Whitewater Times

For the second year in a row, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been ranked first among Wisconsin public universities for student experience and social mobility by The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 College Pulse rankings. The study is based on surveys from about 120,000 college students and recent graduates across the United States, conducted with College Pulse and Statista.

Chancellor Corey A. King said, “This recognition speaks directly to our university’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the student experience through a focus on student success. Through the dedicated efforts of our faculty and staff, we have built impactful pathways that support students holistically and promote upward social mobility. Warhawks benefit from a unique blend of academic and co-curricular high-impact practices that fosters inclusive excellence and a sense of belonging — all of which align with our mission of access, affordability, and transforming lives. I am proud of our faculty and staff who make student success an institutional priority every day.”

The Wall Street Journal evaluated student satisfaction using questions about campus facilities such as food services, housing options, extracurricular activities, community atmosphere, mental health resources, safety measures, and social opportunities.

Kristin Fillhouer, vice chancellor for student affairs at UW-Whitewater, commented on the ranking: “We are thrilled to be recognized by The Wall Street Journal, and feel the programming we offer at UW-Whitewater backs up the study’s results. When our students come here, they can expect high-quality support to ensure a smooth transition to becoming a college student and the care and services they need along their path to graduation.”

First-year students at UW-Whitewater participate in traditions like painting Warhawk Drive purple and running onto Perkins Stadium’s turf during their first days on campus. The university offers nearly 200 clubs and organizations—including 26 Greek organizations—alongside various intramural sports and special events throughout the year.

Students living in one of UW-Whitewater’s 15 residence halls can join programs such as Learning Communities or take part in leadership development opportunities. Dining options include 15 restaurants across six locations on campus with late-night hours.

Recently, mental health services were expanded through a partnership with Mantra Health to provide free telehealth support around the clock for all students.

Support services also include an award-winning Center for Students with Disabilities—which has been part of UW-Whitewater’s mission for over five decades—and free tutoring through Campus Tutorial Services.

The Wall Street Journal’s measure of social mobility considers factors such as admitting large numbers of lower-income students while maintaining strong graduation rates, positive graduate salary outcomes, and keeping education costs manageable.

UW-Whitewater provides more than $2.5 million in scholarships each year along with approximately $5 million in employment opportunities for its students. Nearly 4,000 first-generation college students attend UW-Whitewater; they make up about 35 percent of undergraduates at Whitewater’s main campus and 58 percent at Rock County campus.

More than 98 percent of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year after finishing their degree. Many secure jobs or further educational placements before graduation day—a trend highlighted by the university's Hired Before Graduation campaign over the past decade.

In addition to leading in student experience and social mobility among Wisconsin public universities according to The Wall Street Journal rankings, UW-Whitewater also placed second overall among public schools statewide for overall ranking and third for best salaries among graduates.