MADISON, Wis.—Enrollment at eight of the Universities of Wisconsin this fall increased, according to preliminary estimates based on Day One student counts as overall enrollment held steady.
New freshman enrollment is up three percent, or nearly 900 students, according to the preliminary estimates — with eight universities showing new freshman enrollment increases of five percent or more.
However, significant declines in international students are a likely reason overall enrollment remained steady and did not increase. International enrollment could drop as much as 15 percent at U.S. colleges nationwide, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International.
“We are seeing positive signs on enrollment for the third straight year,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “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.”
Overall, enrollment is 164,340 in fall 2025, according to the preliminary estimates, down 96 students from the final 2024 fall enrollment counts.
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.
Rothman said the numbers are a positive sign that Direct Admit Wisconsin is attracting new students to the universities. The program’s first cohort of students enrolled this fall. Direct Admit Wisconsin offers automatic admission to qualified high school students without requiring an application.
The Wisconsin Tuition Promise also appears to be making an impact, Rothman said. The program for the fall 2025 cohort provides tuition and fees for students from families earning less than $55,000 after scholarships and other financial aid is considered.
The preliminary headcount enrollments for fall 2025 are:
- UW-Eau Claire: 9,498
- UW-Green Bay: 11,500
- UW-La Crosse: 10,627
- UW-Madison: 51,550
- UW-Milwaukee: 22,613
- UW-Oshkosh: 12,457
- UW-Parkside: 3,895
- UW-Platteville: 6,406
- UW-River Falls: 5,275
- UW-Stevens Point: 8,538
- UW-Stout: 7,047
- UW-Superior: 2,859
- UW-Whitewater: 12,075
- Total: 164,340
