UW-Whitewater leads Wisconsin public universities in student experience, social mobility, according to The Wall Street Journal
October 03, 2025
Written by Chris Lindeke | Photos by Craig Schreiner
For the second consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater retained the No. 1 ranking among Wisconsin public schools in student experience and social mobility according to The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 College Pulse rankings.
The national publication’s annual study was developed and executed through independent surveys of approximately 120,000 verified college students and recent graduates in the United States in collaboration with research partners College Pulse and Statista.
“This recognition speaks directly to our university’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the student experience through a focus on student success," said Chancellor Corey A. King. "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."
Wisconsin’s #1 public university for student experience
From left, Alivia Vik, a special education major from Milwaukee, Lauren Power, an early childhood education major from Menomonee Falls, and Sara Realopez, elementary and middle school education major from Mount Pleasant, discuss materials in an Introduction to Special Education class taught by Lauren Zepp, assistant professor of special education, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.
The Wall Street Journal’s measure of satisfaction with student experience included questions about campus facilities, including food, housing options, and extracurricular activities, as well as the sense of community on campus, mental health support, safety, and social scene.
“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,” said Kristin Fillhouer, vice chancellor for student affairs. “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 running onto the field at Perkins Stadium during the annual RU Purple Rally on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.
First-year students celebrate Warhawk tradition as soon as they set foot on campus each fall. During their first days on campus, they’re invited to paint Warhawk Drive purple and run out of a student tunnel onto the turf at Perkins Stadium, home of the six-time national champion UW-Whitewater football team.
With the University Center in the background, student organizations were on display for the annual Involvement Fair on the North Mall on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.
The university supports nearly 200 clubs and organizations, 26 Greek organizations, a wide selection of intramural and club sports, and hundreds of special events throughout the year.
Students come to Ike Schaffer Commons, a campus dining location, for lunch in the University Center on Monday, Sept. 15, 2025.
Students in UW-Whitewater’s 15 residence halls can engage in a variety of programs to support and complement their academic experience, including Learning Communities, leadership opportunities, and more. Warhawk Dining offers 15 restaurant options across six campus locations, with options available until midnight for students’ convenience.
Students from several learning communities make dog biscuits with residents at Fairhaven Senior Services, a local retirement community as part of an annual fall day of service on Sept. 19, 2025.
Mental health support for students was recently boosted by a new partnership with Mantra Health, which offers free telehealth support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all Warhawks.
Hundreds of students take advantage of the award-winning Center for Students with Disabilities. Serving students with disabilities has been a central mission of UW-Whitewater for more than 50 years. Free tutoring services are also available through Campus Tutorial Services.
UW-Whitewater graduates climb the ladder
The Wall Street Journal’s measure of social mobility rewards universities that take in the highest proportion of students coming from lower-income families while maintaining high graduation rates, having a positive impact on graduate salaries, and minimizing the costs of attending the college.
Tommy Conklin, an accounting and finance major from West Bend, tends the campus grounds as a student worker for the Facilities, Planning and Management Department on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
UW-Whitewater annually offers more than $2.5 million in scholarships and approximately $5 million worth of employment opportunities to students.
The university is home to nearly 4,000 first-generation college students. Nearly 35 percent of undergraduate students on the Whitewater campus and 58 percent of the student population on the Rock County campus identify as first-gen.
Raquel Ortiz-Rivera, an elementary education major from Whitewater, stands to be recognized as a first-generation graduate at commencement on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at Kachel Fieldhouse.
More than 98 percent of the university’s graduates are employed or attending graduate school one year after receiving their degree. Many of these students are already hired by employers, accepted to graduate school, promoted by their current employers, or starting their own businesses prior to walking across the commencement stage. The university has recognized thousands of these students over the last decade in its Hired Before Graduation campaign.
UW-Whitewater also earned high marks in overall ranking and best salaries among graduates, finishing second and third in the categories, respectively, among public schools in the state.
