Universities of Wisconsin enrollment up, record increase of freshmen enrolled

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The Universities of Wisconsin announced Wednesday that enrollment is up for the third straight year thanks to a record number of freshmen enrolling in the system.

Enrollment across the universities for Fall 2025 topped out at 164,626 students, an increase of 190 students from Fall 2024.

This year’s enrollment numbers mark the first time enrollment has increased three years in a row since 2010.

The universities experienced a 5.5% increase, or 1,033 students, in Wisconsin resident new freshmen, and nine of the 13 universities experienced a jump in enrollment numbers.

“This is a moment worth celebrating,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “Three years of sustained growth shows that students and families see the Universities of Wisconsin as a smart investment in themselves and in Wisconsin’s future. It will help Wisconsin win the war for talent.”

For the increase, Rothman credits the Direct Admit Wisconsin program and the 2025 Wisconsin Tuition Promise. These programs, funded through the universities and Ascendium, helped show a 9% enrollment increase at seven participating universities.

“Direct Admit Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Tuition Promise have opened doors for more students across the state,” Rothman explained. “These initiatives are driving broad-based growth that reflects our commitment to serving all Wisconsinites.”

Overall enrollment numbers were slowed by a decline of 7.6% in international students.

Data shows UW-Madison has the most students, with 51,481 enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester. UW Superior is the smallest, with 2,872 enrolled students.

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