UW Class of 2026 breaks enrollment, diversity records

The University of Wisconsin’s 2026 freshman class broke several records this year.

UW hit a record enrollment this year, admitting 8,628 students from over 60,000 applicants. Students of color comprise 31.2% of the freshman class, up from 25.2% last year, and 16% of the new class self-identified as first-generation college students, according to UW News.

While the increase in diversity of student enrollment reflects success in UW-Madison’s “REEL Change” plan and Diversity Framework, the estimated cost of attendance increased for students across the board....