New data show steady enrollment

Preliminary figures indicate UW System enrollments for the fall 2014 semester are holding fairly steady over previous years, with a total head count system wide of 179,017.

“UW enrollment continues to remain strong despite the declining number of high school graduates and other economic factors impacting an individual’s decision to seek higher education,” said UW System President Ray Cross. “College enrollments often spike during economic turndowns and then level off as the economy begins to rebound. This is a natural, expected trend. At the same time, we are continuing our efforts to expand college opportunities for broader sections of the state’s population through innovative programs like the UW Flexible Option.”

It is important to note that preliminary enrollment numbers tend to be lower than the final tallies, because the final data includes enrollment numbers for the interim sessions and other programs with later start-dates.

“We are working diligently to develop the high-impact talent businesses tell us they need to grow Wisconsin’s economy,” Cross said. “UW institutions are working harder and more creatively than ever before to recruit and retain students of all ages.”