Outstanding overall academic performance.  Commendable admission rates.  Excellent freshman retention and graduation rates.  Sound familiar? It may be due to the fact that this university exemplifies all of these characteristics, which are the very qualities that aided in propelling UW-La Crosse toward reaching an admirable position on Kiplinger's "best value" list for both 2008 and 2012.  

The competitiveness of landing a coveted spot on this trusted and respected ranking source is quite evident; over five hundred public four-year universities are inducted into the running each year.  While it is true that affordability and financial aid play an integral role in the judging process, academic quality holds an even greater importance.  Therefore, if a school makes this comprehensive list, it is a solid indicator of superior educational quality.

There are five main categories to be contemplated.  These include cost and financial aid, for overall low prices and generous need-based help; student indebtedness, meaning that students generally have little debt after graduating and do not need to take out large loans; competitiveness, starting with strong test scores for incoming freshman and proof of the school attaining selectivity; academic support (freshman retention and student-to-faculty ratio); and, finally, high graduation rates, with students graduating in four to six years on average.  

UW-L earned the 39th position for in-state, and 38th for out-of-state.  The University of Wisconsin system fared very well, with a total of three schools appearing on the list.  These schools were UW-L, UW-Madison, and UW-Eau Claire.  

Being a smaller-sized school in such a serene, (usually) quiet setting could make one think that UW-L would not even be considered by Kipling since many of the other universities are very large and notorious. However, UW-L proved that a small campus can make a substantial impact, just as substantial as the ‘big leagues', through academic greatness.

As quoted in a short article concerning this tremendous achievement on UW-L's website, Interim Provost Bill Colclough said, "Rankings such as these help to affirm what many students and parents already know— an education at UW-La Crosse is a great buy.  Even more important is this listing's emphasis on academics. UW-L is not only cost-effective, it has a proven record of providing high-quality education."

Students agree. "I am proud of this school regardless of whether it makes any ‘best colleges' list," Sophomore Kelly Krueger said.  "But to know that we have been recognized for all of our great qualities gives me an even larger sense of pride in being part of the UW-L experience."

Even without the abundant awards our school earns, students, families, and faculty alike realize the power UW-L holds in changing the world through research and volunteering, as well as altering the lives of its students, who are able to receive quality educations so they can achieve their dreams and make the world a better place for all.