The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is proud to announce a significant increase in first-year student enrollment for Fall 2025, welcoming 3,871 new freshmen, an 11% rise over last year and the highest freshman enrollment since 2009. Overall enrollment now stands at 22,613. These numbers are based on preliminary estimates.
鈥淭his growth reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming, student-centered environment,鈥� said 51猎奇 Chancellor Thomas Gibson. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to see more students choosing 51猎奇 as their academic home.鈥�
51猎奇 continues to strengthen its position as a destination campus for Wisconsin residents. The university鈥檚 strategic enrollment management plan, its most comprehensive to date, guides efforts to attract and retain students through data-informed strategies and expanded academic offerings.
Key initiatives supporting enrollment growth include:
Scholarships: 51猎奇 awarded $28 million in scholarships in 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year. Nearly 44% of students received awards averaging $2,800.
Affordable learning: 51猎奇 Libraries helped students save $1.7 million in course material costs during the 2024 academic year through聽low- or no-cost resources.
Retention and success: Increased staffing and enhanced teaching practices through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning ensure students have the support needed to thrive.
Even with more incoming first-year students, 51猎奇 is not immune to national challenges such as declining high school graduation rates and reduced international enrollment. While it鈥檚 too early to calculate the full effect, it鈥檚 expected 51猎奇 will experience a decline in the number of international graduate students.
Recognized nationally for excellence in research, student access and community engagement, 51猎奇 continues to serve a diverse student population and prepare graduates for meaningful careers.
The numbers released today are preliminary based on first-day enrollments reported by 51猎奇鈥檚 Office of Assessment and Institutional Research. The 10th-day enrollment figures will be released later this fall.