MADISON, Wis. — Enrollment across the Universities of Wisconsin is expected to remain near last year’s level this fall, with preliminary figures showing a modest decline after three consecutive years of growth. The system estimates that 163,260 students are enrolled at its 13 universities for fall 2026. That is 1,732 fewer students — about 1% — than the final enrollment count of 164,992 recorded last fall. Interim Universities of Wisconsin President Renée Wachter said the relatively stable numbers point to continued demand for a public university education in the state. “Seeing ourselves hold steady after three years of growth really does underscore the value Wisconsinites will see in a Universities of Wisconsin education,” Wachter said. Freshman enrollment is holding steady across the system, Wachter said, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison reached its freshman enrollment target. Students cited academics, campus life, research opportunities, affordability and financial aid as factors in choosing UW–Madison. August McCall, a sophomore from California, said the university’s academic offerings and social environment both influenced his decision. Cost was part of his college search, he said, although it did not ultimately determine where he enrolled. For a Wisconsin physics student, UW–Madison’s research opportunities offered a way to pursue a specific academic interest while remaining close to home and paying in-state tuition. Luz, a freshman pursuing environmental studies as a double major, said an environmental sustainability scholarship helped make that path possible. The Universities of Wisconsin is also expanding recruitment and admissions pathways. Direct Admit Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Guarantee offer high-performing high school juniors early or guaranteed admission, respectively. More than 500 high schools are participating in Direct Admit Wisconsin this year, Wachter said. The system had not yet finalized how many students enrolled through either program this fall, but Wachter said participation is expected to grow. Such programs are intended to make college plans more concrete for students earlier in high school, particularly those who may not otherwise see a four-year university as within reach. The largest shift in the preliminary figures is among international students. International enrollment fell by about 1,100 students, accounting for most of the difference between this fall’s preliminary total and last year’s final count. Wachter attributed some of the decline to difficulties students face in obtaining visas and navigating immigration regulations while seeking to study in the United States. The fall figures are based on student counts taken on the first day of classes and are not final. The Universities of Wisconsin plans to release official enrollment totals based on the 10th day of enrollment later this fall.