The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is celebrating a major enrollment milestone this fall, welcoming 3,871 first-year students to campus — an 11% increase over last year and the highest freshman enrollment since 2009.
“This growth reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming, student-centered environment,” said UWM Chancellor Thomas Gibson. “We’re excited to see more students choosing UWM as their academic home.”
Behind the numbers is UWM’s strategic enrollment management plan, the university’s most comprehensive strategy to date for attracting and retaining students. The plan leverages data-informed approaches and expanded academic offerings to support student success.
Several key initiatives have contributed to the growth in first-year enrollment:
- Scholarships: In 2024, UWM awarded $28 million in scholarships, an 8% increase from the previous year. Nearly 44% of students received awards averaging $2,800.
- Affordable Learning: UWM Libraries helped students save $1.7 million in course material costs through access to low- or no-cost resources.
- Retention & Success: The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning has increased staffing and enhanced teaching practices to ensure students have the support they need to thrive.
While UWM celebrates this achievement, it remains mindful of national challenges such as declining high school graduation rates and reduced international enrollment. Early indicators suggest a decrease in international graduate students, though the full impact is still being assessed.
Undergraduate enrollment is projected to be slightly up, and graduate enrollment slightly down, resulting in a total enrollment of 22,613, largely unchanged from 2024.
Recognized nationally for excellence in research, student access, and community engagement, UWM continues to serve a diverse student population and prepare graduates for meaningful careers.
These enrollment figures are preliminary, based on first-day data from UWM’s Office of Assessment and Institutional Research. Final numbers will be available later this fall following the 10th-day census.
