On Sept. 23, UW-Eau Claire was ranked ninth among 57 public universities in the midwest by the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges. 

“UW-Eau Claire’s continued ranking as a premier comprehensive regional university is due to the hard work and dedication of our outstanding faculty and staff who provide extraordinary educational experiences every day to our students,” UW-Eau Claire Interim Chancellor Michael Carney said. 

He said he attributed the ranking to the accomplishments of UW-Eau Claire students and their consistent hard work throughout the school year. 

Two UW-Eau Claire students said they were unaware of the recent ranking of the university. 

First-year biology student Karen Dworsky said she did not know about the ranking and found it amazing. 

First-year political science global politics and religious studies student Ella Hunkins also said she did not know about the ranking. 

“I am surprised UW-Eau Claire is not ranked higher,” said Hunkins 

UW-Eau Claire consistently tops the list of the regional comprehensive universities in the midwest which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. 

“I love how many opportunities Eau Claire has for underclassmen and upperclassmen all around,” Dworsky said. “The community that is fostered at Eau Claire through the many events that they hold is strong.” 

Hunkins said she compliments the exhaustive list of majors and minors available to students.

“I really like that I can do a specification for political science,” Hunkins said. 

Dworsky said that while there are many positive things to be said about UW-Eau Claire, it is also important to note what improvements the university could make to get higher in the rankings and to make it more welcoming for students. 

“The gluten-free options in the dining hall could be expanded,” Dworsky said. 

As a gluten-free student herself, she said she wishes there were more accommodations made for her and those with other allergies. 

Though the university does offer some gluten free options, it is often more difficult for students to access these options on the weekends, when the main place that serves these foods is closed. 

“More accommodations should be made,” Dworsky said, “Simple Servings is often the only place I can eat so when they are closed on weekends I am left with minimal choices.”

Simple Servings serves a wide range of cooked vegetables and meats from Sunday through Thursday. This leaves out two days for those with dietary restrictions to try and find something else. 

“There are a lot of great things that happen here, but people don’t really know about it,” Dworsky said. 

UW-Eau Claire’s marketing could be stronger, according to Dworsky, She said it should cater to the students more. 

Hunkins said she only has one complaint: “the hill,” but that at least it’s “a free gym membership.” 

Overall, the campus is ranked highly not only by news sources, like Forbes, but also by their staff, student body and their families. The university also is one of the top performers in school programs like undergraduate business, undergraduate teaching, undergraduate engineering, psychology and nursing.

UW-Eau Claire continues to get recognition for its opportunities and positive environment. It was ranked 25th out of 164 public and private schools in the midwest by the 2026 U.S. News and World report. 

“The first month at UW-Eau Claire has been exceptional,” Dworsky said, “and I look forward to learning more about the fantastic things the university has to offer.”

Trnka can be reached at [email protected].