Preliminary estimates indicate that new freshman enrollment has increased at eight out of the 13 Universities of Wisconsin, according to a press release. Overall enrollment across all 13 schools however, remained steady, which is likely due to the decrease in international student enrollment, according to the press release.

U.S. universities across the country may see a 15 percent decrease in international student enrollment, according to NAFSA.  

Enrollment is estimated to be 164,340 across all Universities of Wisconsin for fall 2025 — down 96 students from fall 2024 enrollment — and the preliminary headcount at UW-Madison is 51,550 compared to 51,729 in fall 2024, according to the press release. 

These numbers are a positive sign that Direct Admit Wisconsin is bringing in new students to the universities, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said in the press release. Direct Admit Wisconsin is a program that gives qualified high school students automatic enrollment to the universities.

The Wisconsin Tuition Promise — a program that provides tuition and fees for students from families earning less than $55,000 — also seems to be helping enrollment increase this year, Rothman said.

Official enrollment numbers will be released later this fall and are based on the 10th day of enrollment, according to the press release.