UW-Eau Claire once again top-ranked in the Midwest by Forbes

In Forbes’ annual America’s Top Colleges listing, UW-Eau Claire ranks 283rd in the U.S. this year.

UW-Eau Claire tops the list of regional comprehensive universities in the Midwest (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota), based on academic success, retention rate, graduation rate, alumni salary, debt and return on investment.

Only UW-Madison, Marquette University and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities are ranked higher in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Forbes ranked UW-Eau Claire 38th in the Midwest overall, a jump of 10 spots from last year, and 128th among all public universities in the country.

“The success of our students drives this ranking,” Interim Chancellor Mike Carney says. “Because of the dedication of our faculty and staff, and through the collaborations and partnerships we’ve developed over the years, UW-Eau Claire students have opportunities for experiences they can’t get anywhere else. Our students use these opportunities to learn, grow and distinguish themselves from the crowd. We are so proud of their accomplishments and the special recognition they bring to their university.”

UW-Eau Claire’s position on the annual Forbes ranking was supported by an unprecedented year for student research, in which three students received Goldwater Scholarships. Thomas Benning, Rachel Horejsi and Jada Wahl received the prestigious award recognizing students who will pursue research careers in science, engineering or mathematics. No other regional comprehensive university in the Midwest has ever been awarded three Goldwater Scholarships in one year.

UW-Eau Claire scored high compared to its peers in graduates’ salaries, according to Forbes. The median 10-year salary for UW-Eau Claire graduates rose from $108,900 on the 2024-25 list to $111,800 in the new ranking.

Forbes also reported that student debt among UW-Eau Claire graduates remained flat over the past year, $7,395 lower than all but two comparable public institutions in the Midwest.

“As this and our other strong rankings consistently point out to students and families, UW-Eau Claire offers unparalleled student opportunities, especially in undergraduate research, while delivering excellence in education that cannot be beat in this part of the country,” says Billy Felz, vice chancellor for enrollment management.

“And we do this while keeping the costs of a Blugold degree affordable — a factor we understand is paramount to students and families. Our Blugolds leave with minimal debt and an amazing earning potential thanks to their experiences and powerful degrees from UW-Eau Claire.”

The university’s ranking also reflects the success of alumnus John Menard, founder of home improvement retailer Menards, who is on the Forbes list of the world’s wealthiest people, currently ranked the world’s 98th most wealthy person.

In the overall national list, Massachusetts Institute of Technology ascended to the top spot, followed this year by Columbia University and Princeton University.

UW-Eau Claire has been named a top college in numerous rankings in the past year, including U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal and The Princeton Review. U.S. News & World Report has recognized UW-Eau Claire among its list of top colleges for 30 consecutive years.

Top image: 2025 Goldwater Scholar and senior microbiology and bioinformatics major Rachel Horejsi.