The 2008 ratings released today named UWSP seventh in the top tier of Midwestern public masters degree-granting institutions. UWSP also ranked seventh in the 2007 rankings.

"Faculty and staff who connect students to their future and share a vision of challenging learning and leadership experiences that prepare students for a global society as well as a campus that reflects the long cherished values of the university and is eager to partner with others for a vibrant economy, have earned continued recognition for UWSP through the U.S. News and World Report rankings," said Chancellor Linda Bunnell.

UWSP earned high marks for its high percentage of classes taught by regular faculty members and having one of the highest graduation rates among the UW comprehensive universities. U.S. News and World Report uses several indicators of academic excellence to rate the campuses, including academic reputation as assessed by peers, retention, faculty resources, student characteristics, financial resources, graduation rates and alumni giving. Schools are organized by mission and region.

Last fall, UWSP welcomed a freshman class of 1,649, of which 15 percent were in the top 10 percent of their high school class, 46 percent were in the top 25 percent and 92 percent were in the top half. These incoming freshmen had an average 3.4 grade point average in high school and scored 22.7 on the ACT.

UWSP faculty and staff are consistently honored for teaching and scholarship, garnering more than $7 million in external research and teaching grants in 2006. Two UWSP faculty members were recently awarded Fulbright Scholarships. Professor Erik Wild, biology, will teach and research in Brazil during the 2007-08 academic year and Professor David Gibbs, mathematics and computing, will teach in Malta during the 2008 spring semester.

In addition, UWSP students reported a statistically significant higher level of satisfaction with their educational experience than seniors at peer institutions, according to the 2006 National Survey of Student Engagement. Ninety-two percent of UWSP seniors rated their overall educational experience as good or excellent compared to 85 percent of seniors at peer institutions. This percentage is significantly higher than the other UW comprehensive universities. Eighty-eight percent said they would choose UWSP again, compared to 81 percent of students at peer institutions.

One of 13 four-year campuses in the UW System, UWSP is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. UWSP offers 107 undergraduate programs, 16 graduate programs and a doctorate in audiology within the colleges of Fine Arts and Communication, Letters and Science, Natural Resources and Professional Studies.

Other UW System campuses which placed in the top rankings among Midwestern comprehensives include UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse.

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