The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is again ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best public universities in the Midwest, placing in the Top Ten Regional Universities in its 2012 rankings, released today.
Strong retention and graduation rates, quality of students and a solid reputation among peers are among reasons for UW-Stevens Point’s ranking among public, Midwest regional universities.
UW-Stevens Point tied with the University of Nebraska-Kearney for the No. 9 spot on the list. UWSP has become a perennial all-star in the U.S News rankings, which take into account such factors as a school’s student retention and graduate rates, average class size and the academic talent of the freshman class.
“It’s an honor to be among the best, and we are pleased by this recognition year in and year out,” said Chancellor Bernie Patterson. “We’re especially proud of the fact that our average student retention rate improved, and our graduation rate remains strong. Those are true indicators of success.”
While the rankings recognize UW-Stevens Point’s strengths, the second-year chancellor said the institution has its sights set on even more success. “Faculty, staff and students all participated in developing a strategic plan for UW-Stevens Point last year, and one major goal is that we will work together to make this one of the top five public comprehensive universities in the Midwest,” he said.
UWSP continues to lead all Wisconsin universities in the percentage of its graduates who have studied abroad, and the university’s international and diversity enrollments continue to climb each year. “UW-Stevens Point has worked hard to increase its student enrollment diversity, which has grown 129 percent in the past decade,” Patterson said.
With students as its main focus, UW-Stevens Point has worked to keep the cost of attendance affordable. “We are ranked among the best regional universities in the Midwest, but our cost of attendance remains among the lowest for all UW System degree-granting institutions,” Patterson said.
At the same time, the university seeks to improve the quality of education, he said, citing planning for a new $71.3 million science building among major improvements under way.
