(The Center Square) – There are almost as many students at the University of Wisconsin this fall as there were last fall after the university released its day one student enrollment figures.
"Enrollment decreased approximately 1% across the 13 UWs, which included significant international student decreases. Estimates show fall 2026 enrollment at 163,260 students, a decline of 1,732 students overall, with 1,100 of those being international students," the university said in a statement.
The UW will update those enrollment numbers after the 10th day of classes, but those numbers won’t be available for a few weeks.
As expected, UW-Madison continues to drive the university’s enrollment. The Madison campus reported 50,500 students. UW-Milwaukee saw the second most students, with 23,000 on the first day.
Whitewater and Oshkosh saw more than 12,000 students, and UW-Green Bay had a little less than 12,000 students.
Many of the other campuses say they have around 10,000 students this fall.
But there are exceptions.
UW-Superior reported just 2,950 students, and UW-Parkside said there are 3,850 on campus.
UW Interim President Renée Wachter characterized overall enrollment as "steady."
“These students and their families are making an investment in their future and Wisconsin’s future. That’s encouraging evidence that our UW universities remain one the state’s most important assets," she said in a statement.
The UW, like many universities across the country, are dealing with an enrollment problem. There are fewer college-age students, and more students are choosing not to go to a four-year university.
Wachter said the UW understands this and is working to get more kids on campus.
“We have worked to expand access, align programs with student and workforce needs, prioritize student success, and maintain our position as the Midwest leader in affordability,” she added.