Wisconsin College One of America’s Best for Student Athletes

It’s official: my kid is a junior in high school, which means college talk has taken over my life. We’re doing the tours and loading up on school brochures.

Since he’s an athlete, our search is a little different. We’re not just looking at how good the professors are, but how good the facilities are, and whether the team he dreams about playing for is actually in reach.

And let me tell you, walking through those stadiums on college visits? Seeing the empty court, picturing what it would be like to hear the student section roar after a buzzer-beater? Yeah, I’m 100% living vicariously through him.

So naturally, I dove deep into research. What I found was the list of all lists when it comes to schools for student athletes. And guess what? Turns out he doesn't have to go far to be at one of America's best!

The list by Niche ranked nearly 1,500 colleges across the US based on a mix of academics, athletics, and student outcomes and one of the best is right across the border.

But, which one is it? Let’s break down the rankings, who came out on top nationally, and how Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa stack up when it comes to being a student athlete.

The University of Minnesota landed at #81, and the University of Iowa sat at #101. Respectable? Sure. But Wisconsin’s athletic programs and overall student experience pushed it way higher.

Wisconsin College One of America's Best for Student Athletes:

Ok, Badger fans, this is your moment to celebrate. The University of Wisconsin Madison came in at #42 in the nation. You read that correctly, 42 out of nearly 1,5000 schools.

UW-Madison is in good company in the top 50 with colleges like Duke, The University of Florida, and Notre Dame.

And if you’re wondering who’s sitting at the very top of the mountain? No shock here - Stanford University. With its mix of powerhouse academics and championship-level athletics, it’s basically the dream school for student athletes everywhere.

To see the entire list of best colleges for student athletes, click here. 

Also See: Wisconsin Beats Minnesota in an Eye-Opening New Report

So, whether you’re an athlete looking for your perfect campus, or a parent like me daydreaming about stadium lights and screaming fans, the Midwest has some strong contenders. But when it comes to the best of the best? Wisconsin is tough to beat.

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