News of the Day September 21, 2026
UW System Enrollment Holds Steady After Three Years of Growth

Enrollment across the Universities of Wisconsin is holding relatively steady this fall after three consecutive years of growth, according to preliminary numbers released Friday.

The Universities of Wisconsin estimate 163,260 students are enrolled across its 13 universities for fall 2026. That is about 1% lower than last fall’s final enrollment of 164,992 students.

“I feel really good about this year,” Interim Universities of Wisconsin President Renée Wachter said. “I think the fact that we’re seeing ourselves holding this steady after three years of growth really does underscore the value Wisconsinites will see in a Universities of Wisconsin education.”

Wachter said freshman enrollment remains steady across the system, with UW-Madison hitting its freshman enrollment target this fall.

While the overall enrollment picture remains relatively steady, the preliminary numbers show a larger change among international students.

International enrollment fell by approximately 1,100 students this fall, accounting for most of the 1,732-student difference between this fall’s preliminary enrollment and last fall’s final count.