UW-System Enrollment Projected to Remain Stable this Fall

Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 -- 8:00 AM

(By Robert D'Andrea, Wisconsin Public Radio) University of Wisconsin System enrollment is projected to remain stable this fall, but most branch campuses continue to see declining enrollment.

According to Robert D'Andrea with Wisconsin Public Radio, overall, the system expects to have 540 more students than last year across all 13 universities. UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater all project increases of about 3 percent compared to last fall.

UW-Madison and UW-Green Bay also expect an increase. Other campuses will see modest decreases. UW-Oshkosh is projected to have a drop of about 1.7 percent, or 237 students.

Enrollment at Wisconsin's universities and two-year campuses has been trending down in recent years, with changing demographics and shifts in public perception of college degrees contributing to the decline.

System President Jay Rothman said the preliminary estimates for this fall’s student population mark the first year-to-year increase in overall enrollment since 2014. "I think these figures represent and reflect the value that students and parents put on UW System education," Rothman said.

"I think they appreciate our affordability and our accessibility. And that impacts, and will change the lives of, those students who will become graduates and who will go on to do great things, both in the state of Wisconsin and beyond."

Eight of the 13 branch campuses are projecting declines this year, with a total drop of 272 students. UW-Platteville's Richland campus essentially closed last year after years of steep enrollment declines.

Rothman said he is continuing to work with community and university leaders to find the best path forward for the two-year schools.

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