By Blake Jackson
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) has achieved top national rankings for its agriculture programs, placing first and second in recent college assessments. UWRF’s dairy science program was ranked as the best in the nation by College Raptor, a college comparison platform, setting it apart among U.S. institutions.
In addition, UWRF’s animal science program ranked second in the "Best Colleges for Animal Science" category, only behind Kansas State University, surpassing many larger schools known for strong agricultural programs.
In other agricultural disciplines, UWRF also performed well. The university ranked seventh for agriculture teacher education, 17th in agronomy and crop science, 35th in food science, and 62nd among the “Best Colleges for Agriculture” overall. College Raptor based these rankings on a range of factors, including the number of degrees awarded, acceptance rates, cost of attendance, and graduates’ median starting salary.
Mike Orth, dean of UWRF's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), stated that the rankings reflect the university’s quality instruction and hands-on learning approach. “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,” said Orth.
CAFES students have consistently achieved national recognition for their academic performance. UWRF students frequently excel in agriculture competitions, often outshining peers from larger institutions with well-known agriculture programs.
According to Steve Kelm, chair of UWRF’s Animal and Food Science Department, the commitment of faculty members to student success is evident in their passion for teaching and mentoring students. Kelm believes this supportive environment has enabled UWRF to maintain its reputation as one of the leading agriculture schools in the country, rivaling prominent programs at institutions like Kansas State, Iowa State, and Penn State.
“My colleagues have a strong and genuine interest in the students who we work with every day,” said Kelm. “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," said Orth. "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."
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Wisconsin, Education