MADISON, Wis.—The Universities of Wisconsin today published its latest Facts & Trends data book, a compendium of key statistics affecting the state’s 13 public universities including information on state funding trends, talent development and degree production, enrollment and participation rates, affordability and tuition, and infrastructure.
“Facts & Trends describes the challenges facing our universities while also demonstrating the incredible value we offer to our individual students, our communities, and the state of Wisconsin,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “We’re pleased to share this vital information with the public. It is an important complement to our Accountability Dashboard and our Strategic Plan.”
Facts & Trends includes the following key data:
- Wisconsin ranks 43rd out of 50 states in public funding of four-year higher education.
- The college-going rate of Wisconsin high school graduates is lower than the national average and most surrounding states.
- More than 600,000 Wisconsin adults under 65 years of age have some college credit but no degree.
- More than 265,000 enrollments in adult education classes at a UW.
- Average debt load upon graduation is lower on both an inflation-adjusted and real dollar basis.
- Universities are reducing their structural deficits.
- Nearly four in 10 degrees conferred are in STEM or health care fields, and nearly 70 percent of new programs are in STEM fields.
Facts & Trends was previously updated in May 2023. The August 2024 edition can be found at: wisconsin.edu/president/download/Facts&Trends-UniversitiesofWisconsin-August2024.pdf
In addition to periodically updating Facts & Trends, the Universities of Wisconsin maintain a public Accountability Dashboard, with dozens of statistical references on such subjects as Access, Progress and Completion, and Economic Development. The Accountability Dashboard can be found at: wisconsin.edu/accountability/
The 2023-28 Strategic Plan can be found at: wisconsin.edu/president/strategic-plan/
The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 162,500 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.