Fewer International Students Drive a Dip in UW-System Enrollment

Wednesday, November 4th, 2026 -- 9:01 AM

(Wisconsin Radio Network) Fewer international students drive a dip in UW System enrollment.

According to the Wisconsin Radio Network, 164,579 students are enrolled at Universities of Wisconsin, a decrease of 1,233, or 0.7%, after enrollment rose for the third consecutive year last year.

Interim President Renée Wachter said in a news release that a decline of 1,134 international students, or 11%, accounts for nearly all of the overall enrollment decrease. UW-Madison, the system’s largest, saw a loss of 955 students, a 1.9% drop.

UW-Milwaukee reported an additional 1,334 students a 5.9% increase. Green Bay, River Falls, Stout Polytechnic, Whitewater, Superior and Parkside also reported increased enrollments.

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