UW schools see record enrollments from in-state freshman

MADISON, Wis. (CIVIC MEDIA) – A record-amount of in-state freshman enrollments has contributed to an overall enrollment increase for the third straight year, the Universities of Wisconsin reported Wednesday.

According to a news release, data from the official fall 2025 enrollment figures revealed that 164,626 students enrolled in UW schools in fall 2025 — an increase of 190 students from fall 2024. That number includes an increase of 1,033 Wisconsin-based freshman enrollments, which is the largest on record.

“This is a moment worth celebrating,” Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said in the news release. “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.”

Of Wisconsin’s 13 UW universities, nine experienced a growth in enrollment. Rothman credits the increase in Wisconsin-based freshman enrollments to the Direct Admit Wisconsin and the 2025 Wisconsin Tuition Promise education programs.

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

Direct Admit Wisconsin offers university admission to qualifying high school students that are in their junior and senior year; the 2025 Wisconsin Tuition Promise program ensures underserved students can attend UW schools without paying tuition or fees.

The final 10-day fall 2025 enrollment figures for each university are as follows:

• UW-Eau Claire: 9,487
• UW-Green Bay: 11,519
• UW-La Crosse: 10,584
• UW-Madison: 51,481
• UW-Milwaukee: 22,909
• UW-Oshkosh: 12,191
• UW-Parkside: 3,920
• UW-Platteville: 6,426
• UW-River Falls: 5,377
• UW-Stevens Point: 8,532
• UW-Stout: 7,061
• UW-Superior: 2,872
• UW-Whitewater: 12,267

For additional information, visit the UW website.