Preliminary enrollment estimates across the University of Wisconsin System remained steady this fall, amid the restart of Wisconsin Tuition Promise, the expansion of Direct Admit Wisconsin, declining international student numbers and continued visa uncertainties.
Eight out of 13 UW System schools reported enrollment increases, despite likely reductions in international student populations and fewer college-aged students. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater posted its highest enrollment since 2020.
New freshman enrollment across the system increased by three percent — nearly 900 students — signalling continued interest in UW schools. Total enrollment now stands at 164,340 students.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s preliminary fall 2025 headcount is 51,550 students, a slight drop from 51,729 students in fall 2024.
The UW System admitted more than 9,000 students from the Direct Admit Wisconsin program this year. The program automatically admits high school students in the top 5% of their class to most UW campuses without requiring an application. The program includes all UW campuses except the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
The restart of the Wisconsin Tuition Promise also boosted in-state enrollment. After the UW System suspended the program in 2024 due to lack of funding, they resumed it in 2025. The program guarantees full tuition and fees coverage for students with family adjusted gross incomes (AGI) of less than $55,000.
UW-Madison reported 3,569 undergraduate international students in 2023-24. This year’s data is unavailable due to interview suspensions and limited availability. The Association of International Educators estimates the U.S. could see 150,000 fewer international students arriving nationwide this fall.
International students pay nearly $16,000 more a semester in tuition than Wisconsin residents, a gap that makes them an important source of revenue for the university. Unlike in-state students, international students are not eligible for programs such as BANNER or Bucky’s Promise.
Federal funding uncertainties provoked budget cuts last summer, amplifying pressure on the UW System to compensate for shortfalls..
UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Thomas Gibson cited declining international enrollment as a factor in a 4% budget cut earlier this month. UW-Madison leadership also raised concerns about international enrollment declines in the midst of university wide budget cuts.
In a statement, UW-Madison leadership said uncertainty around international students’ ability to study in the U.S. could have a “significant impact on enrollment” going forward.
