SmartAsset names UWL state's best public university for value, highlighting earnings and graduation rates

Posted 12:40 p.m. Friday , July 17 , 2026

SmartAsset names UWL state's best public university for value, highlighting earnings and graduation rates

Choosing a college is one of the biggest financial decisions many students and families will make. A new national study suggests that UW-La Crosse delivers one of the strongest returns on that investment in the country.

UWL is the top-ranked public university in Wisconsin for student value, according to SmartAsset's 2026 America's Best Value Public Universities study. UWL ranks No. 12 nationally among more than 500 public colleges and universities evaluated.

Rather than focusing solely on tuition, SmartAsset examined the relationship between affordability and student outcomes. The financial advice website evaluated public institutions with below-median costs of attendance for similar universities, then ranked them using a composite score based on graduation rates and the median earnings of former students 10 years after first enrolling - a long-term measure of graduates' career outcomes.

"Prospective students and families are seeking a university that is not only an affordable option, but also prepares graduates for what comes next," says Corey Sjoquist, UWL assistant vice chancellor for Admissions & Recruitment. "This ranking recognizes that UWL does just that - it provides students with an excellent education at an affordable price and prepares them for a successful career."

At UWL, the study reports:

• Cost of attendance for in-state students: $19,593 (includes tuition, fees, books and living expenses)
• Graduation rate: 71%
• Median earnings 10 years after first enrollment: $60,378

The University of Florida earned the No. 1 national ranking with a 91% graduation rate, median earnings of $71,588 and a cost of attendance for in-state students of $22,523.

Sjoquist says conversations about affordability, career outcomes and return on investment are common during the college search process. UWL Admissions staff can point prospective students and families to the many ways UWL students manage college costs through scholarships, financial aid and student employment, while also highlighting graduates' strong job placement rates and success in graduate and professional programs.

"The affordable cost to attend UWL, coupled with the salaries of our graduates, underscores that attending UWL is an excellent return on investment," says Sjoquist. "When speaking with UWL alums, they quickly share how their UWL experience led them to professional success."

A meaningful measure of value

Graduation rates and graduates' median earnings provide meaningful insight into a university's value, says Grace Engen, UWL director of Institutional Research, Assessment & Planning.

"Graduation rates are one of the best indicators of an institution's effectiveness because they reflect a university's ability to help students succeed from enrollment through degree completion," says Engen. "Our graduation rate reflects the dedication of our students, the quality of our academic programs, and the commitment of our faculty and staff to provide the support students need to reach their goals."

Engen notes that graduate earnings are also an important outcome, although they are influenced by factors beyond a university's control. Salaries vary by academic major and geographic location, reflecting differences in local labor markets and cost of living.

"The overwhelming majority of UWL graduates choose to build their careers in Wisconsin, where salaries are generally lower than in states such as California because the cost of living is much lower," says Engen. "With these factors in mind, we are especially honored to receive such a high ranking. It speaks not only to the success of our graduates but also to UWL's commitment to preparing students for long-term career and financial success."

Sjoquist says the ranking reflects the many people and experiences across campus that contribute to student success. Among them:

• Students at UWL work closely with professional advisors, faculty, and staff to select courses and build degree plans leading toward graduation.
• The majority of students participate in multiple high-impact practices, including study abroad, internships, clinicals, and undergraduate research, enhancing their education. These experiences ensure that they are prepared to enter the workforce or pursue graduate school.
• UWL's strong connection to the La Crosse community and to local businesses plays a significant role in preparing students for their future.

The SmartAsset recognition is the latest in a series of national rankings highlighting UWL's academic quality and student success.

In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, UWL was named the No. 1 public regional university in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. The university continues to receive national recognition for academic excellence, student success and overall value.

Wisconsin universities among the nation's best values

Six Wisconsin public universities were included among SmartAsset's 50 best-value public universities:

• Wisconsin No. 1: UW-La Crosse (National rank: 12)
• Wisconsin No. 2: UW-Eau Claire (National rank: 21)
• Wisconsin No. 3: UW-Platteville (National rank: 26)
• Wisconsin No. 4: UW-Whitewater (National rank: 42)
• Wisconsin No. 5: UW-Stout (National rank: 46)
• Wisconsin No. 6: UW-River Falls (National rank: 47)