and graduates rates helped propel the school to the top three, Hitch said. About 87 percent of the university’s freshmen return as sophomores, and 61 percent of students graduate within six years, according to UW-L institutional researcher Teri Thill. UW-L’s rates are the second-highest within the UW System, behind UW-Madison.
The ranking helps recruit students as well because they know it’s a place where they have a good chance of completing a degree.
The rankings are based on a combination of measures, including national peer assessment, student selectivity, faculty resources, financial resources, graduation and retention rates.
The college rankings edition is scheduled for publication in the Aug. 28 edition of U.S.News & World Report magazine, available for newsstand purchase Monday. Rankings appear online at www.usnews.com.
Kate Schott can be reached at Kate.Schott@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 791-8226.
