(The Center Square) – Some University of Wisconsin campuses have a few more students this fall after the system released its preliminary enrollment numbers.
“New freshman enrollment is up 3%, or nearly 900 students, according to the preliminary estimates — with eight universities showing new freshman enrollment increases of 5% or more,” the university said in a statement. “Overall, enrollment is 164,340 in fall 2025, according to the preliminary estimates, down 96 students from the final 2024 fall enrollment counts.”
The university credits its Direct Admit program, where UW campuses accept students who graduate from Wisconsin high schools without requiring them to apply first, for some of the enrollment jumps at some campuses.
“We are seeing positive signs on enrollment for the third straight year,” Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman added. “New freshman enrollment is particularly promising. It’s a win when our state’s public universities continue to attract and retain talent Wisconsin will need to prosper.”
The university is blaming a drop in international students for some of the enrollment decline across the UW system.
UW-Madison continues to be the largest campus in the UW System, with 51,550 students this fall. That’s 250 or so students less than last fall. UW-Green Bay saw the largest year-over-year enrollment increase. The Green Bay campus has nearly 300 more students this fall. Both the Stevens Point and Whitewater campuses have about 350 more students this year.
UW-Eau Claire and UW-Oshkosh saw the biggest drops in the UW System. Both campuses have about 500 fewer students than last fall.
“Eight of 13 universities showed increases under the preliminary enrollments. The Universities of Wisconsin have been providing enrollment estimates based on day one counts since fall 2020. Official enrollment counts will be released later this fall based on the 10th day of enrollment,” the university said.
