Cheerleading is an ever rising coed and all-girl sport that has quickly grown from pom-pom shaking to height-defying acrobatic stunts, and colleges and universities are at the forefront of taking the sport to skill levels it has never gone before. While there are many well-known colleges and universities across the nation that offer some of the top cheering programs, this ranking is focusing just on the top Midwest collegiate cheerleading programs. There were four areas used to judge the programs:

1. Game Day

This category represents the traditional and essential part of cheerleading: crowd leading and game day atmosphere. The schools with well-known, nationally recognized game day atmospheres received 5 points, the schools that have lesser known game day atmospheres received 3 points and the schools with little-known game day atmospheres received 1 point.

2. Skills

When it comes to modern cheerleading, it is all about skill and the degree of difficulty. The programs with the highest collegiate skill level and degree of difficulty received 5 points, the programs with advanced collegiate skill level and degree of difficulty received 3 points and the programs with basic collegiate skill level and degree of difficulty received 1 point.

3. Competitiveness

Most colleges do compete and that is a huge factor when it comes to making a decision on where cheerleaders want to cheer. The programs that have placed in the top 5 at NCA or UCA nationals in the last 3 years received 5 points, the programs that have places in the top 10 at NCA or UCA nationals in the last 3 years received 3 points, and the programs that have not placed in the top 10 or do not compete received 1 point.

4. Scholarships

Getting paid to cheer, what could be better than that? Since not all colleges and universities are able to give away cheerleading scholarships, this is a bonus category and all teams that give away any form of scholarship, grant or payment received 1 extra point.

Here are the top-ranked Midwest cheerleading programs starting with number 20:

20. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Small Coed Division I)

This rising program made their first appearance at NCA nationals this year and came away with a 6th place finish. Not too bad for their first time at a large, national competition.

19. University of Akron - Akron, Ohio (Small Coed Division I)

This program made the jump from NCA to UCA and placed 9th this year at nationals. Strong tumbling and clean stunts make this program stand out and one to look out for in coming years.

18. Ball State University - Muncie, Indiana (Small Coed Division I)

The program placed 8th at UCA nationals and has been rising on the national stage for the last couple of years. Great work, Cardinals!

17. Central Michigan University - Mount Pleasant, Michigan (Small Coed and All-Girl Division I)

Not many programs can say they have two teams that have done well at UCA nationals, but Central Michigan can. The game day and crowd appeal on this team is phenomenal, no wonder they were in the top 10 this year.

16. Bowling Green State University - Bowling Green, Ohio (Small Coed and All-Girl Division IA)

This program is known for their strong Small Coed team, but their All-Girl side had been stepping it up in recent years. Top 10 finishers at UCA nationals, this program works hard to win big.

15. Wichita State University - Wichita, Kansas (Coed Division I)

This program gets to cheer for one of the best basketball teams in the country, they are so lucky! 6th place finish at UCA and they definitely have the talent to be in the top 5 next year.

14. University of Iowa - Iowa City, Iowa (Coed Division IA)

This program is known for their amazing home football and basketball games, and they have the skills to back-up the hype. While they are in arguably the hardest division at UCA Nationals, they always put out strong, high skill routines.

13. Mizzou - Columbia, Missouri (Small Coed Division IA)

Another program that has amazing crowd appeal, they placed 6th this year at NCA nationals with zero deductions. Now that is impressive.

12. Lindenwood University - Saint Charles, Missouri (Coed Division II)

This is an amazing program, and they dominate the top 5 in Division II. They finished the year with a 4th place finish at NCA and they have some of the highest difficulty at the competition.

11. Grand Valley State University - Allendale, Michigan (All-Girl and Intermediate Coed II)

This is a program that has a strong history and always shows strong at NCA. With a 4th place finish this year, this program is one step closer to grabbing a title in the years to come.

10. University of Wisconsin-Madison - Madison, Wisconsin (Coed Division IA)

This program may not compete, but they are known for their outstanding crowds and game atmosphere. Their cheerleaders are key to the school's amazing football and basketball games, and they also incorporate tons of high-skill stunts to pump up their fans.

9. Northern Illinois University - DeKalb, Illinois (Coed and All-Girl Division IA)

Top 5 finishers at NCA, this program is sky-rocketing to the top and they are not slowing down. Strong tumbling and high difficulty give this program there competitive edge.

8. Iowa State University - Armes, Iowa (All-Girl Division IA and Intermediate Coed I)

This program is known for their All-Girl team, who finished in 4th this year at NCA nationals, and they are always working on new and difficult skills. Their football and basketball games are huge and their cheerleaders are there at every game to lead the massive crowds.

7. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, Minnesota (Coed, Small Coed and All-Girl Division IA)

This is one of the largest spirit programs in the country, and they have a long legacy of excellence. Their All-Girl team were top 10 finishers at UCA nationals, and this program consistently is in the top 10. What makes this program stand out is their game day atmosphere, skill level and massive size.

6. The Ohio State University - Columbus, Ohio (Coed Division IA)

Extremely talented and they have the best band in the land, this program placed 7th at UCA and leads the crowds for one of the top football teams in the country. Game day is crazy and this program handles each game like a pro.

5. University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, Ohio (Coed Division IA)

Talk about a killer game day experience, this program finished in 6th place at UCA, but they especially shine when it comes to the sideline. The difficultly is high, the performance level is outstanding and they lead some of the nations most spirited fans.

4. Purdue University - West Lafayette, Indiana (Small Coed Division I)

2nd place finishers at UCA nationals, the Boilers have a tradition of excellence and hard work. Their skills are difficult and their stunts are crisp, this program can wow a crowd as well as lead thousands of fans at every football and basketball game.

3. Davenport University - Grand Rapids, Michigan (All-Girl Division III)

This program is fierce! They have won the NCA All-Girl Division III title four times in a row and always have impeccable routines. If you are looking for a high-skill, hard-working and spirited team, this is the program for you.

2. University of Kansas - Lawrence, Kansas (Coed Division IA)

The skill level of this team is ridiculously good and it has helped land them into a top 5 spot at UCA nationals last year. They didn't not compete this year, but that did not affect their impeccable technique and game day atmosphere. This program has made a name for itself and they are increasing their talent every year.

1. Indiana University Bloomington - Bloomington, Indiana (All-Girl Division IA)

Consistently this program brings the freshest routines and most difficult skills to UCA nationals year after year, and won the title again this year. Their game day atmosphere is one of the top in the country and their skills bring fans to their feet. Nationally recognized and national champions, this program is nearly impossible to top.