GREEN BAY, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin‑Green Bay (UW‑GB) announced a significant surge in student numbers, marking a 34% increase in enrollment since 2020. With the latest headcount reaching 12,059, UW‑GB now ranks as the fourth‑largest campus in the University of Wisconsin system, trailing only Madison, Milwaukee, and Whitewater.
Growth defies national trends
While many colleges across the country are grappling with stagnant or declining enrollment, UW‑GB is bucking the trend. Provost Kate Burns highlighted the contrast, saying, “It’s surprising if you think about the landscape in general and higher education where other folks are experiencing either enrollment declines or enrollment that’s pretty stable. So we really are bucking the trends by growing so much.”
Key drivers of the increase
Burns identified several factors fueling the growth. The university’s Rising Phoenix program allows high‑school students to earn college credit, expanding the pipeline of younger learners. Additionally, UW‑GB has attracted more transfer students and graduate candidates, broadening its academic community.
Affordability also plays a crucial role. Including fees, the university’s annual tuition stands at $9,133, positioning UW‑GB as the second‑most affordable four‑year university in the Midwest. “If you look at us versus other schools, we’re the second most affordable four‑year university within the Midwest. So, I think that that plays a huge role in people’s decision making,” Burns explained.
Online and continuing‑education expansion
Beyond traditional campus students, UW‑GB leads the UW system in online‑only enrollment, offering flexible options for working adults and remote learners. The university also reported that more than 120,000 individuals participated in professional training and continuing‑education programs over the past year, underscoring its commitment to lifelong learning.
Looking ahead
Burns expressed optimism about sustaining the upward trajectory, noting that there is still room for growth. “Higher education should be looking to best serve the communities that they’re in and the students that they have and so we’re really proud that we’ve been able to do that,” she said.
The enrollment boost not only strengthens UW‑GB’s academic profile but also contributes positively to the local economy, bringing more students, faculty, and staff to Green Bay and supporting surrounding businesses.
Context within the UW system
With Madison, Milwaukee, and Whitewater remaining the three largest campuses, UW‑GB’s rise signals a competitive shift within the state’s public‑higher‑education landscape. The university’s focus on affordability, flexible learning pathways, and community engagement appears to be resonating with prospective students.
University officials plan to continue investing in programs that expand access and keep tuition costs low, aiming to maintain the momentum and further solidify UW‑GB’s role as a vital educational hub for the region.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
