The vast number of colleges and universities that populate the region have turned the area into a hotbed for research, development and innovative growth. The continual output of college graduates also keeps our workforce young and diverse. Two major public universities, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW-L) andWinona State University (WSU), boast enrollments of approximately 8,700 and 6,600 students respectively.

UW-L and WSU have consistently garnered accolades nationwide, with UW-L receiving recognition by Kiplinger Personal Finance among the “2009-2010 Best Values in Public Colleges,” by U.S. News & World Report among “America’s Best Colleges” in 2009, and by Men’s Fitness Magazine among “America’s Fittest Colleges” in 2006. WSU has repeatedly been named among “America’s 100 Best College Buys” and Princeton Review’s “Best in the Midwest” for several years, while just recently receiving recognition as the second-ranked Minnesota public university by U.S. News Media Group.

Area private higher education institutions include Viterbo University in La Crosse, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona and Luther College in Decorah, all of which have been acclaimed by U.S. News & World Report.

Additional colleges offering associate degrees, certificates and diplomas:

 

K-12 education
The Upper Mississippi River Valley contains more than 40 school districts. The region also has several charter schools, a Waldorf School and private Catholic and Lutheran K-12 systems. According to the La Crosse Tribune in 2009, area students score higher than state and national averages on the ACT.

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