UW-Eau Claire makes Money’s list of Best Colleges in America for 2026

Money looked at more than 2,400 four-year public and private nonprofit colleges in the country, with 745 schools meeting the initial screening requirements for further examination.

UW-Eau Claire again received a four-star rating out of five stars after Money analyzed the colleges based on 25 factors, including graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid and alumni salaries.

For Billy Felz, vice chancellor for enrollment management, inclusion on Money’s list affirms what his team continuously aims to relay to prospective students and families — that UW-Eau Claire is an excellent college at an affordable cost that offers unique opportunities not seen elsewhere.

“Knowing that affordability is top of mind for students and their families as they consider pursuing higher education, it’s a great asset to be recognized as one of Money’s Best Colleges,” Felz says.

“UW-Eau Claire provides a competitive price point for a bachelor’s degree, in an environment where students can access priceless opportunities in undergraduate research, international immersions and other enriching experiences. The countless success stories of our Blugold alumni speak for themselves in demonstrating the return on investment in a UW-Eau Claire education.”

UW-Eau Claire has been listed on multiple top colleges rankings in the past year, including U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review and Forbes.