UW-Platteville celebrates climb in U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges Rankings

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville continues its upward trajectory, earning recognition in multiple categories in the newly released U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings. The university made impressive gains across several key categories, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence, accessibility and service to veterans.

Highlights of the 2026 rankings include:

• #12 in Top Public Schools - Regional Universities (Midwest): Up five spots, placing the university firmly among the best public institutions in the region.
• #22 in Best Colleges for Veterans: An seven-spot climb, recognizing the university's strong support and dedicated resources for military-affiliated students.
• #49 in Regional Universities Midwest: A leap of 11 spots from last year, showcasing the university's continued momentum in delivering high-quality education and outcomes for students.
• #60 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs: Ranked nationally among top institutions offering a robust and innovative engineering education.

"These rankings reflect the extraordinary dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff and students, as well as our unwavering commitment to providing accessible, high-impact education," said UW-Platteville Chancellor Tammy Evetovich. "We are incredibly proud to be recognized for the academic excellence, welcoming environment and strong sense of community that define UW-Platteville. The climb in rankings is a testament to the Pioneer spirit and the pride we all share in our university."

Using a wide range of data sources, U.S. News analysts and editors calculated more than 80 rankings to help students and families identify colleges that best meet their needs. The rankings spotlight schools that excel in value, social mobility, teaching quality, support for veterans and strength in academic disciplines such as business, computer science, engineering, nursing, economics and psychology.

About UW-Platteville

UW-Platteville offers more than 40 academic programs and is a leader in science, technology, engineering, agriculture and education, with unique initiatives in forensic investigation, renewable energy and other growing fields. Ranked a top 20 school in the Midwest by US News & World Report, UW-Platteville combines some of the lowest tuition rates in the state with exceptional career outcomes. With a 95% undergraduate placement rate and average starting salaries exceeding $67,000, a UW-Platteville education is a proven smart investment.