UW-Stevens Point ranks among the best public universities in the Midwest

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is again ranked among the best public universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The magazine’s 2025 rankings place UW-Stevens Point as 12th among regional public universities in the 12 states in its Midwest region. The university was recognized for its graduation and first-year retention rates, peer assessment rating as well as higher earnings and lower median debt for graduates.

UW-Stevens Point is again rated among the best value schools in the Midwest. This ratio of academic quality to price also acknowledges students who receive need-based financial aid as a percentage of grants and scholarship. The university is also ranked as a top performer in promoting social mobility by successfully graduating federal Pell Grant students from lower income families.

“UW-Stevens Point is dedicated to finding students more pathways to an affordable education through lower tuition, scholarships and grants,” said Chancellor Thomas Gibson. “This, combined with our engaging programs, experiential learning, innovative research opportunities and dedicated faculty and staff, offers students an excellent return on investment.”

The university recently created the NextGen Scholarship Portal, offering students a more streamlined process of applying for and receiving campus scholarships. With minimal exceptions, students fill out one application to be matched with approximately 700 scholarships based on their responses and academic data such as major, GPA, year in college and financial need as reported on the FAFSA.

UW-Stevens Point also rose in its ranking for undergraduate business programs, highlighting the excellence of the Sentry School of Business and Economics. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business since 2016, the Sentry School offers beneficial, career-focused experiences through the Anderson Classroom to Career Center and a partnership with Sentry Insurance. Students may also begin earning their master of business administration degree while an undergraduate.

“The Sentry School is reinventing the business degree, offering a more personalized, mentor-based approach that empowers students to become capable, confident leaders,” said Gibson. “This program is another outstanding example of the value of a UWSP education.”

UW-Stevens Point also improved its rank on the list of Best Colleges for Veterans in the Midwest. A silver 202425 Military Friendly School, the university is certified for the GI Bill and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

To view the 2025 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, visit www.usnews.com/best-colleges. Established in 1894, UW-Stevens Point is located on a 400-acre campus in Central Wisconsin. More than 100 program options at the associate, bachelor’s and graduate level provide world-class opportunities in the arts, natural resources, business, health care, education, humanities and the sciences.

Approximately 8,260 students attend UW-Stevens Point. The main campus has a 280-acre nature reserve and is located in a city voted among the Best College Towns in the nation. UW-Stevens Point also has branch campuses in Marshfield and Wausau. To learn more, visit www.uwsp.edu.