UW-Milwaukee welcomes largest freshman class in over a decade

MILWAUKEE_The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is proud to announce a significant increase in first-year student enrollment for Fall 2025, welcoming 3,871 new freshmen, an 11% rise over last year and the highest freshman enrollment since 2009. Overall enrollment now stands at 22,613. These numbers are based on preliminary estimates.

“This growth reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming, student-centered environment,” said UWM Chancellor Thomas Gibson. “We’re excited to see more students choosing UWM as their academic home.”

UWM continues to strengthen its position as a destination campus for Wisconsin residents. The university’s strategic enrollment management plan, its most comprehensive to date, guides efforts to attract and retain students through data-informed strategies and expanded academic offerings.

Key initiatives supporting enrollment growth include:

Scholarships: UWM awarded $28 million in scholarships in 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year. Nearly 44% of students received awards averaging $2,800.

Affordable learning: UWM Libraries helped students save $1.7 million in course material costs during the 2024 academic year through low- or no-cost resources.

Retention and success: Increased staffing and enhanced teaching practices through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning ensure students have the support needed to thrive.

Even with more incoming first-year students, UWM is not immune to national challenges such as declining high school graduation rates and reduced international enrollment. While it’s too early to calculate the full effect, it’s expected UWM will experience a decline in the number of international graduate students.

Recognized nationally for excellence in research, student access and community engagement, UWM continues to serve a diverse student population and prepare graduates for meaningful careers.

The numbers released today are preliminary based on first-day enrollments reported by UWM’s Office of Assessment and Institutional Research. The 10th-day enrollment figures will be released later this fall.

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.