Universities of Wisconsin Maintain Enrollment Above 160,000 Students Following Three Straight Years of Growth, Estimates Show
MADISON, Wis.—After three years of consecutive enrollment growth, overall enrollment levels remain steady at the Universities of Wisconsin, according to preliminary estimates based on Day One student counts.
Enrollment decreased approximately 1% across the 13 UWs, which included significant international student decreases. Estimates show fall 2026 enrollment at 163,260 students, a decline of 1,732 students overall, with 1,100 of those being international students.
“More than 163,000 students chose a Universities of Wisconsin university this fall, a strong sign that demand remains steady,” UWs Interim President Renée Wachter said. “These students and their families are making an investment in their future and Wisconsin’s future. That’s encouraging evidence that our UW universities remain one the state’s most important assets.”
Wachter also credited the numerous pathways students can take to enroll at the Universities of Wisconsin, including a traditional application, Direct Admit Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Guarantee.
“We have worked to expand access, align programs with student and workforce needs, prioritize student success, and maintain our position as the Midwest leader in affordability,” Wachter said. “Steady enrollment reflects the impact of those efforts.”
Overall, enrollment is 163,260 students in fall 2026 according to preliminary estimates compared with 164,992 in fall 2025, a figure that was revised after 10th day enrollment was released.
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 fall 2026 preliminary estimates are:
UW-Eau Claire: 9,000
UW-Green Bay: 11,900
UW-La Crosse: 10,520
UW-Madison: 50,500
UW-Milwaukee: 23,000
UW-Oshkosh: 12,100
UW-Parkside: 3,850
UW-Platteville: 6,140
UW-River Falls: 5,360
UW-Stevens Point: 8,420
UW-Stout Polytechnic: 7,250
UW-Superior: 2,950
UW-Whitewater: 12,270
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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