Agriculture programs at UW-River Falls have placed first and second nationally in recent college rankings.
The university’s dairy science program is the top program of its kind among U.S. colleges. This is according to College Raptor, a college search and comparison organization. UWRF placed second nationally in the Best Colleges for Animal Science, General category. The university placed behind only Kansas State and ahead of larger schools well known for their strong agriculture programs.
UWRF received high national rankings in other categories as well:
- 7th in the agriculture teacher education category
- 17th in agronomy and crop science
- 35th in food science
- 62nd in the Best College for Agriculture category
The rankings are based on multiple factors. This includes the number of degrees awarded, the acceptance rate, the cost of attending college, and the median starting salary.
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Dean Mike Orth said the high rankings for the university’s agriculture programs are a sign of UWRF’s top-notch instruction. Hands-on learning opportunities in ag programs provide students with a more thorough understanding of topics, he said.
“These rankings are a testament to the great faculty and staff that make sure our students receive a high-impact, experiential learning-based education both in and outside the classroom,” Orth said.
Student success is nothing new for CAFES students. UWRF’s students routinely place well at national ag-related competitions, often outperforming students from larger, more acclaimed schools.
Prof. Steve Kelm, chair of UWRF’s Animal and Food Science Department, said students in the university’s agriculture programs benefit from a strong curriculum. He says faculty are dedicated to enabling students to achieve their full potential.
“My colleagues have a strong and genuine interest in the students who we work with every day,” Kelm said. “Our faculty and staff put a lot of time and effort into teaching and preparing students for their next stage in life, wherever that may be.”
UWRF students receive a high value for the cost of their education, Orth notes. Attending UWRF costs less than many other Wisconsin colleges and universities. According to College Raptor figures, the median starting salary for UWRF graduates tops $58,000.
“We provide this high-quality education at a very reasonable cost,” Orth said.
